West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip: Explore Central Australia's Natural Icons

Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm. Explore ancient stories, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife on this unforgettable Central Australia day trip.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Alice Springs - We depart Alice Spring on an adventure to explore exploring the West MacDonnell National Park and surrounding UNESCO-listed areas onboard our West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) day trip.
  • Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park - Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known by the traditional owners as Tjoritja.
  • Standley Chasm Angkerle - Marvel at the awe of Standley Chasm traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye as you meander through the 80m high gorge.
  • Ormiston Gorge - Refresh within the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge, traditionally known as Kwartatuma.
  • Ochre Pits - See the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and coloured clay ochre still used in traditional ceremonies
  • Ellery Creek Big Hole - Cool off at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most beautiful swimming spots.
  • Simpsons Gap - Try for a glimpse of the very shy black-footed-rock-wallaby and other native wildlife through Simpsons Gap, traditionally known as Rungutjirpa.
  • Alice Springs - We deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation around 18:00pm, as you reflect on your day of exploration and wonder.
What's Included
  • Morning tea & lunch included
  • Convenient pick-up/drop-off at selected inner-city points in Alice Springs
  • Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach
  • Guided bush walks tailored to fitness levels (3-4km)
  • Entry fee to Standley Chasm park covered
  • In-depth local commentary throughout the tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  • Personal expenses
Additional Information

Embark on a incredible adventure through the West MacDonnell Ranges! Start your journey at Simpsons Gap, a place alive with ancient Aboriginal stories. Keep your senses sharp to catch glimpses of wildlife near the shimmering waterhole.

Next, venture to Standley Chasm, a breathtaking natural wonder standing 3 meters wide and towering 80 meters high. As you explore, be prepared for close encounters with the area’s diverse wildlife, adding to the magic of this awe-inspiring location.

Continue your expedition to Ellery Creek Bighole, where you can cool off in the refreshing waters surrounded by majestic red cliffs. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning scenery.

Finally, marvel at the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge, a testament to the incredible forces of nature. Take a moment to reflect on the day’s adventures before heading back to Alice Springs, where you can relive your unforgettable experiences in the West MacDonnell Ranges

  • A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
  • Child policy 6 years old and over, not suitable for children 5 years old and under.
  • This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
  • Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
  • Alternative, pickup locations are available within the Alice Springs area. To change please contact our reservations team for details.
  • Prior to booking, we strongly recommend guests purchase travel insurance.
Location
Stay at Alice Springs Hotel
Leichhardt Terrace
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside Aurora Alice Springs Hotel, 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs at 7:00am. In order for us to service all pickups please allow a 30min window.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(21 Ratings)
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Riley_m
Sep 5, 2024
Good chats and views - Ze was a great guide, we had a small group that made for an intimate experience. Fantastic views, my personal favorites were the swimming holes.
Review provided by Viator
Leanne_r
Aug 11, 2024
Kirsty was a terrific... - Kirsty was a terrific guide! I felt like a got a great view of many Paris of the West MacDonnell ranges. I would recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Merce_f
Aug 8, 2024
Great tour, great guide - The trip is well organised and we visited the main highlights as advertised. the tour was also run on time. The best part of the experience was Nacho, our tour guide. He had a lot of knowledge about the people, the history, the flora and fauna and the area's geology. It felt very complete and a relly good investment.
Review provided by Viator
Athalie_l
Jul 23, 2024
Lovely scenery, a fun driver and lovely people on board. Highly recommend - The scenery was amazing. Our driver very knowledgable and fun to be with. great food and all in alll a good days outing
Review provided by Viator
Marlene_s
Jul 13, 2024
Beautiful red centre - Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the plants. The scenery was spectacular.
Review provided by Viator
Fionay146
Jul 9, 2024
Great Tour, highly recommended. - Our tour guide, Keegan Reed, was simply fantastic. We had a wonderful day which far exceeded our expectations. Keegan’s knowledge of flora, fauna, the local area and culture was superb. He was extremely attentive and accommodating, a day we will never forget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faygee
Jun 13, 2024
Very enjoyable tour of West Mac Donnell Ranges (Tjoritja) - Rhett was our tour guide of the West MacDonald Ranges. Rhett was great, knowledgable, passionate and respectful of the landscape and the indigenous people. Lunch was provided at Ellery Creek. Very easy walks. One strenuous option at Ellery Creek. Beautiful photo opportunities. Highly Recommended with Autopia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megan_m
Jun 10, 2024
Beautiful, amazing - Not only is Keegan a rock-skipping pro, he was also an excellent guide; he is extremely knowledgeable not only of the area but also the wildlife and plant life. I learned a lot on this trip! We were able to go to some extra places as well because our group was small. It was a beautiful, amazing day.
Review provided by Viator
Anne_h
Jun 8, 2024
Excellent guide and tour - Brent the guide was excellent. Conveyed all necessary information without talking all the time. The scenery spoke for itself Wonderous
Review provided by Viator
Roberttk634tf
Jun 3, 2024
Fantastic insight to Mparntwe and West MacDonnell Range. - Our informative, friendly guide and driver Shrianna was the perfect host. Our 0700-1700 day trip covered keys sights, and insightful commentary guided walks at each destination
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
September 2024
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