East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group
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.
Options
East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group
Pickup included
What's included in East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Anzac Hill
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.
The Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park
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.
Corroboree Rock Conservation Area
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.
Inclusions
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Coffee and/or Tea
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Hotels, Caravan Parks, Private reseidence