| MacDonnell Ranges Eastern MacDonnell Ranges | |
 | |
| State | Australia |
|---|---|
| Federated state | Northern Territory |
| Mountain range | MacDonnell Ranges |
| Height | 1,531 m a.s.l. |
| Tourism site | |
MacDonnell Ranges Eastern (East) are located in Northern Territory, and more precisely in the Red Center ofAustralia, East of Alice Springs.
To know
THE MacDonnell Ranges Eastern they are generally considered less attractive than the MacDonnell Ranges Western, a little ugly brother. This has led to a definitely lower average turnout, leaving more space for the traveler who also exposes himself on this side of the ranges. Somehow the road that goes into the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges is more varied and interesting, also leaving room for notable green patches.
If your vacation days are numbered and you have to choose between the two brothers, then i MacDonnell Ranges Western they are probably the best choice. But if you have a half day free ad Alice Springs, rent a car and take a ride here.
Geographical notes
THE MacDonnell Ranges Eastern they extend about 150 km east of Alice Springs. The first natural park (Emily Gap), is located just 10 km from the city, making it very popular especially on weekends.
Flora and fauna
The park, at first glance, can be a big arid desert. In fact, there are many animals that reside in this area, starting with kangaroos of the rocks, from the countless species of birds and other animals of the marsupial family. There is obviously no shortage of snakes to which you must always pay close attention. Be aware that during the day temperatures can be very high, and therefore the animals tend to go out in the hours close to sunrise and sunset.
The plants in this part ofAustralia they are typical of the outback, that is fat and linked to desert areas. The mulga is a typical plant of the center Australia, with a very hard trunk, used for the creation of tools by the aborigines. There are also many gum-trees, trees with white and smooth trunk.
If you are lucky enough to arrive after a rain you will immediately notice how little water can suddenly wake the desert. Green wins over brown and red. Plants grow at an unthinkable speed. It is as if nature suddenly wants to exploit that little water to concentrate a year of life in a few days, maybe a week.
When to go
Heat and humidity are an important factor to consider visiting MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. During the hot hours in January and February, temperatures in the Gorges could be as high as 45-50 degrees. Emily Gap offers a nice pool to cool off, but you won't be alone on the weekend.
Clearly you don't come to Australia just for this park so all that remains is to be prepared for the conditions of the period you visit this continent, which can be, depending on the months, completely different, and sometimes even surprising. Summarizing in a nutshell:
- from November to March temperatures can soar as high as 45-50 degrees during the day, and there can also be some rainy days, although periods of years without rain are not uncommon. In these months the visits are concentrated in the very busy morning (dawn) and in the late afternoon. On average every 10-15 years there are also overflows and floods, check the weather conditions before leaving.
- from June to September the temperatures during the day are only very pleasant, around 20 degrees perfect for visiting and walking the sites. Beware that nights can be very cold, even below zero, and even during the day there may be that cool wind that requires a sweater. If you are camping in the park, bring the right equipment for the night. If you have warm accommodation in Alice Springs this is probably the best time.
- in the other months the temperatures are more moderate
Background
The Ranges have a life of 310 to 340 million years and have emerged as a result of strong earthquakes that have changed a good part of the central part of theAustralia.
Both MacDonnell Ranges have been inhabited by the Aboriginal people, the Arrernte, for thousands of years. A good part of this has now unfortunately moved to Alice Springs where it has not fully integrated, thus losing the traditions handed down from generation to generation.
The white man first moved to this area when gold was discovered in the late 1800s in Arltunga, about 110 km east of the present Alice Springs, but the distance from everything and the high cost of extraction, also due to the lack of water, pushed the gold diggers to abandon the mine, and therefore the site.
Territories and tourist destinations
How to get
The inhabited center to be kept as a base is Alice Springs from which i MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. There are no petrol stations along the way, so fill up in the city before you leave.
By plane
The airport is located in Alice Springs from which you can rent a car or opt for an organized trip.
By car
Ross Hwy (State 8) starts from Alice Springs and follows i MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. The road is paved for about 90 km to Ross River Resort, after which it is unpaved. 4WD is essential if you intend to go further. Trephina Gorge Nature Park can also be reached with a 2WD, as there are only three non-dirt kilometers that divide it from Ross Hway. The speed limit is 110 km. It is easy to pass this limit, given the absence of traffic and the road always straight, but it is not recommended as the police frequently install speed control lasers.
If you have decided to rent a car a Alice Springs, make sure the mileage is included, so as not to have any nasty surprises on your return. Besides the usual companies like Avis, Budget and Europcar, it is also recommended to check with Outback Auto Rentals [1][link not working], a local supplier, and AutoEurope [2], one of the rare operators that rent with unlimited mileage. Beware that they tend to invoice km over 100 / day, do write unlimited mileage on the contract, so as not to have any nasty surprises later (check your credit card anyway and get the phone number, in case you can at least call back). In addition, car insurance does not normally cover if you travel off-road, even dirt, with a 2WD (if you do it for a few kilometers, be careful and reduce your speed).
By bus
Greyhound Australia [3] is the only official bus company that connects Alice Springs. Here you can rent a car or opt for an organized trip.
Permits / Rates
Ranges are accessible without the need for permits. Only if you want to camp you will have to pay $ 3 -5 $, to be placed in a box in the envelope provided.
How to get around
Download a map [4] gods MacDonnell Ranges Eastern (includes both Emily and Jessiga Gaps as well as the entire eastern part of the ranges on the back). The car is the essential means of getting around the park. It is also possible to do it by bike, especially if you only want to visit Emily and Jessie Gaps, but if you want to go further the distances are enormous, and the heat and humidity can be high, the water is another problem.
Alternatively, you can opt for an organized trip that will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and bring you back in the late afternoon.
- Alice Wanderer, ☎ 61 (08) 8952 2111.
from 105 $. Specialized in the Western MacDonnells, but also organizes trips to the Eastern ones on request or for multi-day trips - Emu Run Tours, ☎ 61 (08) 8953 7057, @[email protected]. from $ 99. Also included lunch and breakfast
- Chambers Pillar, ☎ 61 (08) 8953 2666, @[email protected]. from $ 148. Specialized in 4WD travel
from 105 $. Specialized in the Western MacDonnells, but also organizes trips to the Eastern ones on request or for multi-day tripsWhat see
- Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park[5]. Both rifts are of considerable spiritual importance to the Arrernte. They have been discoveries in 1871 by Sir Charles Todd, who named them Emily and Jessie (the nature of the names is still unknown). Both parks are easily accessible from Alice Spring, about 10 km to the east.
- Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve[6], a sacred site for the Arrernte, a local aboriginal population. It was abandoned over time due to the lack of water. Easily accessible from Ross Hwy, approximately 47K east of Alice Springs
- Trephina Gorge Nature Park (map [7]), probably the most beautiful park of the MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. It has two beautiful gorge (canyons), the first, Trephina Gorge, reachable by following a dirt road for about 3 km. The second one, John Hayes Rockhole, reachable only with 4WD. Both have rock formations of a very bright red color, interspersed with gum-trees of an intense white color, and in the background of green pools of water. The contrast invites to procrastinate in the production of photos. In the warm months you can swim in the John Hayes Rockhole. Trephina is located approximately 85 km from the city.
- Arltunga Historical Reserve (map [8]), a ghost town in the middle of theAustralia. The police station as well as the prison have been restored and you can also visit a couple of mines with a torch. The site is located about 110 km from the city and there are 20 km of dirt road, normally viable even with 2WD, it is however suggested to check at the Information Center of Alice Springs the state of the road. There is also a Visitor Center where some of the history of the place is exhibited.
What to do
The main recreational activities are related to walking in the sites listed above. In particular, the trails in Trephina are suggested.
Shopping
There are no shops or supermarkets along the MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. Do your shopping a Alice Springs
Where to eat
There are no restaurants or bars along the MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. Organize your eating a Alice Springs.
There are no restaurants, bars or shops along the MacDonnell Ranges Eastern. Organize drinking a Alice Springs. Bring plenty of water with you, at least 4-5 liters per day. Water is also available at the Visitor Center in Arltunga Historical Reserve
Where stay
The solutions are quite limited to camping in the park, in predefined areas and at the Ross River Resort.
- Ross River Resort, ☎ 61 (08) 8956 9711. 10$-100$. The only alternative to camping, but don't have high expectations, you are still in bush. There is a small cafe, shop and gasoline available, but unless you plan to stay overnight, don't count on it, Alice Springs has a better choice
- 'Campsites located in Trephina and Arltunga (3 $ -5 $)
Safety
No problem with theft or crime, of course. Just beware of possible snakes even if they are very rare in the resort. If you are camping, remember to always close the tent, so as not to find surprises at night.
How to keep in touch
Telephony
You will have the signal for the mobile phone in the places listed above, unless you are in some gorge. If you plan to venture into 4WD for several days, especially off-the-beaten path tracks, consider renting a satellite phone.
Around
Excursions
- all day: go directly to Arltunga Historical Reserve, it's easy to lose half a day here. Picnic areas are available for lunch. On the way back stop at Trephina Gorge Nature Park, where you can take a walk in the Trephina Gorge and a swim in the John Hayes Rockhole (only with 4WD). If time allows a break of 30 minutes it can be dedicated to Corroboree Rock. Then finish your trip with a visit to Jessie and then to Emily Gap (where you can take another bath). In total about 250 km starting and returning in Alice Springs.
- half day: like the whole day but exclude Arltunga put as the first destination Trephina Gorge Nature Park. In total about 190 km starting and returning in Alice Springs.
