East Macdonnells

While we don't currently offer any treks into the East Macdonnells, we have done so in the past and are more than happy to run charter bushwalking trips which go there.

The East Macdonnells are one of the best kept secrets in central Australia - beautiful and peaceful, yet, even on the roads, there is hardly a tourist to be seen.

Our East Macdonnells trips have consisted of two or three hikes, the longest of which begins with an easy pack carry across the pink and purple garnet-covered sands of Ruby Gap and Glen Annie Gorge to a base camp. From there, you do day walks into the surrounding hills exploring small, cool gorges and enjoying grand views southeast toward the Simpson Desert.

Here are some of the things we can include in a trip to the East Macdonnells.

• Ruby Gap Nature Park where, in March 1886, explorer David Lindsay found what he thought were rubies in the bed of the Hale River. Prospectors rushed in, but the 'rubies' were only high quality garnet. The prospectors left and peace returned.
• Arltunga Historical Reserve, site of Australia's first town. Here we can do short walks into the nearby hills (photo)or even a through walk to a homestead where we can spend the night.
• Trephina Gorge Nature Park where a long, spectacular walk along the range can easily take a full day.
• Yeperenye/Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, home to some of the most accessible rock art in the Centre.

The list goes on. If you would like a trekking trip without too much pack carrying but one where you do a variety of hikes, please contact us to see what we can arrange.