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Palm Valley and West MacDonnell Ranges Adventure Tour
$320.00 - YHA/VIP/Students $290.00
Plus $75 Local Payment (includes Precinct, Park and Oak Valley Aboriginal tour guide fees, food and fuel levy)
All prices in Australian Dollars. GST included.
Departs Alice Springs 6 AM Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
Maximum 14 passengers
Bush Camping and 4-Wheel Driving
This unique 2 day West MacDonnell Ranges adventure tour offers the very best of the Alice Springs region: the West MacDonnell Ranges and Palm Valley as well as a night out bush, camping under our magnificent southern stars. Travelling in a 4WD vehicle with a genuine small group (max. 14 people), we explore highlights such as Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Owen Springs Reserve, the Hermannsburg Settlement as well as 4-wheel driving into Palm Valley.
Aboriginal Component
We will take a visit to the Oak Valley Aboriginal Community south of Alice Springs to provide you with a first-hand experience of local Aboriginal life. You can learn about ancient myths and stories of their land, bush tucker, spear and boomerang throwing. You will also get to experience some of their paintings and artefacts they make which can be purchased. As well as Oak Valley we will visit Hermannsburg Aboriginal Community offering the opportunity to explore this settlement that was established in 1877.
Our Guides Among the Best
Our experienced guides have all the required bush skills to keep you safe and comfortable. They are among the best in Central Australia because of their enthusiasm and ability to bring people together to have the best time. This is backed up with extensive local knowledge of the outback, the Aboriginal people (Anangu), plus local and European history.
This 2 day safari will leave you with a memory of a lifetime and a real taste of Outback Alice Springs.
Note: Due to the adventurous nature of our safaris, unpredictable weather / road conditions and long travel times, Wayoutback strongly recommends travellers take out Travel Insurance including Cancellation Cover.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Lunch, Dinner)
The day starts early as we pick you up from your accommodation at about 5.45am to finalise ticketing and then get on the road to begin our journey.
From here we head off to Oak Valley Aboriginal Community. We now spend the morning checking out the sights of Oak Valley including Rock Paintings and carvings with your Aboriginal Host. From here we head along the Hugh River stock route on and into Owen Springs Reserve 4 wheel driving along bush tracks through this old cattle station emerging at the west MacDonnell Ranges. The MacDonnell Ranges stretch for over 200km in length enabling us to explore some stunning gorges, refreshing waterholes and walks through a landscape unique to this part of the world. The day will be packed with information, swimming, short walks and time out to enjoy your surrounds.
Highlights included are Oak Valley Aboriginal Community, Hugh River Stock Route, Owen Springs Reserve, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. Be on the watch for Rock Wallabies and other fauna that use the retreat of the rugged ranges as a safe haven. At the day’s end we set up our bush camp for a night under the stars situated on the Finke River, here we will cook dinner over the campfire and share a few tales and an ale around the fire in true outback style.
- Oak Valley Aboriginal Community
- Hugh River Stock Route
- Owen Springs Reserve
- Ormiston Gorge
- Glen Helen
Day 2 (Breakfast, Lunch)
Morning is at its best just as the sun starts to rise followed with a hearty breakfast and a fresh pot of coffee. After breaking camp we head off around Namatjira Drive stopping at Tyler’s Pass to view Gosse Bluff (comet crater) along the way. From this point it’s on towards Hermannsburg, an Historic Lutheran Mission established in 1877. On arrival at Hermannsburg we’ll visit the heritage precinct+ where we can explore the historic buildings and grounds whilst enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
Departing Hermannsburg we lock in the hubs and 4wd into Palm Valley. After lunch we’ll go for a hike through this picturesque valley discovering some of its hidden treasures. After our hike it’s back into the vehicle and off home to Alice Springs. We will have you back at your accommodation around 6pm.
- View Gosse Bluff (Comet Crater)
- Hermannsburg
- Finke River
- Palm Valley
- Alice Springs
+ Cost additional to Wayoutback fare. If visiting Standley Chasm or the Precinct at Hermannsburg, entry fee not included in fare.
Itinerary may change due to seasonal changes, operational logistics and accessibility.