DETAILS

Getting there

QantasLink (qantas.com) and Virgin Australia (virginaustralia.com) fly direct to Alice Springs from most capital cities.

Staying there

Stay in the hear t of the East MacDonnell Ranges at HALE RIVER HOMESTEAD, accessible by 2WD; from $30 per night for an unpowered site to $240 (two adults) in the Homestead. (haleriverhomestead.com.au). Back in Alice Springs, SQUEAKY WINDMILL has boutique glamping complete with heating, bathrobes, and marshmallows to roast over the fire. From $175 per night for two people (squeakywindmill.com).

Playing there

Outback Elite Tours specialises in VIP, private and small-group tours of the Red Centre. A full-day tour through the East Macs costs $260 per person with a group, $790 for a private tour for up to four people, or $990 for a VIP tour for up to six people, including gourmet morning tea and lunch. outbackelitetours.com

Best time to go

Experience the East Macs between May and September when days are warm and dry. Summer is too hot for hiking but perfect for the magnesium pool at Hale River Homestead.

What to pack

You’ll want a 4WD or trusty tour guide to get you there, and then short walks are the best way to experience the gorges and nature parks of the East MacDonnell Ranges.Take sturdy walking boots, plenty of layers for morning and evening and expect to rug up at night when temperatures drop. A hat, sunscreen and water bottle are other backpack essentials.