East MacDonnell Ranges Tour (3-Days/2-Nights)

Like it's westerly twin, the East MacDonnell Ranges stretch 150km east of Alice Springs and hide some of Central Australia's most famous outback landscapes, gaps, gorges, bush walks, Aboriginal art and amazing geological formations.

Join our tour through the 'East Macs', taking you first to ANZAC Hill in Alice Springs, then off to the east via Emily & Jessie Gap, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge and on to Ross River Homestead. The tour includes a lunch service and drinks.

Day One

Emily & Jessie Gap

See Aboriginal rock paintings at Emily Gap, an Aboriginal sacred site 14 km from Alice Springs. The paintings tell the local Arrernte people's story of the caterpillar dreaming, which describes how Alice Springs was formed. Birdwatchers can see wild budgerigars nesting after the rain.

Corroboree Rock

Take the circular 20-minute walking track around the impressive dark grey dolomite structure of Corroboree Rock, about 50km out of Alice. This is an important sacred men's site in Arrenrnte culture. Take your camera - Corroboree Rock makes for amazing photos in the early morning or late evening light.

Trephina Gorge

Further along the Ross Highway is one of the East MacDonnell Ranges' best attractions: the Trephina Gorge National Park. It's known for its walking trails, Aboriginal rock art, dramatic ridges and bluffs, and its two excellent shady camp grounds. There are several short walks available here.

Ross River Homestead

Based around the original 1890's Loves Creek Homestead, the unique resort facility offers you a variety of accommodation options essential to providing you with your very own outback experience!

Day Two

Arltunga Historical Reserve

Learn about gold mining in Arltunga and find out how gold used to be extracted. Walks at the reserve take you through the Government Battery, Cyanide Works, Old Police Station, mines and homes.

Day Three

Fossicking at Gemtree

Join fellow fossickers on the tag-along tours in search of rich red garnets and the renowned Mud Tank zircons. Experience the thrill of fossicking for your own gems.

Aileron

It's the home of the stricking giant figure of the 'Anmatjere Man' which overlooks the surrounding region, along with Aileron's version of the hollywood sign, makes for a great holiday photo.

This tour requires a minimum of 5 participants to run. Pickups from accommodation locations in Alice Springs begin from 7am, and the tour starts from 8am, returning to Alice Springs at approximately 5pm.