West Macdonnell Tour
Take a full-day tour from Alice Springs to explore West MacDonnell Ridge. The guide will lead you to several attractions, such as Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Discover the region’s natural beauty and capture the Australian outback in photos. Journey through rugged canyons, discover hidden waterholes, and visit historic sites. Along the way, you can swim and hike.
| DAYS | 1 |
| DEPARTS |
07:00 FROM ALICE SPRINGS |
| RETURNS |
17:30 TO ALICE SPRINGS |
| Price | $120-150 AUD |
Highlights
- Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja, by the indigenous custodians.
- Explore the 80m high gorge and experience the awe-inspiring Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle
- Atwatye’. Ellery Creek Big Hole is a significant and stunning swimming spot in Central Australia where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
- You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
- Visitors can relax and rejuvenate within the giant walls of Ormiston Gorge, which is traditionally known as ‘Kwartatuma’.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed-rock-wallaby, can be observed in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs – McDonnell Western Ranges
Leaving Alice Springs, we head directly to Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, ‘ which translates to ‘Gap of Water.’ This narrow chasm, only 3 meters wide and towering 80 meters high, is nestled within the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Eager to spot indigenous wildlife, we admire the area’s rugged, unspoiled beauty, then move westward to Ellery Creek Bighole, locally termed ‘Udepata’. Here, in the embrace of steep crimson cliffs and sandy shores of Ellery Creek, we indulge in a refreshing swim.
Our adventure progresses to Ormiston Gorge, where we are captivated by the awe-inspiring natural forces that have sculpted these immense red walls. Continuing, we arrive at our final destination in the Tjoritja West MacDonnells area, Simpsons Gap. This ever-present waterhole, a sanctuary for observing native fauna, including the elusive black-footed rock wallaby, is revered as a holy site intersected by numerous indigenous mythological paths and tales.
After a day immersed in some of Central Australia’s most celebrated natural wonders, we return leisurely to Alice Springs, concluding our journey at your evening accommodation, leaving you to ponder the day’s experiences.
Meals: Lunch
Driving Distance: 310 km
Walking Distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
What's Included?
- Entry fees are required to visit 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
- Transportation is available for pickup and drop-off at selected inner-city Alice Springs locations.
Additional Information
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
Pickup Time & Location
- 7:00am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
- 7:00am – Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
- 7:00am – 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. Prior to your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and pack suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead, unless otherwise advised by the provider.
What you need to bring?
- Please bring a refillable water bottle that can hold at least 2 litres.
- Items needed for the beach include a towel, swimwear, and toiletries.
- Clothing suitable for all weather conditions, including wind, rain, heat, cold, and day/night.
- Insect repellent (tropical strength)
- Sun protection can be achieved by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Sturdy and comfortable shoes for hiking with a closed-toe tread.
- Small day pack 5-7kg
- Cash is available for additional snacks and meals.
- A camera is used to capture memories.