Emu Run Historical Alice Tour

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An afternoon with a local guide at the four places that best explain how Alice Springs, Mparntwe to the Arrernte people, grew from a lonely telegraph post called Stuart into the hub of the outback, finishing with the view from Anzac Hill. Hotel pick-up, entry fees and afternoon tea are included.

Days

Afternoon, about 4.5 hours

Age

2 years and over

Group size

Max 21

Start / finish

Alice Springs / Alice Springs
Your accommodation, around 5:30pm

Return

Your accommodation, around 5:30pm

Transport

Air-conditioned bus with accommodation pick-up

Meals

Afternoon tea

Route

View map

Included experiences

School of the Air — see how children on remote stations are taught
Telegraph Station — walk the original stone buildings of Stuart
Royal Flying Doctor Service — visitor centre and its stories
Anzac Hill — views over Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY AFTERNOON: INTO MPARNTWE

Your guide collects you from your Alice Springs accommodation after lunch. On the drive you hear how Mparntwe (pronounced m'barn-twa), the Arrernte name for Alice Springs, became a telegraph post, then a town called Stuart, and finally the hub of the outback. Stuart was officially renamed Alice Springs in 1933, taking the name of the waterhole by the old telegraph station. The order of the first three stops can change from day to day, but the afternoon always finishes on Anzac Hill.

THE SCHOOL OF THE AIR AND THE FLYING DOCTOR

The School of the Air began teaching by two-way radio in 1951, giving lessons to children on cattle stations spread across the Northern Territory. Today the classes run over the internet, and the visitor centre shows you how a teacher reaches pupils who may live hundreds of kilometres apart. At the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre, displays and real stories show how doctors and nurses fly to patients far from any hospital. It's a service John Flynn started in 1928. Afternoon tea is served during the afternoon.

THE TELEGRAPH STATION

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is where the town began. It was built in 1872 as a repeater station on the Overland Telegraph Line, the wire that first linked Adelaide and Darwin and, through an undersea cable, Australia to the rest of the world. Its waterhole was named after Alice Todd, wife of Charles Todd, who built the line, and the town took its name in turn. You walk among the original stone buildings and hear what life was like for the telegraph staff and their families, hundreds of kilometres from anywhere.

LATE AFTERNOON: ANZAC HILL

The last stop is Anzac Hill, topped by the town's war memorial. From the top you see the whole of Alice Springs laid out below, with the MacDonnell Ranges running east and west and Heavitree Gap cutting through them to the south, the one way in for the river, the road and the railway. In the late light the ranges turn deep red. You're back at your accommodation around 5:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Alice Springs accommodation.
Departure time: About 1pm. Runs daily from April to October and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from November to March.
Finishes: Back at your accommodation around 5:30pm.
Minimum age: Children from 2 years. Under 18s must travel with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: Only short, easy walks. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Please note: Maximum 21 people per tour, in an air-conditioned bus.

What to bring

Proof of booking (the emailed version is fine)
Water bottle, at least 1 litre
Strong, non-slip walking shoes
Wide-brimmed hat
Fly net, especially in summer
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Comfortable clothes: cool and light in summer, warm in winter
Cash if you want to buy souvenirs

What is included

Local guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your Alice Springs accommodation
Air-conditioned transport
Entry fees
Afternoon tea

Not included

Souvenirs

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.