Starting from Alice Springs, the tour begins with an hour long drive out past the MacDonnell Ranges and into the settlement of Hermannsburg.
With a population of just 700, Hermannsburg is a small town with a big history. It was here that the Northern Territorys first Aboriginal Mission was established. Originally built in 1877, the mission is a display of stunning German farmhouse architecture.
The best known name in these parts is Albert Namatjira, Australias most famous and successful Aboriginal artist. In 1954 Albert was presented to the Queen and in 1957 he was the first Aborigine to be granted citizenship, enabling him to vote and buy land. A selection of Albert Namatjiras artwork and paintings by his children and grandchildren are on display in the Hermannsburg Gallery.
From Hermannsburg the tour heads south, past one of the worlds most unusual rivers. Flowing underneath the ground, The Finke is actually an upside-down river.
After a light lunch in the National Park the tour continues to Kalarranga, also known as the Amphitheatre. The scenery at Kalarranga is absolutely stunning, especially by the light of the early morning or late afternoon.
The final stop for day one is Palm Valley, an oasis with over 400 different species of plant.
The second day of the tour begins with a visit to Ormiston Gorge. The Gorges waterhole is a registered sacred site.
Thirty minutes away from Ormiston Gorge is Ellery Creek Big Hole, a great place for an icy dip in such a hot climate.
The tours last destination is Alice Springs Desert Park, just a few minutes out of Alice. The 1,300 hectare park is a great place to see some of Australias many unique and endangered plants and animals, such as the incredibly low-flying Australian Hobby.
The facts:
Qantas flies to Alice Springs daily. Prices start from $551 ex Perth and $555 ex Sydney. Prices include charges, levies and taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The AAT Kings 2-day West MacDonnell Ranges and Palm Valley tour costs $270 per adult and $216 per child. Price includes overnight accommodation at the Mercure Inn Diplomat in Alice Springs. Tours operate daily from June to October and three times a week from November to May.
AAT Kings
Tel: 1300 556 100
Alice Springs Desert Park is open daily between 7.30am to 6pm. Admission is $18 for adults or $40 for a family.
Alice Springs Desert Park
Tel: 08 8951 8788
