East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group
5.0 / 5 · 41 traveler reviews
The East MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel along through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historical locations. The East MacDonnell Ranges are popular as Central Australia’s most famous outback landscapes – gaps, gorges, bush walks, Aboriginal art, and unique geological formations.
Your experience
Stop 1
Your first visit of the day is at the local iconic landmark of Anzac Hill, where you will be able to take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges.
Stop 2
Your next visit will be Emily and Jessie Gaps. Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Parks are the first noticeable features of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you drive 16 kilometres out of Alice Springs. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Many places in the surrounding landscape are associated with the same caterpillar Dreamtime story and form a 'Dreaming Trail'. Emily Gap is a significant sacred site where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) originated. These caterpillars formed Emily Gap, and many of the topographic features around Alice Springs radiated out to the edge of the Simpson Desert. At Emily Gap, you can see a large rock painting depicting the caterpillar dreaming.
Stop 3
Your next visit will be Corroboree Rock. It’s one of many sites in the MacDonnell Ranges that are of great importance to the Eastern Arrernte people. Please take a short walk with our guide around the rock base to survey the area and have a closer 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 surrounding it makes it look like an obelisk. The real significance of the rocky outcrop to the Eastern Arrernte people is not well known. Corroboree Rock was probably not a corroboree site due to the lack of water in the area but was probably used as an important storage site for ceremonial objects. The rock is an outcrop of dolomite from the Bitter Springs Formation originally laid down in salty lakes 800 million years ago.
Stop 4
Your next visit will be Trephina Gorge, Nature Park. Discover the rugged landscapes, wildlife, Aboriginal and pastoral histories of the East MacDonnell Ranges at Trephina Gorge Nature Park. Located 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the park is a handy distance for a day or a longer trip and is notable for its short walks, views, and natural beauty. Trephina Gorge has wide views across a sandy creek bed and can be explored via a network of short walking tracks. It’s one of two gorges that intersect the East MacDonnell Ranges. As well as a good place for a cool dip, waterholes in this area attract abundant animals and birds. The largest Ghost Gum in Central Australia is set in the park, alone on a saltbush flat. The area is significant to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people and contains sites part of the Wallaby dreaming trail. Once a part of the Garden Station, the park has strong historical links with the early settlement of Central Australia.
What’s included
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Entrance fees
- Tea and coffee
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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