What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

Where does this tour start?

Meeting point details will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Australia

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

★★★★⯨ 4.7

10 hours

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Overview

Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour.

Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the desert sun as you drive along the ranges.

We tour through these amazing ranges all day and stop at beautiful gorges and waterholes, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months.

Don’t forget your camera! Every moment of this memorable one day tour is worth capturing.

You’ll visit:
Simpsons Gap
Standley Chasm
Ochre Pits
Ormiston Gorge
Ellery Creek Bighole
Flynn Memorial
Optional swim at Ellery Creek Bighole (summer only)

All activities are considered very safe for all age groups. They do not require a high level of fitness or agility.

Please note an NT Parks Pass is required, please purchase prior to tour.

Gallery

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs — photo 1

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs — photo 2

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs — photo 3

What's Included

✓ Included

Morning Tea
Bushman's Lunch
Entry fee to Standley Chasm
Experienced, friendly tour guide
Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
Air-conditioned transport

✗ Not Included

Gratuities
Effective to all travel on 1st of April 2025, NT Park Pass is no longer included.
Please pre-purchase the NT Park Pass & bring it with you on the day of the tour

Itinerary

Stop 1

After pickup at your Alice Springs hotel, set off with your guide and small group into West MacDonnell Ranges National Park to begin your exploration of the area’s many natural attractions. Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide shares informative commentary about the natural and cultural history to the region.

Stop 2

Start with a scenic walk at Simpsons Gap, one of the most renowned gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Follow a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater while looking for endangered black-footed rock wallabies that hop among the boulders.

Stop 3

Then admire the tall rock walls of Standley Chasm as you stroll through trees that line the tracks including acacias, cycads, ghost gums and cypress pines. Have morning tea at Standley Chasm before heading to your next destination, the Ochre Pits.

Stop 4

A short path leads to rock walls that are covered with white, yellow and red layers of ochre. Be sure to bring your camera to snap photos of the shifting hues. Considered a sacred site for the local Arrernte peoples, the ochre pits provided material traditionally used for ceremonies and trading.

Stop 5

Further down the road, stop for a bushman's lunch at Ormiston Gorge, which contains a semi-permanent waterhole. Look for waterbirds such as the Pacific heron and white-faced heron, both common visitors to the waterhole.

Stop 6

Continue to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a significant geological site and one of central Australia's most pristine waterholes and cool off with a swim.

Stop 7

Your guide returns you to your Alice Springs hotel to end the tour.

Find Hotels in Alice Springs

Good to Know

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please wear strong, non-slip walking shoes
Please bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and swimwear during the summer months
Please bring NT Parks Pass (digital copy accepted)

Known For:

Private and Luxury in Alice Springs, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Alice Springs, Best Conversion in Alice Springs, Day Trips in Alice Springs, Bus Tours in Alice Springs, Full-day Tours in Alice Springs, Adventure Tours in Alice Springs

Special Instructions

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time