Alice Springs School of the Air Experience

11/08/2026

During our 75th Anniversary celebration week, we were incredibly fortunate to have a very special piece of Central Australian history on display — a 1933 pedal radio, kindly loaned to us by Adelaide House Museum

These radios played an important role in the early years of the School of the Air. In the 1950s', they were the classroom for students living hundreds of kilometres from Alice Springs, connecting them with their teachers and classmates across vast distances.

75 years of connecting students across Central Australia — and it all started with a radio.

Back then, you had to pedal to power your radio. How many of us would pedal today to keep our phones charged?

07/08/2026

Today, on Principal's Day, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Principal, Kerrie Russell.

Your passion for education, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for every student, family and staff member inspire us every day. Your leadership, vision and commitment to providing quality education to students across some of Australia's most remote areas make a lasting difference in countless lives.

Thank you for your hard work, your kindness, and for leading with integrity and heart. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do for the Alice Springs School of the Air community.

Please join us in celebrating Kerrie and wishing her a very Happy Principal's Day.

02/08/2026

We are open today!

07/07/2026

Have you been dreaming of visiting the Alice Springs School of the Air? Now is the perfect time!

For a limited time, you can take advantage of a FREE flight to Alice Springs*

Start planning your Outback adventure today!

*Terms and conditions apply. See the promotion details for eligibility and booking requirements

Free flights to Alice Springs have landed. ✈️❤️

It is time to Head for the Heart of Australia and experience the Red Centre for yourself.

For a limited time, enjoy a free flight to Alice Springs on selected NT Now packages and discover a destination filled with desert landscapes, rich history, big skies and unforgettable outback moments.

Explore Alice Springs, venture into the West MacDonnell Ranges, visit Uluru, wander through Kings Canyon, or simply slow down and take in the colours of Central Australia.

Your Red Centre escape starts here.

View the packages:
https://bit.ly/4apuCoG



Credit: Tourism NT

02/07/2026

We are open today!

02/07/2026

One day to go until the Govies' Muster! Such a fun night! See you all there 🤩

🎉 The Entertainment Lineup is Here! 🎉

From face painting and bucking bulls to the Mini Ringers Challenge, raffles, a live auction and music into the night, there’s something for everyone at the 2026 Govies’ Muster! 🤠🐂

Bring the whole family along and enjoy an evening packed with fun, laughter and great company as we celebrate the people who make our industry what it is.

🕠 Gates open from 5:30pm at the Gillen Club
🚌 Shuttle bus available from the Cattleman’s Bar
🎨 Kids activities from 5:30pm
🐂 Mini Ringers Challenge from 6:30pm
🎶 DJ Roland from 7:00pm–11:00pm
🔨 Live Auction from 8:00pm

There’ll be something happening from the moment the gates open until the final shuttle departs, so settle in for a night of celebrating our industry, our community, and our future. 🐂🌟

25/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome Joshua Burgoyne MLA , who stopped by to purchase his Govies' Muster tickets. While he was here, one of our tour guides invited him to say a few words to her visiting group — and what a special moment it turned into.

Minister Burgoyne shared memories of attending the school next door as a young student and spoke about seeing Alice Springs School of the Air students arrive for their In-School weeks four times each year. Even more special, his daughter now attends the very same school he once did.

As a long-time supporter of Alice Springs School of the Air, Josh’s connection and continued encouragement mean a great deal to us.

Our visitors thoroughly enjoyed their unexpected guest speaker and the opportunity to hear such personal reflections and local stories. Thank you for stopping in and supporting us Joshua Burgoyne MLA

06/06/2026

BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

The 2010s through to the 2020s continued a proud legacy of innovation, growth, and global influence.

The journey toward modern online learning began in 2001, when Dr William Newman was recruited to investigate the transition from radio lessons to internet-based teaching. By 2003, he had coined the term IDL (Interactive Distance Learning), combining new technologies with real-time distance teaching that would transform remote education. REACT software was later introduced across all studios.

In December 2005, Dr Newman oversaw the final radio lesson — marking the end of an extraordinary era.

New studios opened, the Middle Years Program expanded learning opportunities, and students from around the world joined the school community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 700 organisations contacted Alice Springs School of the Air for guidance on remote learning.

Today, the school continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and innovative teaching practices while staying true to its mission of connecting students across the vast Australian Outback.

Discover more stories at our Visitor Centre as we celebrate 75 years of connection, learning, and innovation.

05/06/2026

LEARNING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

The 2000’s marked a major shift from radio lessons to online learning.
Under Principal Steve Bobos and Dr William Newman, Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) using satellite and broadband technology transformed the delivery of education across the Outback.

In 2006, the final radio lesson was delivered — closing one remarkable chapter in the school’s history.

The decade also included a royal moment, with Queen Elizabeth II visiting the school and witnessing firsthand the innovation shaping remote education in Australia.

A new era of learning without boundaries had begun.

Discover more stories at our Visitor Centre as we celebrate 75 years of connection, learning, and innovation.