West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

4.7
(362 reviews)

10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

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

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please call to confirm pickup time prior to tour date. Kindly allow 15 mins for the bus to arrive.

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 2

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • (Pass by)

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

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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)
Supplied by Emu Run Experience

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Adventure Tours
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Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.7 Based on 362 362 reviews
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