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West & East MacDonnell Ranges Full-day small group Tour -Scheduled Tour

Tour Itinerary and details
Start : At 8.00 AMDuration : Ten hours & a half (approx.)Price : Promotional Price AUD $ 199.00 per Passenger

Explore the Wonders of West MacDonnell Ranges and East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour- Small Group
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Australia with the West MacDonnell Ranges and East MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Tour. Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Central Australia with a half-day tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges, and in the afternoon, you will witness the striking landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic landmarks of Alice Springs; you’ll experience the very best this region has to offer, all in one day. This incredible journey takes you through panoramic outback landscapes, historical sites, spiritual landmarks, and unique geological formations, providing a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders and ancient stories that shape this extraordinary part of the world. This immersive tour perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
Tour HighlightsThe tour begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, followed by a day packed with breathtaking sights and fascinating insights into the history and culture of Alice Springs and its surrounding areas. Key destinations include Honeymoon Gap, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge Nature Park, and the Giant Ghost Gum Tree (Three hundred years old). After visiting these incredible sites, once again, we will visit Anzac Hill to enjoy the stunning Sunset, and the tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.
Tour Itinerary
Simpsons Gap: A Natural and Cultural Icon
A short drive brings you to Simpsons Gap, one of the most striking locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, the permanent waterhole, and the ancient Red River Gums create a tranquil and photogenic landscape. This site holds great cultural significance for the local Arrernte Aboriginal people and is considered the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors. Along the walking trail, you’ll also have the chance to spot local wildlife, such as the Black-footed rock wallaby.
Standley Chasm: A Spectacular Geological Formation
Prepare to be amazed by the dramatic Standley Chasm, also known as Angkerle Atwatye, which means "the Gap of Water" in the local Arrernte language. This 80-meter-high rock formation is a sight, with vibrant colours that change throughout the day. A 1.2-kilometer trail leads you to the heart of the chasm, where you’ll discover its geological significance and unique flora and fauna. The Western Arrernte people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years, manage the site.
Honeymoon Gap: A Romantic and Historic Landmark
Your next stop is Honeymoon Gap, a small but significant gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The site is not only important to the Arrernte people but also holds a unique historical tale. It was named after a couple, Bob and Victoria Darken, who camped here for their honeymoon in 1942. Despite car troubles and bad weather, the site became known as Honeymoon Gap, a name that stuck even after it was initially called Temple Bar Gap.
Lunch Break (45 minutes)
After exploring these stunning natural attractions, you’ll have a lunch break to recharge before continuing your adventure. We take break for forty-five minutes.
Emily Gap
Following lunch, your tour takes you to Emily Gap. Emily Gap is a significant site for the dreaming stories of three ancestral caterpillars, Yeperenye, Utnerrengatye and the Ntyarlke. Caterpillar Dreaming is one of the most important creation stories for Mparntwe/Alice Springs and the surrounding region. Many Arrernte people conceived in Alice Springs consider themselves direct descendants of these caterpillars.
Jessie Gap
Your next visit will be to Jessie Gap. Atherrke is the Arrernte name for Jessie Gap. Jessie and Emily Gaps are associated with storylines for the Three Caterpillars: Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye. The Emu storyline also has a relationship with this site. The white sand against the ridge to the east of this gap represents the emu fat. You will have a chance to see Aboriginal rock arts at Jessie Gap. The name Jessie Gap first appeared in the early 1870s on maps of central Australia by W.W. Mills, a surveyor employed on the Overland Telegraph Line.
Corroboree Rock
Your next visit will be to Corroboree Rock. It’s one of many sites in the MacDonnell Ranges that are important to the Eastern Arrernte people. You will take a short walk with our guide around the rock base to survey the area and closely look at the ancient sedimentary, fine-grained rock. At the base, you can see dark grey and light grey streaky blobs of dolostone rock. A ring of low ground surrounds it, making it look like an obelisk.
This striking dolostone outcrop, formed from ancient sedimentary rock, is a silent witness to thousands of years of history. Though its exact purpose remains a mystery, it is thought to have been used for storing ceremonial objects rather than as a site for corroborees (traditional dances). A short walk around the base of the rock reveals its fascinating streaky texture and forms an integral part of the region’s cultural landscape. The rock is an outcrop of dolomite from the Bitter Springs Formation, originally laid in salty lakes 800 million years ago.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park: The Rugged Heart of the Ranges
Continuing east, you’ll arrive at Trephina Gorge Nature Park, a stunning location known for its rugged scenery and diverse wildlife. This 85-kilometre-long park is a prime example of the East MacDonnell Ranges' dramatic beauty. The park offers a range of short walks, perfect for exploring the rugged landscape, including the wide views of the sandy creek bed below.
Trephina Gorge is home to abundant wildlife, particularly birds and other animals drawn to the waterholes throughout the area. For nature lovers, this park is a great place to catch a glimpse of the unique flora and fauna of the Outback. It also carries deep significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people, as it lies within the Wallaby Dreaming Trail.
Giant Ghost Gum Tree: A Majestic Symbol of the Outback
Before returning to Alice Springs, your final stop is the famous Giant Ghost Gum Tree, located within Trephina Gorge Nature Park. With its stark white bark, this ancient tree is more than 300 years old, making it the largest and oldest Ghost Gum tree in Central Australia. The tree stands as a majestic testament to the resilience of life in the harsh desert landscape. A visit to this extraordinary natural monument provides a sense of the vastness and timelessness of the Outback.
Tour Conclusion
After visiting these incredible sites, the tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation, leaving you with lasting memories of the stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and rich Aboriginal culture of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges.
Inclusions:
  • Experienced and friendly guide
  • 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus provided
  • Complimentary water/ soft drinks provided
  • Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off.
  • All Entrance fees
  • NT Parks Visitor Pass
What to Bring:
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing
  • Camera
  • A jacket in cooler months
  • Smile and happy faces
Not included:
  • Food and drinks other than those listed
  • No wheelchair accessible
  • Lunch not provided
Not Allowed:
  • Luggage or large bags (carry-on hand luggage are allowed)
  • Pets
Additional Information
  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps (No seater provided)
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/ activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers.
For your information, call us on +61 (0)8 8952 7272 or 0469 277 581 email sales@alicespringstransfers.com.au
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