2 Night West MacDonnell Ranges
Arguably the best kept secrets of the Red Centre, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges will leave you spell bound
Although most have heard of the three icons, no-one ever forgets their time in the Macdonnell Ranges. Join our flexible, two-day adventure to learn more about these rugged landscapes with hidden escarpments, waterholes and gullies.
- 1 Night Camping
- Comfortable air conditioned coach
- Swag Camping
- All Meals and Equipment
- Ormiston Pound Walk
- Redbank Gorge
- Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Flexible itinerary
- Accommodation Transfers
- Real Bush Camping
- Professional, accredited tour guides
- Trip length:
- 3 Days
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Alice Springs
- End:
- Alice Springs
- Vehicle:
- Airconditioned Mini Bus
- Sleep:
- Swags
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs to East MacDonnell Ranges
Your departure time is 4.45 pm today, so you have most of the day to relax. Alice Springs is really where you need to go to understand the heart and soul of Australia. Meet your guide and fellow travelers at the Alice Springs pick-up point this morning and set off to explore the Red Centre.
Accommodation
- Swag camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Dinner
Special Information
- Total driving time today is around 1.5 hours. Total walking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Day 2: East MacDonnell Ranges
Often overlooked for its western counterpart, the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges just might be one of the Outback’s best kept secrets. This is the home of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Learn about their caterpillar dreamtime story on a short walk to Emily Gap, an important spiritual site to the Arrernte people containing galleries of ancient rock paintings. Drive to Jesse Gap followed by Trephina Gorge, where you’ll set off on a one-hour guided walk to see its quartzite cliffs and rich birdlife. Afterwards, it’s time for lunch; grab a bite at the historical Ross River Homestead. After exploring the best of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, we drive to our overnight bush camp in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Accommodation
- Swag Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
- The total driving time is about 3 hours.
Day 3: West MacDonnell Ranges
Spend the afternoon exploring the Outback scenery of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Visit one of the most photographed places in the Red Centre; Ormiston Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies while admiring the colourful, sweeping walls surrounding its waterhole. Continue to Redbank Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole, a popular spot for a refreshing dip. After a satisfying day spent exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, we head back to Alice Springs where our adventure ends.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
- The total walking distance is up to 10 kms. The total driving time is about 3 hours.
Start & Finish
Tour Starts:
Alice Springs Only
- 06:40 - Alice Lodge Backpackers
- 06:40 - Alice Motor Inn
- 06:40 - Stay at Alice Springs Hotel (formerly Aurora)
- 06:40 - YHA Alice Springs (meet at Aurora Hotel)
- 06:40 - Alice Airport Motel
- 06:40 - Alice in the Territory
- 06:40 - Alice on Todd
- 06:40 - Alice Springs Tourist Park
- 06:40 - Alices Secret
- 06:40 - Crowne Plaza Hotel Lasseters
- 06:40 - Double Tree by Hilton
- 06:40 - Diplomat Motel
- 06:40 - Elkira Motel
- 06:40 - G'day Mate Tourist Park
- 06:40 - Gapview Hotel
- 06:40 - Jump Inn
- 06:40 - Mercure Alice Springs
- 06:40 - Quest
- 06:40 - Swagmans Rest
- 06:40 - Desert Palms Alice Springs
My Hotel Not Listed: Let us know where you will be staying and we will arrange the nearest pick up location for you.
Tour Finishes
Alice Springs Only
- 18:00 - Alice Springs
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts
- Hat and sunglasses
Passengers need to take caution during December/January period where temperaturs in Central Australia can get quite high. Its advised to prepare accordingly.
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Airconditioned Mini bus
ACCOMMODATION
- 1 night swag camping
MEALS
- 2 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
OTHER
- Professional guide
- Park Entry Fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
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.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made 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/walking up to 5km each day.
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.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
If you are using Telstra as your mobile service provider than most likely yes! Their coverage of Australia is quite extensive so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
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.
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.
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.
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 we generally say 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.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing 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. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Cost and Fees
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
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.
Whilst on tour
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations.
What will the weather be like?
Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.
Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.