Itinerary
Where to stay
Enjoy exploring the wonders of the unique city of Alice Springs while based at the modern DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs which boasts stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges. Your spacious room will offer luxurious bedding, modern interiors, and internet access as well as a late check-out. For those who enjoy being active the hotel provides a 24-hour fitness centre, two tennis courts and an outdoor heated pool which overlooks the lush garden landscape. Golfing-enthusiasts need not worry as there is an 18-hole golf course located just next door.
What to do:
Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the morning light begins to illuminate the MacDonnell Ranges on this awe-inspiring outback ballooning adventure. Enjoy light refreshments & sparkling wine in the middle of nowhere! There is no turbulence or vibration as the balloon moves with the wind. With eyes closed it is impossible to tell that you are flying. It is no colder in the air than on the ground. It is a fact it is often warmer with the burners overhead and the balloon flies above the night time low level cold air temperature inversion.
Departing Alice Springs at 7:45 AM, the tour showcases the West MacDonnell Ranges' spectacular outback scenery and historic sites, providing ample photo opportunities. Morning walks explore Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm (with morning tea), and the Ochre Pits. Lunch is served at Ormiston Gorge, followed by a visit to Ellery Creek Big Hole for a potential swim. Late afternoon and evening highlight the ranges' panoramic landscapes, displaying vibrant oranges, maroons, and purples, especially during winter sunsets, culminating in an approximate 5:30 PM return to Alice Springs accommodation.
Delve into the captivating history of Mparntwe, the Arrernte name for Alice Springs, and trace its transformation into the vibrant heart of the Australian outback. This historical tour unveils the pivotal sites that shaped the town's evolution, from its origins as Stuart to the bustling Alice Springs of today. Journey to the School of the Air, where remote primary school children receive vital education across the vast Northern Territory. Explore the Telegraph Station, the town's first European settlement, and learn of its 150-year role in relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Witness the life-saving work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing crucial medical services to remote communities. Finally, ascend Anzac Hill for panoramic views of Alice Springs, framed by the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, offering a profound appreciation for the town's unique heritage and stunning natural setting.
Experience the ultimate in star gazing with sensational night skies at Earth Sanctuary's Space Observatory
Earth Sanctuary has carefully selected special celestial dining dates for 2024 which offer some of the greatest viewing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Earth Sanctuary is located just 15 minutes south of Alice Springs. Self-drive welcome or purchase an additional bus ticket for easy return transfers. Note, if you do require transfers you must select a bus ticket for each person and add your pickup location on the order form.
Your magical night starts with sipping a complimentary beverage whilst you experience the evening ambience from our ancient sand dune as the sun sets over the majestic East MacDonnell Ranges.
After dinner and as darkness of space emerges, your star gazing experience will go galactic. Kick back as your astronomer will share the magic of the zodiacs and constellations with a laser-guided journey through the southern night sky. Be introduced to the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory and deep sky telescope viewing of celestial highlights for this special occasion.
Kangaroo Sanctuary is a place to learn about and celebrate the beautiful and iconic Red Kangaroo. Our guided sunset tour is a leisurely and educational walk through our Sanctuary’s 188 acre wildlife reserve where you might meet the kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series) and many others. Kangaroos come first, and because kangaroos sleep during the day we don’t disturb them. This is why our guided tours are in the late afternoon…just when our kangaroos are starting to wake from their day-time sleep.
Location & how to get there
Alice Springs Airport (alicespringsairport.com.au) is served by Virgin Australia, Qantas and Air North with capital cities served mostly by daily flights. There are also connections to and from Ayers Rock airport as well as several regional airports, mostly within the NT.
The airport is a 15-minute drive to the centre of town. An airport shuttle meets all flights and serves all central hotels. Car hire is available direct from the airport and there are plentiful taxis available at the airport rank. Private transfers, while available are limited, especially at peak times. Alice Springs can also be reached by The Ghan, from either Darwin or Adelaide. The train station is a short walk from the town centre and a shuttle service, as well as taxis serve all arrivals/departures.
Driving to Alice Springs is scenic from whichever direction you arrive, with the trip from Darwin or Adelaide being one of the most iconic road trips in Australia. Various turn offs along the Stuart Highway lead to points along the East Coast on (mostly) sealed roads. For the adventurous and those that seek true solitude the 1126km unsealed Great Central Road, which links Yulara to Laverton in Central Australia will give you an outback experience like no other.
