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4 hours
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AAT Kings
4.5
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About
Want to escape, indulge, relax or explore while all the driving is done for you? On an AAT Kings Day Tour, our friendly and engaging Driver Guides will bring each destination to life. AAT Kings Alice Springs Day Tours offers a range of half and full day tours that cover Alice Springs Town. Kings Canyon, Palm Valley, the West MacDonnell Ranges and a variety to Red Centre Connections.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
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4WD Tours
6+ hours
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Bus Services
6 hours
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4WD Tours
4–5 hours
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Historical Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
209 reviews
Excellent
150
Very good
34
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
11
Qisiang R
Melbourne, Australia297 contributions
Jun 2022
After two and a bit years of Covid enforced “home-stay”😊, we finally started our touring again. As a “test case” as well as revision of touring skills, we’ve chosen to tour within our home country first. As I had never been to the interior of Australia, Alice Spring was going to be our “pseudo overseas“ tour. At the time of travelling, the airlines were not in full capacity and as a result of this limitation, the plane flew to Sydney from Melbourne first before heading back west to Alice Spring.
Travelling during the month of June means more “user friendly” weather. The five days we were there, the top temperature never exceeds 23C. Yes, Uluru is very unique and with spectacular colour changes all the time (especially sun rise and sun set, you obviously need to stay at least one night at Uluru). We joined a group tour with sunset BBQ dinner under the stars. We were given an astrology 101 presentation after the dinner and the whole experience was wonderful. The coach driver had informed us that there were tourists who travelled on their own mistook Mt. Conner as Uluru. But from a distance I am not surprised that some people fell for it. Obviously Mt. Conner is inside a private property whereas Uluru has lots of tourists around all the time.
We did the King’s Canyon walking trail (again with a tour guide, note this trail has no toilet facility)) and it could be challenging for some of tourists. We were told if we could not complete the first 100 steps, then we could not continue the walk (all up about 3-3.5 hours). The walk was worth the effort as all the beautiful scenery can only be reached by foot. Our tour also included Kata Tjuta, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and MacDonnell Ranges.
Together with the tyranny of distance and limited roads around Alice Springs (quite a few doubling back from one place to another) touring this place requires a good solid research and planning, and it pays to allow more time for the whole trip. Food could be quite expensive as compared to other regional towns. In the end it was a bit of an effort to tour but it is worth the trouble.
Travelling during the month of June means more “user friendly” weather. The five days we were there, the top temperature never exceeds 23C. Yes, Uluru is very unique and with spectacular colour changes all the time (especially sun rise and sun set, you obviously need to stay at least one night at Uluru). We joined a group tour with sunset BBQ dinner under the stars. We were given an astrology 101 presentation after the dinner and the whole experience was wonderful. The coach driver had informed us that there were tourists who travelled on their own mistook Mt. Conner as Uluru. But from a distance I am not surprised that some people fell for it. Obviously Mt. Conner is inside a private property whereas Uluru has lots of tourists around all the time.
We did the King’s Canyon walking trail (again with a tour guide, note this trail has no toilet facility)) and it could be challenging for some of tourists. We were told if we could not complete the first 100 steps, then we could not continue the walk (all up about 3-3.5 hours). The walk was worth the effort as all the beautiful scenery can only be reached by foot. Our tour also included Kata Tjuta, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and MacDonnell Ranges.
Together with the tyranny of distance and limited roads around Alice Springs (quite a few doubling back from one place to another) touring this place requires a good solid research and planning, and it pays to allow more time for the whole trip. Food could be quite expensive as compared to other regional towns. In the end it was a bit of an effort to tour but it is worth the trouble.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marksouthperth
Perth, Australia33 contributions
Aug 2021
Did a couple of tours with AAT Kings and they were ALL BRILLIANT.
We traveled to and from Ayers Rock
We did the Ularu tour
We did Kata Tjuta tour
We did the Kings Canyon tour. (the accommodation and bar were well above expectations)
We had mainly Terry & Jakob and they so knowledgeable, kind and friendly.
Would definitely go with AAT Kings again in the NT. Well done guys and girls!
We traveled to and from Ayers Rock
We did the Ularu tour
We did Kata Tjuta tour
We did the Kings Canyon tour. (the accommodation and bar were well above expectations)
We had mainly Terry & Jakob and they so knowledgeable, kind and friendly.
Would definitely go with AAT Kings again in the NT. Well done guys and girls!
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Marksouthperth,
Thanks for your review of AAT Kings, and we are thrilled to read that you enjoyed touring with us. We will pass along your feedback to our Guides Terry and Jakob, and they really enjoy sharing their knowledge with our guests.
We cannot wait to welcome you back on board an AAT Kings tour again in the future.
Thanks,
The Team at AAT Kings
Written September 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicky2190
Wellington, UK103 contributions
May 2018
A much more scenic journey than flying. Overall journey time including stops was about 7.5 hours. We had 4 comfort breaks, firstly at a camel farm for breakfast, many people selected to have a camel ride whilst here, we just strolled around viewing the baby camels and roos. Second stop was at a road house, there is an emu farm here so lots to look at. ! further stop was just for a photo opportunity and the final stop was just a quick comfort stop. Some of the toilet facilities were very basic and some did not have very good wash facilities so take wipes or anti-bac hand spray. It was a long journey but you got to see the Aussie outback.
Written October 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey G
London, UK8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The 2 star rating is not with regards to the tour guides or drivers who were great.
It's a 4am pick up from Uluru and this stage of the trip to Kings Canyon we are given a large coach with onboard toilet the coach is less than half full so plenty of space. There is one stop for breakfast which was included, it was a good full breakfast.
At Kings Canyon we opted for the easier walk due to it being already over 35 degrees at the start, and not being good with heat we didn't want to chance it. We had a really pleasant walk at the bottom of the canyon with a very friendly and informative guide.
We were taken to Kings resort while the others were finishing the longer walk. We opted for the helicopter tour which was fantastic and worth the money if you are not able to do the rim walk. Fantastic views of the canyon and the surrounding range. Then quick lunch and on coach to meet the change over coach to Alice Springs.
This is where the tour really disappointed, we were on a 21 seater bus with 14 people onboard, it was very cramped. Small seats no luggage racks so hand luggage was piled anywhere you could find. This journey back to Alice Springs on this bus was 4 hours. It was extremely hot as air conditioning not really effective, poor seating made it really uncomfortable plus the normal flies annoying throughout. The driver did his best to entertain us and I have no fault with him. We had one comfort stop and 2 additional short stops as there was something wrong with the bus. The floor of the bus was so hot both myself and other passengers suffered with swollen legs and feet, very uncomfortable when we go off. I never suffer from swollen legs travelling.
So over all - great tour guides, hideous journey back to Alice Springs and a very long day - 15 hours which for us was just too long.
It's a 4am pick up from Uluru and this stage of the trip to Kings Canyon we are given a large coach with onboard toilet the coach is less than half full so plenty of space. There is one stop for breakfast which was included, it was a good full breakfast.
At Kings Canyon we opted for the easier walk due to it being already over 35 degrees at the start, and not being good with heat we didn't want to chance it. We had a really pleasant walk at the bottom of the canyon with a very friendly and informative guide.
We were taken to Kings resort while the others were finishing the longer walk. We opted for the helicopter tour which was fantastic and worth the money if you are not able to do the rim walk. Fantastic views of the canyon and the surrounding range. Then quick lunch and on coach to meet the change over coach to Alice Springs.
This is where the tour really disappointed, we were on a 21 seater bus with 14 people onboard, it was very cramped. Small seats no luggage racks so hand luggage was piled anywhere you could find. This journey back to Alice Springs on this bus was 4 hours. It was extremely hot as air conditioning not really effective, poor seating made it really uncomfortable plus the normal flies annoying throughout. The driver did his best to entertain us and I have no fault with him. We had one comfort stop and 2 additional short stops as there was something wrong with the bus. The floor of the bus was so hot both myself and other passengers suffered with swollen legs and feet, very uncomfortable when we go off. I never suffer from swollen legs travelling.
So over all - great tour guides, hideous journey back to Alice Springs and a very long day - 15 hours which for us was just too long.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tracey,
We are happy to hear you had a great experience on the Creek Bed Walk at Kings Canyon and that our driver guides were friendly and informative.
We are sorry to hear you did not enjoy the transfer on to Alice Springs. All travel agent bookings made for this transfer were informed in advance of the coach size and were offered alternate options so we do apologise if this information was not relayed to you. If you would like to discuss this further please contract kirsten.finlayson@aatkings.com.au. Thank you for the feedback, we hope to welcome you on another AAT Kings tour in the future.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry D
Berwick, Australia6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I booked for my family a luxury transfer from Uluru to Alice Springs. Being summer and 42 degree heat I expected this would be the best option for a 5hour bus trip.
We ended up in a mini van with sweaty vinyl seats, no leg room, no space and very poor air conditioning. The mini van was full and was hot and uncomfortable the whole trip.
All the passengers complained to the driver of the conditions though we understand he does not control what vehicles get deployed.
AAT need to pick up their description standards and call it what it is, Non Luxury or standard travel. I would want choose better next time.
Very poor service.
We ended up in a mini van with sweaty vinyl seats, no leg room, no space and very poor air conditioning. The mini van was full and was hot and uncomfortable the whole trip.
All the passengers complained to the driver of the conditions though we understand he does not control what vehicles get deployed.
AAT need to pick up their description standards and call it what it is, Non Luxury or standard travel. I would want choose better next time.
Very poor service.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 377barryd,
Thank you for your review, although it is very disappointing to learn about your recent experience with us. I would like to make note that all bookings made on this transfer we notified in advance of the coach capacity and were offered alternative options. We do apologise if this information to not reach yourself or your agent.
If you wish to talk about this in further detail, I would be happy to liaise with you, my email address is Kirsten.finlayson@aatkings.com.au. Again we do apologise for your experience with us and do hope we will see you on AAT Kings tours in the future.
Written January 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dqueen2013
Cultus Lake, Canada50 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Tour cancelled last minute. No reason given. No phone call. No e mail
Supposed to get money back but probably have to wait 3 weeks. Notice at pickup point. One tour via aat kings still running but sold out. No apology
Supposed to get money back but probably have to wait 3 weeks. Notice at pickup point. One tour via aat kings still running but sold out. No apology
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Apologies for the inconvenience this has caused. If you haven't received a refund yet or we haven't rebooked you onto another tour could you please reach out to our reservations team daytoursres@aatkings.com.au with your booking details?
Thanks,
Jess from AAT Kings
Written December 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Sep 2015
Booked a Alice Wildlife Park Night Tour with AAT, and confirmed the tour with them in the morning. Waited at the Hotel in the evening and there was no pick up. As this was a night tour it was outside of business hours, but eventually tracked somebody down in Sydney to investigate. I later got a call back to say the tour had been cancelled, but could not give a reason why it was cancelled or why I was not informed. They said they would get the Alice Manager to contact me. I never received any contact and had to phone AAT in Sydney again the next day. I did get a full refund and as I was departing for Darwin they did offer another tour in Darwin, but the dates available did not suit, so imagine my surprise when an AAT tour bus arrives one morning in Darwin looking for me when I was waiting for a tour with another Company. Apparently I had been booked for a tour I did not know about on a day I was not available. I understand that sometimes tours get cancelled but the total lack of any contact from AAT was unacceptable. During my holidays I booked everything myself including numerous tours, flights, transfers, accommodation, car hire and the only problem I encountered with anything was from AAT. I will be steering clear of AAT in the future.
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello John M,
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We are so sorry we let you down. It is unacceptable to hear that you've had such a frustrating time trying to get in contact with our staff. Unfortunately the Nocturnal Animal Discovery tour was cancelled and we are extremely sorry that you were not contacted with appropriate notice. In these instances we do try make up for our mistakes with refunds and complimentary tours where possible, however it seems that due to communication issues in Darwin we have not been able to make amends. Again, please accept our sincere apology for the inconvenience we caused you.
Kind regards,
AAT Kings Management
Written October 12, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BikeIsrael
Hod Hasharon, Israel134 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
The tour to kings canyon should have been cancelled due to a heat wave. Instead of cancelling it, they offered us an alternative walk in the canyon instead of the rim walk we expected to do or we could do the original walk in 47 degree heat signing a form first that they were totally indemnified if we went on that walk. We drove three hours to the canyon for the alternative that turned out to be totally unacceptable. The riverbed tour was stretched by the guide to somehow last an hour. We then had to wait for hours for the small group that went in 47 degree weather on the rim walk. We were offered a choice of going to a swimming pool but when we got to this little pool it turned out that it could not be used due to lack of any changing facility and no toilets. So we had to go sit for a few hours in the lunch room which was actually closed the first hour we sat thereThe entire tour was a waste of time and certainly a waste of money. $250 a person and buying your own breakfast and lunch. This company should be totally ashamed of such a day.
Written March 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear BikeIsrael
Thank you for providing feedback of your Kings Canyon day tour with us.
The well being of our passengers is our top priority and we would never knowingly jeopardise their safety.
Operational decisions during such heat is influenced by instructions and guidelines of Watarrka National Park. They have now changed their operating policy and the Rim walk is closed on days of extreme heat. We still give passengers the choice to attend the tour, so as not to disappoint.
The Rim walk requires some fitness, so we offer an alternate easier track to the Creek Bed. As this is a shorter distance to walk, inevitably there will be some waiting before the passengers who take the Rim walk return.
I have provided your comments to our Day Tours Manager to review.
Regards
Raymond
Written April 16, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara T
Maroochydore, Australia19 contributions
Oct 2019
A excellent tour to learn the history of Alice Springs, Ian our great tour guide is very resourceful. A relaxing relaxing tour with little walking.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your great review! Our A Town Like Alice is a great way to see all Alice Springs has to offer in a relaxing & informative way! Thank you for your wonderful comments about Ian, we will be sure to pass along you kind words to him! Thank you again for leaving AAT Kings a review, and we look forward to seeing you on tour again!
Written November 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JANET S
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
Sep 2019
Although this four hour trip covered the main tourist spots of Alice I felt that time at each place such as school of the air and flying doctor service was rushed compared with the time spent at the Reptile Centre. I was glad I had done the independent walking tour myself earlier in the day as many historic places were overlooked by our guide that day. As with many tours it depends on who you get as your guide as to the quality of enthusiasm and information . Mine unfortunately was a grumpy old man !
Written September 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Janet,
It is always disappointing to hear when our guests do not enjoy their experience with us. This is definitely not something AAT Kings are proud of, and would love to understand a little better your comments above. If you could please email myself on Kirsten.finalyson@aatkings.com.au, so I can get to the bottom of your disappointment. Thank you again for your review, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Written September 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
do you have a tours that goes to uluru to kings canyon to alice spring starting on march 23. It is ok to spend the night in kings canyon if this is available
Written January 22, 2020
AAT Kings
Sydney, Australia
Hi Charlie W,
We have a number of day tours available for Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs locations.
Our Red Centre Day Tours can be found here on Tripadvisor under AAT Kings Yulara.
For overnight journeys please enquire directly with us directly.
Written January 22, 2020
can you do a tour from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon without going to Uluru
Written February 16, 2015
hi there...sorry i don't know for sure, but aat kings do loads of different tours so i am sure they would be able to accommodate you.
Written February 17, 2015
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