Experience a scenic flight over Alice Springs to enjoy the Outback's vibrant colours and changing landscapes.
Explore Central Australia's stunning scenery with helicopter and plane flights ranging from half-hour to full-day experiences. Make your visit day trip from Alice Springs genuinely unforgettable.
Mountains & valleys
Local charter companies in Alice Springs provide scenic flights with experienced pilots, offering routes from the West MacDonnell Ranges to Mount Gillen ridge-line and Ormiston Gorge. Options range from short trips over the city to half-day tours that include the MacDonnell Ranges and Palm Valley.
Some notable landmarks visible from the air include the Owen Springs Homestead ruins, the Ghan Railway line, and the Oodnadatta Track, known for hosting the Finke Desert Race.
Big day out
Experience a full day exploring the attractions of the Red Centre, including a round trip to Uluru, crossing the Finke River and Kings Canyon. Return to Alice Springs to watch the sunset over the desert. Longer flights offer amenities such as tea, stopover bus tours, and visits to national parks.
Sunset flights
Passengers can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before boarding a flight for a sunset experience over the Australian Outback, with the opportunity to capture vivid colours with a camera.
Outback Ballooning
Outback Ballooning's been up and running in Alice Springs since the mid-80s, and it's stood the test of time as one of the most seasoned ballooning outfits in the Land Down Under.
They're up and at them every day (just as long as the weather's playing nice), boasting a fleet of balloons that can cater to cosy groups of 2-4 mates, right up to more enormous bunches of 8, 12, 16, 20, and even 24 folks in a single balloon, depending on how many bookings they've snagged for the day. And if you're after something more exclusive, say for lovebirds on a honeymoon keen for a bit of romance, they've got you covered with private charters, too.
The launch spot, smack bang in the middle of the bush and only reachable by a handful of dusty tracks, crank up the adventure vibe. This spot means passengers look at the stunning early morning hues painting the sky over the MacDonnell Ranges. You'll often spot some of Australia's finest wildlife, like the giant red kangaroos, just doing their thing in the wild. Plus, they hardly ever have to cancel a flight, thanks to the solid desert climate.
After you've had your fill of floating about, they serve up a spread of tucker, including muffins, banana bread, carrot cake, cheese, bikkies, and some fresh fruit. And to wash it down? A bit of bubbly and fruit juice, all dished out bush-style post-flight. And don't sweat the ride back – they've sorted the return transfers.
Alice Springs Helicopters
Alice Springs Helicopters tops the charts regarding scenic flights and chopper services smack in the heart of Central Australia.
Their home base is at the Alice Springs Airport, where they're busy buzzing the skies with scenic tours every day of the week.
They've got an array of aerial adventures – from scenic whirls over the breathtaking landscapes to chopper experiences and even dropping off mountain bikers at various hot spots for a bit of a pedal. They're pretty flexible on timing, too, so whether you're looking to kill half an hour or spend the better part of a day in the air, they've got you sorted.
Nothing beats the view of the Aussie Outback from the seat of a helicopter.
Don't forget your camera because these flights offer unrestricted, panoramic views that are a shutterbug's dream. You'll be snagging those postcard-perfect shots of the stunning East and West MacDonnell Ranges, along with the best bits of Alice Springs itself. Spinning in one of their helicopters is an unforgettable way to spend time with your mates or family.
They also offer private charters that whisk you to some of the globe's most jaw-dropping natural wonders. Heli-touring is a cracker of an option for all ages and fitness levels, offering a top-notch view of Central Australia's pristine regions.
Alice Springs Helicopters is not just any operator; they're an Accredited Tourism business, and the only chopper service down under that boasts Advanced Eco-Accreditation for their flights.
