Day Trips
8–10 hours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$360
per adult
Outback Elite Tours
Outback Elite Tours
5
Multi-day Tours4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
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About
OUTBACK ELITE TOURS is an accredited, award-winning tour operator specialised in private charter and personalised tour. We will work directly with you to plan your dream tour or help you to choose from set itinerary. Explore the Australia's Red Centre by join a small tour group with options of half day, full or multi day tours accommodated or camping. Enjoy the comfort of equipped, luxurious and air conditioned 4WD vehicles (maximum participants 4) or on a 4WD mini bus (maximum participants 10). Tour in English and in Italian or Spanish upon request. Day tours in the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Rainbow Valley and Chambers Pillar, Palm Valley and much more.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
280 reviews
Excellent
273
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Sally T
Rosebud, Australia1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Friends
We went on a tour (my sister and I aged in our late 50's) with Outback Elite Tours to the West McDonnell ranges and visited 4 waterholes in one day. It was truly amazing and an experience I will never forget. Fillipo (the owner and tour guide) was so energetic and enthusiastic about his adopted country (former Italian) and his knowledge and interest in the region was infectious. The van (total of around 8 people) was very comfortable and there were plenty of refreshments. We visited in December (2019) which is extremely hot though Fillipo managed to navigate things that we were overheated and (of course) the amazing swimming which one can't do in peak season (Jun-Aug). 10/10!!!!!
Written 7 January 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.
Hello 461sallyt,
thank you for your feedback and for the 10/10 on the tour!
I am delighted to read that you fully enjoyed the day with us.
All the best and maybe see you winter!
Kind Regards,
Filippo Gelada
Owner Operator
Outback Elite Tours
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eddy1617
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2021
We enjoyed 2 full-day tours with Outback Elite during our recent visit to Alice Springs (April, 2021): one to Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley, the other to the West McDonnell Ranges. Both days were magical experiences! We cannot recommend this company highly enough!
The guides are engaging, knowledgeable, friendly and relaxed. The lunch and snacks provided are delicious. The destinations are beautiful. The cars are comfortable and the guides are safe and confident drivers in very difficult terrain.
Our sunset visit to Rainbow Valley was a particular highlight - our guide Kimberley put together a beautiful evening picnic with sparkling wine, cheese, and other snacks. There was almost no one else there and we sat out in the warm evening air watching the rocks glow red and then fade as the stars came out. It was an unforgettable experience and the kind of thing that we just couldn't have made happen for ourselves (we aren't and never will be confident 4WD drivers, and even if we were, we would never have made such a beautiful picnic happen for ourselves).
We hope to return to Alice Springs next year with our parents and when we do, we will be getting in touch with Filippo to arrange more touring with Outback Elite.
The guides are engaging, knowledgeable, friendly and relaxed. The lunch and snacks provided are delicious. The destinations are beautiful. The cars are comfortable and the guides are safe and confident drivers in very difficult terrain.
Our sunset visit to Rainbow Valley was a particular highlight - our guide Kimberley put together a beautiful evening picnic with sparkling wine, cheese, and other snacks. There was almost no one else there and we sat out in the warm evening air watching the rocks glow red and then fade as the stars came out. It was an unforgettable experience and the kind of thing that we just couldn't have made happen for ourselves (we aren't and never will be confident 4WD drivers, and even if we were, we would never have made such a beautiful picnic happen for ourselves).
We hope to return to Alice Springs next year with our parents and when we do, we will be getting in touch with Filippo to arrange more touring with Outback Elite.
Written 22 April 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 Eddy1617,
thank you for your review, it is much appreciated.
I am glad to read that you fully enjoyed the tours exploring these two very different locations. These are amazing places!
Thanks again for booking with us.
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kylor55
Alice Springs, Australia1 contribution
June 2022
Our recent Rainbow Valley Sunset Tour (4 pax) with our Tour Guide Matteo was an afternoon which we will remember fondly (as locals) in the years to come. Matteo is a great guy with lots of local knowledge which would be hugely beneficial for interstate and international travelers. The attention to detail was outstanding from the spotlessly immaculate vehicle to the makeshift seating, table full of snacks, and drinks to enjoy and bring out the real sunset experience. Thank you Matteo for the great experience, we highly recommend this tour to anyone that enjoys the great outdoors but with all the goodies added. Thank you.
Written 28 June 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.
Hello kylor55,
thank you for your review it is much appreciated. It is always great having locals on tour!
I am glad to read that we have been up to your expectation. Mattia is a great guide and Rainbow Valley never disappoints.
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lone B
1 contribution
Aug 2022
I can NOT recommend this company.
We finished the Larapinta hike two days earlier than expected.
Therefore, we asked via our satelite phone if we could rearrange the transportation from Redbank Gorge to Alice to days earlier.
We got two divergent answers:
1) First message: It's NOT possible to be picked up two days earlier.
2) Next message 5 minuts later: If you want the transportation two days earlier, you have to make a NEW booking, which means another 420$ and we wont refund the money from the first transportation. That means total 840 $ for the approx 1½-2 hrs transportation.
(An Outback Elite driver was seen driving in the area (thought not all the way out to Redbank Gorge, but close to).
We ended up cancelling the transportation -even though it was two days before we had NO refund. Other similar company charges resonable 50$ to rearrange transportation.
Also, the Outback Elite offered the driver to take us directly to the airport from Alice, 70$ in cash- I assume it was black money. A normal taxi costs approx 35$.
We dont support black money and undermining the professional taxi drivers.
We finished the Larapinta hike two days earlier than expected.
Therefore, we asked via our satelite phone if we could rearrange the transportation from Redbank Gorge to Alice to days earlier.
We got two divergent answers:
1) First message: It's NOT possible to be picked up two days earlier.
2) Next message 5 minuts later: If you want the transportation two days earlier, you have to make a NEW booking, which means another 420$ and we wont refund the money from the first transportation. That means total 840 $ for the approx 1½-2 hrs transportation.
(An Outback Elite driver was seen driving in the area (thought not all the way out to Redbank Gorge, but close to).
We ended up cancelling the transportation -even though it was two days before we had NO refund. Other similar company charges resonable 50$ to rearrange transportation.
Also, the Outback Elite offered the driver to take us directly to the airport from Alice, 70$ in cash- I assume it was black money. A normal taxi costs approx 35$.
We dont support black money and undermining the professional taxi drivers.
Written 10 September 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.
Thanks for your time in writing the review.
1)First message reply to Louise your hiking partner: we wrote we had no availability for the 29th of August and neither for the 30th of August from Redbank to Alice Springs. Reconfirming your booking for the 31st of August as scheduled.
2)Next message to Louise your hiking partner: (Realising that we could you use another vehicle and driver to the job) We offered the chance of an early transfer on the 29th of August, (that is why suddenly we had availability, that in those 5 minutes, involved in a phone call to another driver asking for availability ) however that would have been considered as a new booking. Reminding you that there won't have been refunding for the original booking. Then asked for your confirmation.
You confirmed that you would have arranged your own transportation.
We replied at that point to confirm your cancellation for the 31st of August.
Your reply at that point has been not to cancel as you might have stayed at Redbank until Wednesday.
Then got a call that you would have come back earlier.
The driver and vehicle you saw the very same day, was scheduled for other jobs, booked in advance and for us would not have been possible to drive all the way to Redbank to pick you up, as that would have delayed us 1 hour on our schedule, picking up other passengers from different locations.
Once you were back in town, you called me upset asking for a refund. Which you couldn't have.
As written by text, as agreed during the booking (you actually have to tick a box where you have read and accepted Terms and Conditions in order to proceed with the booking), after receiving the confirmation of your booking with again written terms and conditions where in clear black and white there is written that our cancellation policy is 100% !
It has absolutely been your choice to cancel the booking; we haven't kept you in the dark about anything. Therefore your choice to lose your money has totally been up to you. We tried to organise a new transfer, but of course at a cost. We are not a shuttle service that drives empty, and every day, we do the jobs when booked.
If you had been so careful reading and getting yourself informed about other company charges and cancellation policies, you could have done the same with ours. Or even better booked directly with a different company offering better conditions to you.
Over the phone, I told you to think about this as when you book a flight and decide to come back on an early or later date different than the one you booked you would have to pay for a new flight or eventually get reinbursed if the cancellation policies allow refunds.
Airport transfer.
On your e-mail sent us on the 27th of June, you asked us if we could have organise an airport transfer aiming to be at the airport by 1 pm on the 31/08.
Our reply has been to ask the driver on the way back to town about it, if we wouldn't have any other jobs lined up we could do that, and you could have paid on the day $70 cash.
That is the price we charge everyone, and the reason we ask to pay $70 cash is that: first, we don't know if we will have availability to do that (if we have other jobs lined up, we can't - see above), so it is a last-minute decision as you wouldn't have been the only person on the bus on the way back from Redbank, and second, we don't have an EFTPOS machine on the bus.
Many of our clients prefer to be dropped off at the CBD and then get themselves a taxi.
As mentioned over the phone with you after the transfer, we could have sent you an invoice, as we did for many clients who requested it.
Again, even for the airport transfer, we have been very clear via e-mail, and in your written reply, you did not mention anything about black money or ask for an additional invoice for that. (oh yes, by the way, we keep all our e-mail, and text correspondence)
Over the phone conversation we had, and after explaining to you again, all the reasons for our cancellations policy (the same one you most likely never read but were clear for you to read everywhere) you had the arrogance to mention you studied business and I shouldn't run mine as I do. I hope you graduated with the best grade, however, I bet you never run a business. When you'll do, let me know how successful you'll be. I wish you all the best.
You did threaten to leave a bad review (obviously you did, not receiving a refund), I am glad you did, so anyone now can read my reply too and understand why they should Outback Elite Tours. We have not hidden any costs, we tried to find a solution and have always been very clear on everything.
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 10 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz D
Adelaide, Australia43 contributions
June 2022
Our tour and driver/guide Mattia were exceptional. Quietly spoken yet passionate about what we were about to see we felt very safe with Mattia behind the wheel as he negotiated the 4 wheel drive terrain. Morning tea, lunch and dinner were provided - and were all very generous and extremely delicious. We had stops along the way including the sacred Ewaninga rock carvings, Rodinga (the site of an old Ghan station) and the remote Aboriginal community of Titjikala and Keringke Arts Centre. Plenty of time was afforded to enjoy the splendor and history of Chamber's Pillar before traveling on to Rainbow Valley where we took a couple of small walks before watching the beautiful sunset. Door to door pick-up was extremely convenient.
Written 21 June 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.
Hello Liz D,
thank you for your review, it is much appreciated.
I am glad to read that we have been up to expectation. Mattia is great and exploring Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley is always so good!
Thanks again for booking with us!
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anneryan2
Cairns, Australia1 contribution
Sept 2021
Outback Elite were very easy to book with, priced well, with streamlined organising of food drops.
Last minute booking changes as a result of having to reschedule flights due to covid, were well accommodated by Philipo, who communicated well via txt and email with us.
Thanks to Outback Elite we were able to complete our trip of a lifetime and I will definitely be recommending them to others I know that want to do the trail.
Keep up the good work !
Last minute booking changes as a result of having to reschedule flights due to covid, were well accommodated by Philipo, who communicated well via txt and email with us.
Thanks to Outback Elite we were able to complete our trip of a lifetime and I will definitely be recommending them to others I know that want to do the trail.
Keep up the good work !
Written 6 September 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 anneryan2,
thank you for your review and for booking our larapinta transfer plus food drops services and for recommending us!
I am glad to read that we have been up to your expectation.
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaulaMidis
2 contributions
May 2021
My most heartfelt THANKS for the opportunity to experience the West Macdonnell Ranges with Outback Elite Tours. To say I was blown away would be an absolute UNDERSTATEMENT! The opportunity to witness these extraordinary sights, and the chance to have it done in such an intimate setting, amplified the experience tenfold.
Filippo, I cannot thank you enough for pairing me up with such an impressive guide as Kimberly. Her wealth of knowledge and passion for the land, enhanced my experience on many levels. I feel so very lucky to have had her as my guide. As someone who is a very independent traveller, and likes exploring things solo, I will always hire a car and enjoy getting around places on my own. Circumstances this time, meant that car hire was not an option as Alice Springs was inundated with people. I tend to not favour Tour groups, as I find them so impersonal. Outback Elite Tours gave me such a heartfelt and truly personalised experience. It's an organisation that creates experiences for its guests with the highest level of integrity, passion and care, which makes for a truly transformative experience for their guests.
Everything about my time, exploring the incredible sights on the 1-day West MacDonnell Ranges experience, is something that will stay with me for LIFE! Thank you Filippo, and my deepest thanks to Kimberly for an experience i'll never forget..
Paula
Filippo, I cannot thank you enough for pairing me up with such an impressive guide as Kimberly. Her wealth of knowledge and passion for the land, enhanced my experience on many levels. I feel so very lucky to have had her as my guide. As someone who is a very independent traveller, and likes exploring things solo, I will always hire a car and enjoy getting around places on my own. Circumstances this time, meant that car hire was not an option as Alice Springs was inundated with people. I tend to not favour Tour groups, as I find them so impersonal. Outback Elite Tours gave me such a heartfelt and truly personalised experience. It's an organisation that creates experiences for its guests with the highest level of integrity, passion and care, which makes for a truly transformative experience for their guests.
Everything about my time, exploring the incredible sights on the 1-day West MacDonnell Ranges experience, is something that will stay with me for LIFE! Thank you Filippo, and my deepest thanks to Kimberly for an experience i'll never forget..
Paula
Written 30 May 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 Paula,
thank you for your amazing review, it is much appreciated.
I am glad to read that you fully enjoyed the tour to the West Macs!
Thanks again for booking with us.
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Archie S
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
July 2022
Filippo and his team run a terrific business. He picked up some friends and I after we had finished walking part of the Larapinta Trail and he was very punctual, arriving before the anticipated arrival time. He is also a lovely gentleman. As far as trek support was concerned, my experience with Outback Elite Tours was seamless. Their quotes are incredibly competitive and offer great value.
Written 6 July 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.
Hello Archie,
thank you for your review!
I am glad to read that we have been up to your expectation.
Thanks again for booking with us and recommending our services.
Kind Regards,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 9 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garryskiclimb
3 contributions
Sept 2022
We booked Outback Elite to do Food Drops and Transfer from Redbank Gorge to Alice Springs at the end of hiking the Larapinta Trail. We found them to be professional, positive and communicative throughout all stages of our hike. I have no hesitation in recommending them to fellow hikers.
Written 13 September 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.
Hello Garryskiclimb,
thank you very much for your feedback!
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Director
Outback Elite Tours
Written 21 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alannah A
6 contributions
Sept 2022
I booked a Larapinta support package with Outback Elite Tours, including food drops and pickup from Redbank Gorge. Filippo was always fast to respond and very accommodating. The team was friendly and a great support. It was easy to arrange delivery of the food containers to my hostel and confirm travel arrangements all via email and very quickly.
I was ahead of schedule and used a pocket of signal on a ridge to ask if I could get an earlier pick up as rain was also forecast so I didn't want to camp out longer than needed. They confirmed my new pick up within an hour.
I met many other hikers on the trail who booked with LTTS, who is generally advertised as the main trail support provider and I think is slightly cheaper. All of them complained of issues such as hidden fees or extra charges, rude emails, and generally bad service. I am glad I booked with Outback Elite Tours. It was worth the money for the peace of mind. I never had any issues, they made it very easy. I highly recommend them.
I was ahead of schedule and used a pocket of signal on a ridge to ask if I could get an earlier pick up as rain was also forecast so I didn't want to camp out longer than needed. They confirmed my new pick up within an hour.
I met many other hikers on the trail who booked with LTTS, who is generally advertised as the main trail support provider and I think is slightly cheaper. All of them complained of issues such as hidden fees or extra charges, rude emails, and generally bad service. I am glad I booked with Outback Elite Tours. It was worth the money for the peace of mind. I never had any issues, they made it very easy. I highly recommend them.
Written 20 September 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.
Hello alannahaf97,
thank you for your review, it's much appreciated!
Thanks again for your booking!
All the best,
Filippo Gelada
Director
Outback Elite Tours
Written 21 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My sister and I (ages 62 and 56) are interested in traveling from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock over a 48 hour period and seeing as many amazing sites as possible. We will depart on the morning of 20 July 2017 from IBIS Styles, and would need to arrive at Ayers Rock airport at approx. 0800 on 22 July. Could you recommend an itinerary?
Written 10 March 2017
Hello Laurie B,
Yes, we can definitely recommend and tailor-made an itinerary for you.
Please send us an e-mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Kind Regards,
Filippo Gelada
Outback Elite Tours
Written 12 March 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.