Start your Central Australian adventure in Alice Springs, the heart of the Outback, just a hop, skip, and a jump away by plane from Aussie capital cities.
Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, ‘Alice’ is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, adventure opportunities, and strong Indigenous culture.
Things to do in Alice Springs:
Catch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon, meet Indigenous artists in one of the town’s top-notch art galleries, join a four-wheel-drive and camping tour, or trek through the nearby ranges.
Explore the desert landscapes on a camel or mountain bike. You can even take a dip in an outback waterhole.
Pop into the Royal Flying Doctor Service, covering an area of more than 7 million square kilometres. Learn about Alice Springs’ flora, fauna, and landscapes at the Alice Springs Desert Park or the Reptile Centre. Head just out of town to cuddle a joey at the Kangaroo Sanctuary.
Flying over the desert
Our company has been operating in Alice Springs since 1986 and is one of the oldest ballooning companies in Australia.
We operate a daily (weather permitting) fleet of balloons for 2-4 people, up to 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 people per balloon, depending on the number of bookings for the day. Private charters are also available on request and are ideal for honeymooners wanting a romantic experience!
The location in a remote wilderness area served by several trails sharpens clients’ sense of adventure. The location ensures that passengers can enjoy the spectacular colours of an early sunrise over the McDonnell Mountains. Most days, you will see Australian wildlife, including red kangaroos, in their natural habitat. Reliable desert weather means one of the lowest cancellation rates in the world.
Drinks include muffins, banana bread, carrot cake, cheese biscuits and fresh fruit accompanied by sparkling wine and fruit juice served ‘in the bush’ after each flight. Return transfers included.
MacDonnell Ranges (Alice Springs Desert Park)
Dive into the essence of an ongoing culture; have a squiz at a dazzling botanical paradise and rub shoulders with outback critters and characters that truly capture the cheeky and adventurous vibe of the Red Centre.
Take a stroll through Desert Park and let yourself be wrapped up in the beauty and enigma of Australia’s deserts, from the parched riverbeds to the thick bush teeming with life.
Cop a look at the nighttime in broad daylight in the Nocturnal House and spot critters that used to be common as muck across the desert.
Get a dose of inspiration from ancient ongoing cultures and catch the spirit with local Aboriginal guides throwing in their two cents at daily yarns.
When the sun dips, go on a torchlight prowl with a Nocturnal Tour. Shine a light on endangered desert animals at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Nick is off with the new free audio tours of the website.
Just a stone’s throw away, seven klicks from the heart of Alice Springs, your entry point to the MacDonnell Ranges.
Desert ships
Taking a camel trek against the stunning scenery of the West MacDonnell Ranges is a must-do experience in the Red Centre. Marcus Williams, the boss, has been in the camel game since 1982, and his camels are top-notch and friendly.
Just a quick hop, 15 minutes from Alice Springs or Simpsons Gap, nestled in a beautiful valley beside the West MacDonnell Ranges, Pyndan Camel Tracks is proud to sport a Nature Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia.
Kick back on a camel at dusk with some freebie refreshments post-tour, or opt for a chill arvo ride. On the cosy one-hour jaunt with these calm camels, you’ll likely spot classic Aussie wildlife like roos and eagles, giving you a fair dinkum taste of the Red Centre’s splendour. You can snag a free lift from your stay or drive yourself over. Hang out at the ‘Camel Lounge’ before or after to yarn about camels and have a squiz at some camel-related keepsakes. Camel treks are on the go all year.
We’ve got strict routines to ensure the safety of the place. These include giving the once-over to common touchpoints and hand sanitizing, scrubbing down the camel gear before and after each ride, and keeping a good distance from each other.
Come to Camelback Trails with Allice Springs day tours for a time in Allice Springs that will be the cherry on top of your trip.
