Explore the Palm Valley area on a full-day tour from Alice Springs, and take an off-road excursion to see rock pools and rugged outback landscapes by 4WD. The tour includes a delicious lunch and a visit to the Hermannsburg Aboriginal community, combining relaxation and history in one of Central Australia’s most celebrated river oases.
Traveling by 4WD, depart Alice Springs with your guide and follow the Finke River’s ancient bed to Palm Valley, an oasis of white sand, palm trees and spectacular rock formations. Take a guided walk to discover the valley’s rich plant life, including red cabbage palms which grow only in the Palm Valley, along with different species of cycads and palms.
You’ll see the spectacular natural rock formation known as the Amphitheatre, and be shown the semi-permanent spring-fed pools that have created this fertile valley in the heart of the Central Australian desert.
Your tour continues to the historic Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg, a place of refuge for almost a century for the Arrernte people, who fled here to escape conflict between pastoralists, the police and other Aboriginal tribes. Enjoy a picnic lunch here before visiting the town's mission, known for the mid-20th-century Aboriginal paintings of Albert Namatjira, who lived at the strongly Lutheran-influenced Hermannsburg Historic Precinct. You can explore the painter’s home and see his signature pastel-hued landscape paintings in the mission’s art gallery.
Relax on the trip back to Alice Springs and watch the desert landscape and mountains change color in the afternoon light.
A great day out. Firstly, to Hermannsburg where we had morning tea provided by the Lutheran community and I am told our lunch later in the day was made by them - beautiful and gracious people. Can buy aboriginal art here which helps the community._br/_ The trip to Palm Valley was quite an experience travelling over dry creek beds and dusty tracks. Be prepared to endure a rough ride often getting tossed from side to side. Palm Valley itself is absolutely beautiful and well worth any discomfort. On the way out we visited Flynn's grave which was a bonus for me as I didn't expect it and saw where Albert Namitjura did his famous painting.
Review by: Mandy, August 2017
The guide was fantastic and it was a really great day. The luck provided was great too. Highly recommend
Review by: Lou 64, August 2017
A pleasant day trip. The visit to Hermansberg was great and just as I had remembered it.
Review by: Robin D, August 2016
Scenery was beautiful. Bus ride was quite uncomfortable and the track into the valley was very rough. Staff were not as friendly as we had previously encountered. Lunch was good.
Review by: Heather B, July 2016
John was an excellent guide and driver who safely negotiated the river beds and rocky tracks. Walk in Palm Valley was on the flat and easy or for more adventurous a hill and rim walk. Don't pass up the strudel in Hermannsberg, it is very good.
Review by: Elizabeth M, June 2016
Very interesting experience set at a good pace, very knowledgeable tour guide.
Review by: Nikita J, June 2016
Was ok
Review by: Debra T, June 2016
Couldn't have believed that this place existed if we didn't do the tour. Fantastic
Review by: Silke G, April 2016
Verry charming tour. Wonderful views.
Review by: Margaret B, April 2016
Excellent tour. Some challenging walks and very rough tracks. Excellent lunch.
Review by: Peter D, December 2015
great day out with a fantastic guide! Highly recomended.
Review by: Kel, October 2015
Good day and very interesting. Temperature was very hot so some activities were self restricted. The track in was very rough and some elderly people were uncomfortable.
Review by: Elsie R, September 2015
Had a great day, good company and a good guide.
Review by: E HOUSTON H, August 2015
Really good, driver/offsider very good and very efficient. Driver very experienced but track into Palm Valley terrible realise it is only a track but sitting in the back of the bus was very uncomfortable.
Review by: Vania P, July 2015
The guide was excelent, the places are amazing. Very nice views.
Review by: Pauline R, June 2013
This was a great trip , well organised and on a comfortable bus we enjoyed the commentary given by the driver. The billy tea in the river bed went down a treat as did the lunch served after our walk along palm valley. Would recommend the trip to any one who will listen.
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