West Macdonnell Ranges Day Tour
Embark on a full-day tour from Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ridge. You’ll be guided through attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen.
Capture the beauty of the Australian outback and its rugged canyons, hidden waterholes, and historic sites. Throughout the journey, take the opportunity to swim and hike.
| DAYS | 1 |
| DEPARTS | 07:00 FROM ALICE SPRINGS |
| RETURNS | 17:30 TO ALICE SPRINGS |
| Cost | $120-150 AUD |
Highlights
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by its indigenous custodians, offers opportunities for exploration and discovery.
- One can explore the 80m high gorge and be captivated by Standley Chasm, traditionally known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’. Additionally, visitors can swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- One can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the use of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
- Visitors can find relaxation and rejuvenation within the expansive walls of Ormiston Gorge, also known as ‘Kwartatuma’.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be observed in the Simpsons Gap region, traditionally called ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Itinerary
Explore Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges
We depart from Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the area’s natural beauty and continue west to Ellery Creek Bighole, or ‘Udepata,’ where we can cool off and swim surrounded by cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive red walls created by geological forces. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole and sacred space with native wildlife and indigenous dream-time trails. After a day of exploring these iconic natural destinations, we return to Alice Springs for the evening.
- Meals: Lunch/Driving
- Distance: 310 km
- Walking Distance: Approximately 3 to 4 kilometres.
Details
Pricing Options
Adult/Child AUD 175 pp
Child (6-12) AUD 125 pp
What's Included?
- Entry fees to Standley Chasm
- Morning tea & lunch
- Australian native wildlife sightings
- Guided bushwalking tours
- Accredited outback driver-guide
- Travel in air-conditioned mini-coach
- Comprehensive commentary on the tour
- Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points
What do you need to bring?
- Refillable water bottle (at least 2 Litres)
- Beach towels, swimwear & toiletries
- Clothing suitable for all weather (extreme conditions inc, wind, rain, heat, cold, day/night)
- Insect repellent (tropical strength)
- Sun protection – wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Sturdy & comfortable shoes for hiking (tread closed toe)
- Small day pack 5-7kg
- Cash for extra snacks and meals
- Camera to capture the memories
Pickup Locations & Times
- 7:00 am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
7:00 am – Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs - 7:00 am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00 am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs