West MacDonnell Ranges Tour
Embark on a full-day tour from Alice Springs to explore West MacDonnell Ridge. Your experienced guide will take you to attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Discover the region’s natural beauty and capture the Australian outback through your camera lens as you navigate through rugged canyons and discover hidden waterholes and historic sites. Take a swim and go hiking during your journey.
| DAYS | 1 |
| DEPARTS | 07:00 FROM ALICE SPRINGS |
| RETURNS | 17:30 TO ALICE SPRINGS |
| PRICE | $125-175 AUD $120-150 AUD |
Tour Highlights
- The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, provides an opportunity for exploration.
- Explore the 80m high gorge, Standley Chasm, called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’. Experience a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- 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 at Ormiston Gorge, known as ‘Kwartatuma,’ surrounded by towering walls.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be found in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Alice Springs - McDonnell Western Ranges
We depart from Alice Springs and head towards Standley Chasm, a gorge within the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area’s natural beauty and then continue west to Ellery Creek Bighole, where we cool off and take a dip surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the geological formations. Finally, we visit Simpsons Gap, a waterhole known for its wildlife and cultural significance. After a full day of exploring, we returned to Alice Springs for the evening.
Meals: Lunch.
Driving Distance: 310 km.
Walking Distance: Approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
Pricing Options
| Fare Type | Retail | Allocation | Release |
| Adult/Child | AUD 175 pp | FS | 7 Days |
| Child (6-12) | AUD 125 pp | FS | 7 Days |
What do you need 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
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post-tourhotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
Pickup Time & Location
- 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
- This itinerary is interchangeable and may vary to accommodate seasonal weather conditions and fluctuations or park closures due to ceremonies or events held by traditional custodians.
- Hiking included in this tour requires a moderate level of fitness.
- Child fares apply to children between 6 to 12 years old. Due to the activities involved, this tour is unsuitable for children five years old and under.
- This terrain is unsuitable for mobility-impaired travellers with wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
- Due to limited storage space in our vehicles, baggage must be kept to a 1 x 5-7kg bag per person.
- All tours MUST be re-confirmed with the tour operator within seven days of departure on 03 9393 1300.
- Before departure, please notify the tour operator of any preexisting medical conditions.
- Private charter tours are available upon request.