West Macdonnell Ranges Half Day Tour

Embark on a full-day tour from Alice Springs to explore West MacDonnell Ridge. A guide will lead you to attractions, including Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Capture the region’s natural beauty and the Australian outback as you navigate through rugged canyons and discover hidden waterholes and historic sites. Take the opportunity to swim and hike during the tour.

DAY	1
DEPARTS	07:00
RETURNS	17:30
Price	$ 125 – 175 AUD

Highlights

The West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is worth exploring.
Explore Standley Chasm, or ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a stunning 80m high gorge. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most beautiful swimming spots.
Tourists can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface to observe the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
Visitors can relax and rejuvenate at Ormiston Gorge, known as “Kwartatuma,” which features large towering walls.
Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be found in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.

What you can actually see!

Itinerary

Alice Springs – McDonnell Western Ranges

We depart from Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, a narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the rugged natural beauty of the area and then head west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, also known as ‘Udepata’, where we take a refreshing swim surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive red walls created by geological forces. Finally, we visit Simpsons Gap, a sacred space and waterhole known for its native wildlife. After a full day of exploring these iconic natural destinations, we return you to Alice Springs for the evening.

Meals: LunchDriving

Distance: 310 km

Walking Distance: Approximately 3km / 4km

Details

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

Meals are not included in the itinerary.
It is strongly advised that you consider purchasing travel insurance.
Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
Additional personal expenses

What 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

Pick up Times & Locations

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

Weather

The weather conditions in the Northern Territory can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Before your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and packing suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect your tour to go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.

Important Notes

The itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions and park closures for ceremonies or events organized by traditional custodians.
The hiking included in this tour requires a moderate level of fitness.
Child fares are applicable for children aged 6 to 12. This tour is unsuitable for children under five due to the activities involved.
This terrain is inaccessible for travellers with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
To accommodate limited storage space in our vehicles, people can bring only one bag weighing 5-7kg.
It is necessary to re-confirm all tours with the tour operator within seven days of departure by calling 03 9393 1300.
Before your departure, it is essential to inform the tour operator about any preexisting medical conditions you may have.
Private charter tours can be arranged upon request.