Nestled in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs offers visitors a unique glimpse into outback life, innovation, and history. With AAT Kings’ immersive Day Tours, you’ll be led through the rugged beauty of the region by friendly, knowledgeable Driver Guides who bring the stories of Alice Springs to life. From remote education to essential medical services, the unforgettable A Town Like Alice Day Tour ensures you make the most of your time in this iconic place, all in one memorable day.
How did Alice Springs get its European name?
Alice Springs earned its European or Western name through an interesting historical twist. The town was originally established as “Stuart” after explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first led an expedition through the area in 1862. However, the name “Alice Springs” actually came from a nearby waterhole. This waterhole was named by surveyor William Mills after Alice Todd, the wife of Sir Charles Todd, who was South Australia’s Superintendent of Telegraphs. Charles Todd played a crucial role in establishing the Overland Telegraph Line. Interestingly, Alice Todd never visited the settlement that would ultimately bear her name. The waterhole became the site of the vital telegraph repeater station, known as Alice Springs Telegraph Station, and gradually the name ‘Alice Springs’ was adopted for the growing settlement nearby. In 1933, the town officially became known as Alice Springs, replacing its original name of Stuart. Today, locals often simply call it “Alice”.
As an avid traveller, I was keen to discover Alice, and in the hands of AAT Kings experts I was taken on a 5-hour tour around this remote location. Peter, our Driver Guide, took the time to share the fascinating history of Alice Springs’ name with us. He spoke with such warmth and depth, sharing stories that we wouldn’t have learned anywhere else – anecdotes about life in the Red Centre and the colourful characters that call this place home. With a diverse group of people on this tour, both from Australia and overseas, there was a palpable sense of excitement as we learned not just about the name, but about the spirit of Alice itself.
Here’s what to expect on the A Town Like Alice Day Tour:
School of the Air
We began our day with an inspiring visit to the School of the Air, where you’ll witness one of the world’s most distinctive education systems in action. This innovative school provides education to children living in isolated areas in Central Australia and across the world. During school terms, visitors might even be able to observe live lessons being delivered to students hundreds of kilometers away, offering a fascinating glimpse into how modern technology bridges vast distances to deliver quality education in the outback.
Telegraph Station
Then step back in time at the historic Telegraph Station, the birthplace of Alice Springs. This beautifully preserved site marks the spot where European settlement first began in Central Australia. Walking through the original stone buildings, you’ll discover how this remote telegraph repeater station grew into the vibrant town of Alice Springs. The surrounding grounds offer peaceful walking trails and a chance to imagine life in the early days of outback communication.
When we arrived at Telegraph Station, Peter pointed out a small kangaroo grazing under the shade of a tree, and a galah perched high in a ghost gum tree. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve keeps the original stone buildings intact, carefully restored with antique furnishings and artefacts from the early 1900’s. It’s a chance to see how the rooms would’ve looked back in the day giving a real glimpse into life in the early days of the outback. The presence of the kangaroo and galah seemed to echo the connection between nature and history, reminding us that the spirit of the outback, both nature and human, remains deeply rooted in this place.
Alice Springs Reptile Centre
We immersed ourselves in the fascinating world of Central Australia’s native reptiles at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Here you can meet the impressive Perentie Lizard, Australia’s largest monitor lizard, and the uniquely adapted Thorny Devil. The centre provides an up-close look at the incredible creatures that call the semi-arid desert home. Rex Neindorf, the passionate owner of the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, is also the local snake catcher, and the heart and soul of the centre. When we arrived, Peter explains that Rex might be delayed as he often gets called out on snake rescues. True to form, he arrived just a few minutes later, casually walking in with a snake safely tucked in his bag. Rex’s warmth and expertise were immediately evident as he took the time to show us the right steps to take if we were to encounter a snake or get bitten, emphasising how Australia’s snakes are unique and how our responses differ from those in other parts of the world. It was a fascinating and reassuring experience that left us with a real appreciation for the animals that share this land.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service stands as a testament to one man’s extraordinary vision to overcome what he called “the tyranny of distance.” In 1928, Reverend John Flynn founded this vital service to “provide a mantle of safety” for people living in Australia’s remote inland regions. Today, the RFDS continues Flynn’s legacy, delivering essential medical care across vast stretches of the outback. At the Alice Springs base, visitors can explore interactive displays showcasing how modern aircraft and medical teams work together to serve an area larger than many European countries. Through compelling exhibits and replica aircraft displays, you’ll discover how emergency medical care reaches remote cattle stations, Indigenous communities, and far-flung towns. The visitor centre brings to life both the historical significance of Flynn’s vision and the contemporary challenges faced by these airborne medical teams, who conduct everything from emergency evacuations to routine medical clinics, ensuring that geographical isolation doesn’t mean going without essential healthcare.
Anzac Hill
As the sun dipped towards the horizon, we made our way to the final stop at Anzac Hill. The hill was dedicated as a memorial to those who served in World War I, with the Anzac Memorial unveiled on Anzac Day 1934. Today, a memorial stands at its summit, honoring all Australian service members who have served in conflicts since 1915. Anzac Hill also holds meaning to the local Arrernte people who know it as Untyeyetwelye. The hill’s pathways lead you to a stunning 360-degree vantage point where the entire town spreads out below, framed by the ancient MacDonnell Ranges. This memorable spot offers not just the best views in Alice Springs, but a moment to reflect on the rich layers of history and cultural significance that make this place so special. As you stand there, with the beauty of the land before you and the weight of its history behind you, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to the land, its people, and the stories that have shaped it.
Overall, we learnt so much in one day, met some endearing characters and had a great experience with travellers and locals alike. You can find out more about Alice Springs here.