West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
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.
Highlights
- Full-day Tours
- Bus Tours
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Day Trips
- Adventure Tours
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
What's Included
• Morning Tea
• Entry fee to Standley Chasm
• Experienced, friendly tour guide
• Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
• Air-conditioned transport
What's Not Included
• 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
Tour Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
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.
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
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.
Then admire the tall rock
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.
A short path leads to
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.
Further down the road, stop for a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, which contains a semi
Further down the road, stop for a picnic 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.
Continue to Ellery Creek Big
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.
Hotel Pickup
Your guide returns you to your Alice Springs hotel to end the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
• 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)