Full-Day Coach Trip, Bushman's Lunch

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip From Alice Springs

★ 4.7 334 reviews

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Duration: About 9.5 hours
Meeting point: Alice Springs hotel pickup
Meals: Morning tea and a bushman's lunch (listing)
Run by: Emu Run Experience

Overview

This full-day coach trip runs from Alice Springs deep into the West MacDonnell Ranges, with pickup from outside your accommodation at 7:45am and return by roughly 5:30pm. An Emu Run Experience guide drives the group in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a maximum of 36 people on board. The day packs in Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole, with John Flynn's Memorial also on the route.

The rhythm is straightforward: a walk at Simpsons Gap, morning tea and another walk at Standley Chasm, a stop at the Ochre Pits, then a bushman's lunch at Ormiston Gorge. On the return leg the group spends time at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia's most pristine waterholes, where a swim is possible in the warmer months if you bring your swimmers. One reviewer who weighed a half-day against the full-day option said the full day is worth it because of the travel time between places, and another said you could not see as much in one day driving yourself.

It suits travellers who want the highlights without hiring a car, and the walks are short enough for most ages and fitness levels. Standley Chasm entrance, morning tea and lunch are included; an NT Parks Pass is not, so bring a copy of your own.

DurationAbout 9.5 hours

Rating4.7 from 334 reviews

What's Included

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop off
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced, friendly tour guide
Entrance fee to Standley Chasm
Morning tea and bushman's lunch

Not Included

NT Parks Pass

Run byEmu Run Experience

Itinerary

Hotel pickup, 7:45amThe guide collects you from outside your Alice Springs accommodation. There are 22 pickup location options listed.
Simpsons GapA nature walk and photo stop in the ranges.
Standley ChasmMorning tea here, plus time for a walk. The entrance fee is included in the tour price.
Ochre PitsA stop at the historic Ochre Pits in West MacDonnell National Park. An NT Parks Pass is required and is not included.
Ormiston GorgeAnother short walk, followed by a bushman's lunch.
Ellery Creek Big HoleTime at this pristine waterhole on the way back. Bring swimmers in the warmer months for an optional dip.
Return and drop-offThe coach arrives back at your accommodation at approximately 5:30pm. There are 22 drop-off locations.

Town ShuttleIncluded

GuideIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A long but relaxed day on a coach with short walks at each stop, good photo stops, and an included morning tea and picnic lunch.

What to bring. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are on the listing's list. Add swimwear in the warmer months if you want a dip at Ellery Creek Big Hole. A digital copy of your NT Parks Pass is accepted.
Pace and walking. The walks at Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge are short, and the listing says they suit all ages and fitness levels. One reviewer cautioned that you get enough time to see each spot, not to explore it fully, so treat the stops as highlights rather than hikes.
The lunch. The bushman's lunch is a build-your-own wrap with salad and ham or chicken slices, plus cordial and apples, according to one reviewer. Not everyone loves it: one described the meal as mediocre, while another called it great. Go in expecting a simple picnic rather than a cooked meal.
Swim timing. If swimming at Ellery Creek matters to you, know that time there is limited. One reviewer said there is only enough time for a quick dip, not a full swim to the far end of the waterhole.

7:45amHotel pickup time

36 peopleMaximum passengers per departure

24 hoursCancellation cutoff for full refund

5:30pmCoach return time

Group size. Up to 36 people travel on each departure in an air-conditioned vehicle. If you prefer smaller groups, this tour may feel busy at times.
Guides and comfort. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides as knowledgeable, friendly and well organised, with commentary on culture, fauna and geology. One traveller noted a short hike during the hottest hours with the option to cool off in the water.

Rating4.7 from 334 reviews

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. The NT Parks Pass is not included, so you must buy and carry your own, digital or paper, as the listing asks you to bring a copy. Two reviewers found the bushman's lunch underwhelming, describing basic self-assembled wraps and cordial. Time at each stop is limited to sightseeing rather than real exploring, and one reviewer noted a bus that felt tight for the group. Distances are long, which is exactly why the day runs about 9.5 hours, so it can feel like a lot of coach time between stops. Children aged 2 and over are welcome, but anyone under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes. The guide collects you from outside your Alice Springs accommodation at 7:45am and drops you back at approximately 5:30pm. The listing offers 22 pickup location options.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced guide, the entrance fee to Standley Chasm, morning tea and the bushman's lunch. The NT Parks Pass is the notable extra you must arrange yourself.

Is The NT Parks Pass Really Needed?

Yes. It is listed as not included, and the listing asks you to bring a copy of your pass, with a digital copy accepted. Buy it before the tour so you are covered at the national park stops.

Can Children Join The Tour?

Children aged 2 years and over are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is responsible for their care.

How Fit Do I Need To Be?

The listing describes a variety of short walks that suit all ages and fitness levels. The time at each site is fairly brief, so treat the stops as sightseeing rather than hikes.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The live booking page carries the full terms for this tour.