Half-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs

You'll learn how Alice Springs, Australia, got to be the location of the Australian outback's geographic center. As you drive, your guide will tell you about historical sites and some of the important services Alice provided to the people in this large area.

Alice Springs School of the Air & Telegraph Station

The first stop on the trip is the Alice Springs School of the Air, which provides elementary school-aged pupils from remote estates in the Northern Territory. Find out how this important service is delivered over a million square kilometers using satellite technology.

The historic Telegraph Station was the first European settlement in Alice Springs. It was built in 1872 to send and receive messages between Darwin and Adelaide. After 60 years, the building was used in the neighborhood as an Aboriginal children's school. The Telegraph Station is a must-see landmark. It is a historical reserve that still has the original stone buildings and furniture from the early 1900s.

Royal Flying Doctor Service & Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Next, take a tour of the headquarters and main base of the famous Royal Flying Doctor Service. Since it offers medical services to those who travel to, live in, and work in remote and rural Australia, the RFDS is a crucial resource for the community. Learn about its remarkable history via stories, pictures, and i amazing interactive museum.

The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia, where visitors may meet Terry the saltwater crocodile and get up close to enormous goannas and frill-neck lizards. The Gecko Cave is home to a huge collection of gecko species from all across the Northern Territory. You'll have a lot of fun here, especially during the afternoon performance and, if you're game, the supervised handling session. Your last stop will be at Anzac Hill. It was originally created to honor the many men and women who lost their lives during World War I, but it is now dedicated to all those who have served in wars in which Australia has taken part.

Half-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs

Discover the unique landscape, rich Indigenous culture, and history of Alice Springs on this half-day guided tour that includes visits to Todd Mall, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. The tour covers approximately 15 kilometers as you explore key landmarks and learn about the town's heritage through engaging storytelling from your expert local guide. With audio guides available in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, this tour is designed for groups of up to 20 people with wheelchair access at most locations. The experience lasts around four hours and provides a comprehensive overview of Alice Springs' cultural and historical significance.

Explore Todd Mall

Your tour stops at Todd Mall where you can see the bustling heart of Alice Springs, established in 1872 as part of the Overland Telegraph Line construction. Spanning over 500 meters in length, this mall features a variety of shops and restaurants catering to both locals and tourists. Visitors spend about an hour here exploring the diverse range of stores and enjoying local cuisine. Todd Mall is unique for its central location and historical significance as it was once the main supply point for telegraph workers during the construction era.

Visit Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve

Your tour continues to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, a site established in 1872 that served as a crucial link between Australia and Europe. Covering an area of approximately 5 acres, this reserve features original buildings such as the manager's house, dormitory, and blacksmith shop. Visitors spend around two hours here learning about the station’s role in facilitating communication across vast distances. Historical facts include the establishment year (1872) and its closure due to World War II telegraph security concerns in 1942. The reserve is unique for preserving an intact example of early Australian infrastructure.

Experience Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Your tour includes a stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to Central Australia's largest reptile collection with over 50 species on display including the perentie monitor lizard and the inland taipan snake. This centre covers an area of about 2 acres and offers interactive experiences such as feeding demonstrations and educational talks. Visitors spend approximately one hour here engaging in hands-on activities and learning about conservation efforts. The Reptile Centre is unique for its immersive approach to wildlife education, making it a standout among similar attractions.

Discover Alice Springs Heritage Centre

Your tour concludes at the Alice Springs Heritage Centre, located within the Todd Mall complex, which houses the world's largest collection of Connellan Airways relics. Established in 1942, this centre spans over 500 square meters and showcases historical artifacts from aviation pioneers like Charles Kingsford Smith. Visitors spend around 30 minutes exploring exhibits that highlight the pioneering spirit of early aviators. The Heritage Centre is unique for its comprehensive collection dedicated to preserving the legacy of Connellan Airways.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Todd Mall with local shops and restaurants
• Walk through Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve covering 5 acres
• Engage in interactive activities at Alice Springs Reptile Centre featuring over 50 reptiles
• Discover world-class aviation relics at Alice Springs Heritage Centre spanning 500 sq m
• Enjoy guided tours with expert local guides available in English, Mandarin, and Japanese
• Experience immersive wildlife education at the largest reptile collection in Central Australia
• Access wheelchair-friendly venues throughout the tour ensuring full participation for all guests
• Learn about historical landmarks and Indigenous culture during a four-hour comprehensive exploration

Perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers, this half-day guided tour provides an immersive experience through key Alice Springs attractions. You can explore Todd Mall's diverse shops and restaurants, delve into the rich heritage of the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, engage with wildlife at the Reptile Centre, and uncover aviation history at the Heritage Centre. This tour allows you to appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance that defines Alice Springs.