Emu Run Half Day West MacDonnell Ranges Tour

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See the best of the West MacDonnell Ranges in a single morning: John Flynn's grave, a walk into Simpsons Gap to look for black-footed rock wallabies, and morning tea before walking through the narrow red walls of Standley Chasm. You are back in Alice Springs by about midday.

Days

Half day, about 4.5 to 5 hours

Age

2 years and over

Group size

Max 36

Start / finish

Alice Springs / West MacDonnell Ranges / Alice Springs
Your accommodation, about midday

Return

Your accommodation, about midday

Transport

Air-conditioned bus with accommodation pick-up

Meals

Morning tea

Route

Map of Emu Run Half Day West MacDonnell Ranges Tour

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Included experiences

John Flynn's Grave — resting place of the Flying Doctor founder
Simpsons Gap — short walk and a look for black-footed rock wallabies
Standley Chasm — morning tea and a walk through the chasm

Emu Run Half Day West MacDonnell Ranges Tour

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: JOHN FLYNN'S GRAVE

Your guide collects you from your Alice Springs accommodation early, and the bus heads west along the foot of Tjoritja, the West MacDonnell Ranges, as the low sun lights up the ridges. On the way you hear about the desert's plants and animals and the area's history. The first stop is John Flynn's Grave, resting place of the man who started the Flying Doctor service in 1928. The boulder on his grave first came from Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles); in 1999 it was returned to its traditional owners and replaced with a stone from nearby.

MID-MORNING: SIMPSONS GAP

Next is Simpsons Gap, where a short walk follows a sandy creek bed, shaded by river red gums, to a break in the range where a waterhole sits beneath the cliffs. Watch the boulders on either side: black-footed rock-wallabies live here, and they often sit so still in the shade that you walk right past them. Early in the day, when it's cool, is the best time to spot them. Birds come to the water too, so listen for the calls echoing off the walls.

LATE MORNING: STANDLEY CHASM

The last stop is Standley Chasm, Angkerle Atwatye to the Arrernte people who own and run it, is a cleft only a few metres wide between walls about 80 metres high. The path in climbs a rocky creek past MacDonnell Ranges cycads, an ancient plant left over from wetter times. Around the middle of the day the sun reaches the floor and the walls glow orange. The English name honours Ida Standley, the first schoolteacher in Alice Springs. Morning tea comes first, then you walk into the chasm. From here the bus heads back to Alice Springs, and you're at your accommodation by about midday.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Alice Springs accommodation.
Departure time: Early morning, between about 7am and 7:45am; your exact time is confirmed when you book. Runs most days from April to October and three days a week from November to March.
Finishes: Back at your accommodation at about midday.
Minimum age: Children from 2 years. Under 18s must travel with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: Short, easy walks that suit all ages and fitness levels.
Please note: Entry to Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park needs an NT Parks Pass, which is not included; buy it online before the day. Maximum 36 people per tour.

What to bring

Proof of booking (an email copy is fine)
Your NT Parks Pass
Water bottle, at least 1 litre
Strong, non-slip walking shoes
Wide-brimmed hat
Fly net
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Comfortable clothes: cool and light in summer, warm in winter

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at your Alice Springs accommodation
Local guide
Air-conditioned transport
Morning tea
Entry to Standley Chasm

Not included

NT Parks Pass, $10 (buy online before the tour; a digital copy is fine)
Lunch

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

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Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

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Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

“friendly guides. beautiful location”

A lovely outing with an excellent guide, beautiful spots and simple, easy walks. Pick-up and drop-off were smooth.

roxanne Verified· Travelled 1st September 2026

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