Day Trips from Alice Springs
Discover the West MacDonnell Ridge on a full-day tour starting from Alice Springs. Your experienced guide will take you to famous sights, including the Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape and capture the essence of the Australian outback. Traverse through rugged canyons, uncover hidden waterholes, and explore historical sites. Take a refreshing swim and enjoy scenic hikes throughout the journey.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Departure: 07:00 from Alice Springs
- Returns: 17:30 to Alice Springs
- PRICE: $125-175 AUD $120-150 AUD
Tour Highlights
- Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja, by the indigenous custodians.
- Explore the 80m high gorge and admire Standley Chasm, or ‘Angkerle Atwatye’. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
- One 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, also known as “Kwartatuma,” which features impressive towering walls.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed-rock-wallaby, can be spotted in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Tour Description
We depart from Alice Springs and head towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a gorge within the West MacDonnell Ranges. We take time exploring the natural beauty of this area and then continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, also known as ‘Udepata,’ where we can cool off and swim surrounded by the red cliffs and sandy banks of Ellery Creek. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we can admire the geological formations of the towering red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, another stunning feature in the Tjoritja West MacDonnells region. This waterhole is known for its native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, and is a sacred space where indigenous dreamtime trails and stories intersect. After a full day of exploring these iconic natural destinations, we leisurely return towards Alice Springs and drop you off at your accommodation for the evening.
Lunch: Driving Distance is approximately 310 km. Walking Distance is approximately 3km to 4km.
Details
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
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.
Covid Safety Measures
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.
Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
Pre/post-tourhotel transfers
Additional personal expenses
| Fare Type | Retail | Allocation | Release |
| Adult/Child | AUD 175 pp | FS | 7 Days |
| Child (6-12) | AUD 125 pp | FS | 7 Days |