West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

4.7 (374 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

374 reviews

4.7

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 24 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Emu Run Experience

Ages: Children (3–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Effective to all travel on 1st of April 2025, NT Park Pass is no longer included.
Not included: Please pre-purchase the NT Park Pass & bring it with you on the day of the tour

Itinerary

MacDonnell Ranges

Passing 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.
Simpsons Gap

45 min Admission not included

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.
Standley Chasm Angkerle

one hour Admission included

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.
Ochre Pits

15 min Admission not included

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.
Ormiston Gorge

one hour Admission not included

Further down the road, stop for a bushman's 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.
Ellery Creek Big Hole

one hour Admission not included

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.
Stop 7

Passing by

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

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

greet Hotel Alice Springs
Elkira Court Motel
Red Rock Hostel
Mantra Alice Springs
Wintersun Caravan Park
The Desert Rose Inn
A Good Rest B&B
Alice On Todd Apartments
Jump Inn Alice Budget Accommodation
Quest Alice Springs
Alice Lodge
Alice's Secret Travellers Inn

and 9 more pickup points

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

Using your ticket

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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)