West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
By Emu Run Experience - Day Tours
About
Pack the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges into a single day tour from Alice Springs. With someone else driving, you can focus on the stunning scenery and listen to commentary. See Glen Helen, Ellery Creek, Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge, and Simpsons Gap, with chances to swim and hike along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off make for a seamless trip.
from per adult
$136.49
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 24 per group
Duration: 10h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- See multiple highlights of West MacDonnell National Park on a single tour
- Hear commentary about the history and geology of the park
- Pack light: enjoy a provided picnic lunch by a water hole and stops for tea
- All entrance fees included in tour cost
- Morning Tea
- Fresh Buffet Lunch
- Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
- Experienced, friendly tour guide
- Air-conditioned transport
- Entry fee to Standley Chasm
- Entry/Admission - MacDonnell Ranges
What's not included- Gratuities
- After early morning pickup from your Alice Springs hotel in a climate-controlled vehicle, head for West MacDonnell National Park. On your first walk at Simpsons Gap, stop at a natural rock amphitheater, home to the rare black-footed wallaby. Move on to Standley Chasm, where you’ll enjoy morning tea and a stroll under acacias, ghost gums, and cypress pines. At the Ochre Pits, visit a sacred ceremony site for the Arrernte people. Next, head to Ormiston Gorge for a picnic lunch by the water hole before continuing on to the Mt. Sonder lookout, one of Central Australia’s highest points, for epic views and photo ops. Then, cool off with a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, and learn about the site’s geology from your guide. The day’s last activity, available as an upgrade in October through March, is a camel ride during sunset. Relax on the ride back to your hotel.
- Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- Please call to confirm pickup time prior to tour date. Kindly allow 15 mins for the bus to arrive.
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6762WM- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please wear strong, non-slip walking shoes
- Please bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and swimwear during the summer months
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Which attractions will I visit with West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs on Tripadvisor
- How much is West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs?
- West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs price starts from $135.94. Discover and book West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs on Tripadvisor
- What is the West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs cancellation policy?
- West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs?
- West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs is hosted by Emu Run Experience - Day Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Emu Run Experience - Day Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6762WM
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About the operator
Emu Run Experience - Day Tours
2,955
Australia
Joined in September 2009
#9 of 42 Tours & Activities in Alice Springs
- Michael L00Huge red rock on desert.Red rock on desert is amaising and we very thankfull to our driver/guides for their comments about geological formation of this rock and for description of aborigens and their culture.
- F6626MKkimd00Three tours with Emu run ExperienceThis is a must do experience .We also did Palm Valley and West McDonald Ranges.Great guides and plenty of information and easy going Thanku Catarina ,Miguel,Yat and Charlie.Great value for money.Great memories
- diwhelan00100Uluṟu day tripA very loooong but enjoyable day trip. Took heaps of pics and made lots of memories. Miguel was our driver and Yad our Cultural guide. Definite must do if coming to Alice Springs.
- diwhelan00100Off roadingGreat off roading experience with a nice scenic walk at the end. Word of warning - ladies, don’t forget your sports bra! Thanks Jono for a memorable experience.
- lyndadA974UY00Amazing tripAwesome driver and tour guide very informative. Amazing scenery great day Miguel was the best Everything was well organised
- pcandma00Old Cycads and Palm DayPick up was 7am at our Motel - out at 6.55am waited till 7.25 - Driver said he came at 6.45. Showed our paper for 7am. Then bus wasn't running properly. and no heating. Dave our driver talked ALL the way to Hermansburg.We went there first so they could change the bus. Interesting historic precinct. Really enjoyed seeing some of the aboriginal art for sale etc. and old buildings.We then set off for Palm Valley Really enjoyed seeing the old Cycads and the Palms only found in this area. Great crossing the Fincke River. Dave gave good information about the area but oh dear he never stopped talking and then it became personal and all about his wife and his trips.into the area.Very hard to take videos with him talking incessantly about things not even congruous with the scenery. Not the only one to find him hard to listen to. A young Aussie said she was sure he could still talk underwater with his mouth full of marbles. I suppose to be honest his non stop talk spoilt the complete enjoyment of the day.
- sharonmorton00West MacDonald and beyondPhilippe took us through the West MacDonald ranges and although he has been in the job for about 12 months he still had an understanding of the sights and Aboriginal connections
- elizabethcO639OB00Emu Run all day tourBrilliant tour. Picked up from our hotel on time. Our guide was Yad who terrific. We saw and learned a lot is a short amount of time. The sunset BBQ viewing the Rock was a very relaxing way to end a busy day. About $330. PP (September 2023) Our opinion was good value for money.
- 57lesley201500Great TransferGreat transfer from Alice Springs Accommodation to Alice Springs Airport. Brad our driver, was a lovely gentleman who arrived (early) in a very comfortable and clean Mercedes van. His personality was wonderful and he was extremely thoughtful. When we arrived at the airport he advised which entrance to go through which was helpful seeing I was travelling with 2 people with disabilities.
- maureenbY1783PK0019 hours on a busWhat an ordeal. 19 hours from door to door. Most of it on the bus. I commend the tour operator for trying to fit in as much as possible, and they did, but it was so rushed even with a 19 hour day. Much better to stay nearer Uluru than to try to do all this in one day.
- Wander1673808381300A wonderful afternoon in Alice.The Historical Alice Tour this afternoon with Catalina was so interesting. The Alice Springs School of the Air and The Royal Flying Doctor Head Office were highlights. Catalina was an excellent guide and driver and was a lot of fun. Great afternoon.
- suemP5705FC00Excellent half day tripWe went on the Historical Alice Tour with our bus driver/guide Catalina who was excellent. The 4 places we stopped at were very interesting. Would recommend this tour.
- BrodrickMB00Safety concerns with this companyJohno our tour guide was fantastic - very informative and personable. However, our tour was concerning from the moment we were picked up. Firstly, it was an old decrepit bus,not a 4 WD as advertised. The bus stalled a couple of time and Johnno had to just restart it - explaining to us that this was fairly normal for the bus. I felt totally unsafe on the road as the bus felt like it was swerving all over the road. - Im even wondering if it should have been on the road. However, it got worse - we got bogged in the sand on the road that should only be driven by 4 WD drive, vehicles, then we discover that there was no 4WD recovery gear, no mats and no shovel,!!! All of us, 11 passengers, had to dig and push the bus out of the sand!!! We all took it in our stride and the overseas passengers certainly have a good story and photos to show off their adventure when they get home. Just wondering if there was a satellite phone as we were assured that there was!! Thanks heavens we will never know!!!
- janwI6309NH00Palm Valley with a differenceWe had the best guide, Johno. He was so generous with his time and knowledge. So helpful on the walk. Drove that 2 wheel drive bus on a 4 wheel drive track like a pro. Nothing fazed him, even when we got bogged without a shovel. Another guest said it was the best guide and trip she had ever been on.
- rosiek41300Best palm valley experienceJohn is a wonderful tour guide. He managed to being so much joy to the tour. We did some rock and roll with the mini van which is super cool
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
170 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
14
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
1
PMQuestions
North Yorkshire, UK33,316 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This trip started somewhat shakily with us being asked to be outside our hotel a full 30 minutes before the coach even left the Depot. The coach itself was well used and not very comfortable….
But the day picked up and we were able to reach interesting places with good explanations and a decent enough lunch. (More control would have been nice with people making up two wraps before others had even started - there certainly wasn’t enough for 2 each for all).
Other gripes include not sticking to schedules “back on the bus ready to leave at 2,45” being utterly ignored, very frustrating for those who were.
Overall an interesting day out but pretty rough at the edges.
But the day picked up and we were able to reach interesting places with good explanations and a decent enough lunch. (More control would have been nice with people making up two wraps before others had even started - there certainly wasn’t enough for 2 each for all).
Other gripes include not sticking to schedules “back on the bus ready to leave at 2,45” being utterly ignored, very frustrating for those who were.
Overall an interesting day out but pretty rough at the edges.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari40918506573
3 contributions
May 2021
This trip was not too bad but I still downvote it due to my bad experience same week with the same company. In the last tour, the bus was full and not even one extra seat was available and I had a very uncomfortable time to stay next to the person on my neighbor seat. My day was ruined and I could not change my seat. The company is careless on me as a customer and I will never ever choose this company anymore. My downvote will at least help the other people.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janine w
Melbourne, Australia270 contributions
Apr 2021
Karen, our guide & driver was fantastic. Professional & friendly with a great knowledge of the area. This is a great tour & nice to be taken to all the fantastic sights rather than a long day driving. We did this tour early April, so it was still quite warm, there was water on the bus, to fill up drink bottles at the stops & we were able to go for a swim at 2 locations.
We had a lovely morning tea Standley Chasm, but don't take too long taking photo's as we did as a lot of the morning tea had been eaten - though we still had enough to eat. We also had a nice lunch of wraps with deli meats & salad
I would definitely recommend you do this tour.
We had a lovely morning tea Standley Chasm, but don't take too long taking photo's as we did as a lot of the morning tea had been eaten - though we still had enough to eat. We also had a nice lunch of wraps with deli meats & salad
I would definitely recommend you do this tour.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Janine! Thank you for the 5-star review! We truly appreciate it. We hope to see you again!
Written August 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen C
Unley, Australia1 contribution
Sep 2021
We were booked with another tour operator who let us down at the last minute. However, we were very happy to have been able to book into this tour through the Alice Springs Tourist Centre. It was a wonderful day in various locations of the Wes Macdonnell Ranges, and the tour guide and bus driver Emma was brilliant. She was very knowledgeable and highly personable and a credit to Emu Run Tours. I would definitely recommend this to tourists in Central Australia.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freedom689799
2 contributions
Jan 2023
I did this tour on Friday 13 January 2023.
Our driver/guide told us 14 people were booked on the tour the night before it so Emu Run had catered for 14, but 24 people in total joined at the last minute.
Subsequently there was not enough food. After hiking, three of us shared a single small tortilla wrap filled with scraps of grated carrot and cheese. There may have been tea or coffee left (unlikely) but there were no cups to drinks them from.
This was very disappointing, unacceptable and easily avoidable. If Emu Run had catered for 14 people it should have refused the extra people.
Alternatively if Emu Run wanted to accept extra people on the day they should have told them to bring a picnic.
Another alternative was that the driver/guide could have bought extra food before leaving Alice Springs.
If the driver/guide wasn't allowed to leave the vehicle he could have asked a tourist to run to the supermarket in Alice Springs to buy extra food for the group.
The driver/guide also didn't get to eat (he had three palm-sized pieces of processed meat the group had left) and suggested the group make a complaint to Emu Run.
I emailed Emu Run seven days ago, haven't had a reply, so have emailed them again today and am posting this.
Our driver/guide told us 14 people were booked on the tour the night before it so Emu Run had catered for 14, but 24 people in total joined at the last minute.
Subsequently there was not enough food. After hiking, three of us shared a single small tortilla wrap filled with scraps of grated carrot and cheese. There may have been tea or coffee left (unlikely) but there were no cups to drinks them from.
This was very disappointing, unacceptable and easily avoidable. If Emu Run had catered for 14 people it should have refused the extra people.
Alternatively if Emu Run wanted to accept extra people on the day they should have told them to bring a picnic.
Another alternative was that the driver/guide could have bought extra food before leaving Alice Springs.
If the driver/guide wasn't allowed to leave the vehicle he could have asked a tourist to run to the supermarket in Alice Springs to buy extra food for the group.
The driver/guide also didn't get to eat (he had three palm-sized pieces of processed meat the group had left) and suggested the group make a complaint to Emu Run.
I emailed Emu Run seven days ago, haven't had a reply, so have emailed them again today and am posting this.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyzzee1977
Sydney, Australia127 contributions
This tour was a last minute booking and we were all thrilled with the day. We are a family of two adults, a 13 year old and an 8 year old and this tour was fantastic for all of us. We saw some truly spectacular scenery and our guide was knowledgeable and engaging. There was plenty of food and Glen Helen was a lovely lunch stop. I would recommend this tour to mobile
children and adults. My only complaint was that there were a lot of guests with limited mobility that held us up each stop, it is a tour for mobile people.
children and adults. My only complaint was that there were a lot of guests with limited mobility that held us up each stop, it is a tour for mobile people.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lyzzee, appreciate your review and thank you for the kind words. Glad you had a great time! See you back. Cheers
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing manatee
7 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We had a great time today with Emma. She provided enough commentaries to keep us interested - sophisticated enough for adults and relatable enough for my 8 year old. The tour was efficient, on time and every bit interesting. Within the constraints of an organised tour, it could be as active or as relaxing as we wish. The coach was comfortable and lunch was healthy and fresh. Highly recommended.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabibito_11
Barcelona, Spain6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
As our one day trip out of Alice Springs on a short visit there, this tour gave us a great experience of the broader area, and included picturesque stops with sufficient time to explore them. Our friendly guide Connie gave a very intersting, entertaining and well-informed commentary on the geology, flora and fauna etc. which enhanced the trip for us. A basic morning tea and a simple but tasty picnic lunch (make our own salad wrap) were included. The mini-bus did the job. Overall we thought this tour was well run, provided what it said it would, and was good value for money. We are happy to recommend it
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephenie C
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Dec 2022
Emu Run's tour of the West McDonnell Ranges was a highlight of the trip to Alice Springs. The day is jam-packed full of incredible places and Filippe (our guide) provided an informative and friendly narration as we travelled through the beautiful landscape. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a fabulous day.
Hope to do this tour again in the future.
Hope to do this tour again in the future.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coralie T
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Went on this trip on a very wet and cold day. We did get to all the places as specified on the tour. Karen, driver/guide was very knowledgeable in all aspects. However, in hindsight, the tour company should have cancelled the tour as the weather forecast for Saturday, 15th April was well known. If you're going to do this trip make sure that the weather is fine so you can really appreciate the natural beauty of this area.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the minimum number for this tour?
2609HelenE
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
The tour company would have a policy on minimum numbers to make the tour viable. Best to contact them.
Wendy M
Brisbane, Australia
If we go in April can we do the optional sunset camel ride and how much?
Apolonia70
adelaide1,549 contributions
Hi - didn't do this but April would be better weather - not so hot - try operator Camel tracks for their sunset tour - google camel tracks
khossack48
Echuca, Australia
Are meals included in tour
Laurence S
United Kingdom11 contributions
There was a (very respectable) lunch provided. Also : morning tea break (biscuits included), plus afternoon snack consisting of cake + fresh fruit. Chilled water supplies were also carried during the trip and available from guide/driver.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs provided by Emu Run Experience - Day Tours
Product Overview: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
Prices From | $90 |
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Number of Reviews | 168 |
Number of Photos | 222 |
Duration | 600 minutes |