Alice Springs’s 5 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)

Alice Springs is a fantastic base for exploring Australia’s Outback, especially if you’re craving full-day adventures that combine stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a taste of the wild. What makes Alice Springs particularly appealing for these excursions is its proximity to iconic landmarks like the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm, all within a manageable day-trip distance. Whether you prefer small-group guided tours or private charters, there’s a tour to fit your style. Some tours, like the West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group, are praised for their personalized experience and expert guides, making them ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection with the landscape. Others, like the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, offer a broader scope, covering more ground and cultural sites in a single day.

If you’re after a comprehensive experience, the West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day – Small Group Tour includes visits to key landmarks such as Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge, with added options for swimming and bush food tastings. For those wanting a tailored, private experience, the West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour provides a flexible itinerary with a dedicated guide, perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity. Lastly, those who want a taste of both the West and East MacDonnell Ranges will find the West and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group a well-rounded choice. Read on for detailed reviews of each, helping you pick the best fit for your Australian Outback adventure.

1. West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group

At number one on our list, the West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Outback. This 10-hour trip takes you through mesmerizing landscapes, including Simpsons Gap, Honeymoon Gap, and Standley Chasm. The tour stands out for its intimate small-group setting, which allows for personalized attention and more flexibility from your guide, Mahesh, who is praised for his knowledge and hospitality. The itinerary includes iconic locations like Anzac Hill, where you’ll get sweeping views of Alice Springs, and Ellery Creek for a refreshing swim.

This tour’s real strength is its balance of natural beauty and cultural significance, with stops at important sites like Temple Bar Caravan Park and opportunities to learn about the traditional owners’ stories. The inclusion of a delicious picnic lunch adds value to the $179.31 price tag, especially considering the comprehensive stops. With a perfect 5-star rating from 13 reviews, travelers love how much ground they cover and how engaged their guides are. A typical comment: “We saw so much of the Outback — from scenic overlooks to waterfalls — and the guide made it all so interesting.” It’s best suited for those wanting an in-depth day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a small-group, guided exploration of the West MacDonnell Ranges with personalized service and compelling scenery.

2. West and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group

At number two, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour provides a rare chance to see both sides of the MacDonnell mountain system in one day, all in a cozy small-group setting. This 10.5-hour tour emphasizes scenic drives and stops at Emily and Jessie Gaps, where you can hear Dreamtime stories and see Indigenous rock art. It’s perfect for travelers eager to combine natural beauty with cultural history.

What makes this tour stand out is its dual focus on West and East MacDonnell landmarks, including Honeymoon Gap, Sunset views, and historic sites. The route covers more ground, offering panoramic vistas over Alice Springs from Anzac Hill and insights into local Aboriginal stories. The tour’s intimate size ensures you get time at each location without feeling rushed. The reviews are glowing, with all 2 reviewers rating it a perfect 5/5. Expect a leisurely pace with plenty of time for photos and discussion. This tour is excellent for those wanting a comprehensive, culturally rich experience that’s not overly strenuous.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in both natural scenery and indigenous stories, with a relaxed pace and a small-group vibe.

3. West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day – Small Group Tour

This tour, the West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day – Small Group, offers a detailed itinerary covering many of the key attractions in the region. It’s a 10-hour adventure with visits to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Ormiston Gorge, with lunch and tea included. The highlight is the chance to swim at Ellery Creek or Glen Helen, making it ideal for active travelers who want to cool off amidst dramatic scenery.

What makes this tour noteworthy is its balance of sightseeing and relaxation, with specific stops like the Ochre Pits and Neil Hargrave Lookout providing unique photographic opportunities. The tour’s value is solid, considering it includes a lunch and tea, making the $179.31 cost quite reasonable. While it has a slightly lower rating of 4.2/5 from 12 reviews, many travelers appreciate the comprehensive coverage and the knowledgeable guides. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the variety of scenery, from waterholes to gorges, and the optional swims were a real highlight.” This tour suits active visitors who want a full day of exploring while enjoying some comfort.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking for a balanced mix of sightseeing, walking, and swimming, with a full itinerary and included meals.

4. West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour

If you prefer a fully tailored experience, the West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour is an excellent choice. Priced at $1,506.21 for up to six people, this 10-hour tour offers a customizable itinerary with your own guide. It includes highlights like Anzac Hill, John Flynn’s Grave, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm, but you can request specific stops or extended visits as you see fit.

What makes this tour unique is its flexibility—perfect for travelers who want to focus on certain sites or combine cultural visits with photography sessions or even additional stops like local art galleries. The guide’s expertise means you’ll get personalized insights and a pace that suits your energy level. While it doesn’t have reviews yet, the private nature makes it a good fit for families, groups, or travelers with specific interests. The value here lies in the exclusivity and tailored experience, especially for those wanting to avoid large groups or rigid itineraries.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a personalized, stress-free day exploring the Outback with a dedicated guide.

5. West and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour – Small Group

Finally, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour is rated a perfect 5/5 from four reviews and offers a well-rounded look at the region over approximately 10 hours. This tour begins with hotel pickup and covers highlights like Flynn’s Grave, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Honeymoon Gap. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive day that includes the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum and Araluen Art Centre—a dash of culture and history along with stunning scenery.

What sets this tour apart is its detailed itinerary, including a visit to School of the Air and local art spaces, making it ideal for travelers who want to soak up both natural and cultural highlights. The reviews emphasize the seamless organization and insightful commentary. At 10 hours and 30 minutes, it’s a full day but offers excellent value at $192.94 per person, especially given the variety of experiences included.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a broad cultural and scenic overview, with a focus on history, art, and local stories.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a full-day tour in Alice Springs, consider your budget, interests, and how much activity you want. If you’re after a personalized experience, the West MacDonnell Ranges Private Tour offers customized exploration. For those eager to cover both West and East MacDonnell Ranges and dive into Indigenous stories, the second tour is a strong choice.

Budget travelers might prefer the more comprehensive group tours or the full cultural and scenic experience. If you’re interested in swimming or walking, the tours including Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge are best suited. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.

Final Thoughts

Alice Springs offers a variety of full-day tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. For a natural immersion with cultural insights, the small-group adventures like the West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day make exploring the Outback manageable and personal. Those seeking a tailored experience should consider the private charter, which allows you to customize your day.

For travelers who want a deeper cultural connection, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges tours stand out, blending natural beauty with Aboriginal stories. With such a range of options, you’re sure to find an adventure that hits your highlights and fits your style. Remember to book early, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery.