Day trips from Alice Springs
Take a full-day tour from Alice Springs and explore West MacDonnell Ridge. An experienced guide will accompany you to attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Capture the region’s natural beauty and photograph the Australian outback as you navigate through rocky canyons and discover secluded waterholes and historical sites. Take the opportunity to swim and hike during the tour.
- DAYS
- 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, known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a must-visit destination.
- Visitors can explore the 80m high gorge at Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, and enjoy swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most picturesque swimming spots.
- The UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface is worth visiting to observe the coloured ochre clay still utilized in traditional ceremonies.
- Visitors can relax and rejuvenate at Ormiston Gorge, known as ‘Kwartatuma’, within its immense towering walls.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be spotted in the Simpsons Gap region, traditionally known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Alice Springs - McDonnell Western Ranges
We depart from Alice Springs and head towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, a narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the natural beauty of the area and look for native wildlife. Next, we continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, or ‘Udepata’, where we can cool off and swim, surrounded by cliffs and sandy banks. Our journey then takes us to Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive red walls created by geological forces. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole known for its native wildlife and significance in indigenous culture. After a full day of exploring Central Australia’s natural wonders, we return you to Alice Springs for the evening.
For meals, take lunch. The driving distance is 310 km, and the walking distance is approximately 3 to 4 km.
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 |
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
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.