Explore the Alice

Alice Springs is a beautiful place, and what better way to see it than from a 4WD? We spoke to tour operator Tony Wardrobe, who specialise in self-driven 4WD tours, about the unique experiences on offer.

Red sands, amazing sunsets, and unique wildlife — there are some brilliant experiences to be had in the red centre. To really get under the skin of the region and beyond the everyday, all you need is a 4WD and an adventurous spirit. Not everyone who visits the Red Centre will have the latter, but there are luckily a range of tours where you’ll discover the region’s concealed spots.

Tony Wardrobe from Central Australia Tag Along Tours — which allows you to explore in your own 4WD with a guide tagging along in the head vehicle — says the beauty of 4WD touring is the ability to make the experience your own. “Driving your own 4WD allows you to experience the isolation your own way — your company, your soundtracks. You can take your guide’s advice about points of interest, or you can explore on your own. It’s a great way to have a real adventure, with the security of an experienced local guide on hand.”

The dangers of travelling in remote areas is mitigated by the expertise of tour operators.

Tony is thoroughly kitted out. “We drop tyre pressures to suit the terrain, and the lead vehicle is fitted with a winch, MaxTrax, and the latest tech — kinetic ropes and soft shackles — in our recovery kit.  A satellite phone and first aid kit are carried in the lead vehicle.”

Tony reassures potential tourers that challenges on a tag along tour are overcome by the guide’s expertise. “That’s the beauty of a tag along. When the going gets tougher, you’re guided through safely, with minimal impact to the environment.” Tony recommends the two-day Ruby Gap and East Macs tour. “The East MacDonnell Ranges showcase beautiful gorges and Indigenous culture. Spending a night camping under the stars at Ruby Gap is an experience that simply stays with you.”

Cultural awareness is important to Tag Along Tours. According to Tony, cultural awareness is a priority. “It’s really important to us on and off tour. People are interested and want to learn. On our tours we’re always respectful and do our utmost to tread with minimal impact,” he says.

Alice Springs has a pull to both guides and travellers. So, give in to the pull, fuel up your 4WD, and begin your 4WD adventure. 

See centralaustraliatagalongtours.com.au for more information on Tag Along Tours.

The Hema team recently brought their mapping expertise to bear, collaborating with Tourism Central Australia on a drive guide featuring our favourite Red Centre adventures. You can download your copy, free, at discovercentralaustralia.com/drive