West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip: Explore Central Australia's Natural Icons
4.9
13 Ratings
Alice Springs
Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm. Explore ancient stories, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife on this unforgettable Central Australia day trip.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Alice Springs - We depart Alice Spring on an adventure to explore exploring the West MacDonnell National Park and surrounding UNESCO-listed areas onboard our West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) day trip.
  • Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park - Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known by the traditional owners as Tjoritja.
  • Standley Chasm Angkerle - Marvel at the awe of Standley Chasm traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye as you meander through the 80m high gorge.
  • Ormiston Gorge - Refresh within the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge, traditionally known as Kwartatuma.
  • Ochre Pits - See the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and coloured clay ochre still used in traditional ceremonies
  • Ellery Creek Big Hole - Cool off at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most beautiful swimming spots.
  • Simpsons Gap - Try for a glimpse of the very shy black-footed-rock-wallaby and other native wildlife through Simpsons Gap, traditionally known as Rungutjirpa.
  • Alice Springs - We deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation around 18:00pm, as you reflect on your day of exploration and wonder.
What's Included
  • Morning tea & lunch included
  • Convenient pick-up/drop-off at selected inner-city points in Alice Springs
  • Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach
  • Guided bush walks tailored to fitness levels (3-4km)
  • Entry fee to Standley Chasm park covered
  • In-depth local commentary throughout the tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  • Personal expenses
Additional Information

Originally named Angkerle Atwatye, or ‘Gap of Water,’ Standley Chasm is an 80-meter-tall, 3-meter-wide canyon situated in the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja). We journey through this strikingly untamed area prior to heading west and might be drawn to swim in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, enclosed by towering red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Marvel at the significant geological activities that formed the impressive red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Pause here to appreciate the beauty of nature at its peak, as we start our relaxed trip back to Alice Springs, punctuating our journey with a last stop at the Tjoritja West MacDonnells National Park area, Simpsons Gap. Here numerous Dreaming Trails and stories intersect, and a permanent waterhole provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife. After indulging in some of central Australia’s top natural landmarks, we take you back to your accommodation in Alice Springs, where you could ponder on your day of adventure.

  • A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
  • Child policy 6 years old and over, not suitable for children 5 years old and under.
  • This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
  • Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
  • Prior to booking, we strongly recommend guests purchase travel insurance.
Location
Stay at Alice Springs Hotel
Leichhardt Terrace
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside Aurora Alice Springs Hotel, 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs at 7:00am. In order for us to service all pickups please allow a 30min window.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(13 Ratings)
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Faygee
Jun 13, 2024
Very enjoyable tour of West Mac Donnell Ranges (Tjoritja) - Rhett was our tour guide of the West MacDonald Ranges. Rhett was great, knowledgable, passionate and respectful of the landscape and the indigenous people. Lunch was provided at Ellery Creek. Very easy walks. One strenuous option at Ellery Creek. Beautiful photo opportunities. Highly Recommended with Autopia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megan_m
Jun 10, 2024
Beautiful, amazing - Not only is Keegan a rock-skipping pro, he was also an excellent guide; he is extremely knowledgeable not only of the area but also the wildlife and plant life. I learned a lot on this trip! We were able to go to some extra places as well because our group was small. It was a beautiful, amazing day.
Review provided by Viator
Anne_h
Jun 8, 2024
Excellent guide and tour - Brent the guide was excellent. Conveyed all necessary information without talking all the time. The scenery spoke for itself Wonderous
Review provided by Viator
Jenni_b
Jun 2, 2024
West MacDonald tour fun - The tour guard Shianna ( hope I spelt her name correctly) was so full of information and life! Loved the scenery. All in all a great day! 👍
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
Apr 28, 2024
Awesome, excellent, bloody oath - Our guide, Brent, went above and beyond and made sure everyone was cared for, and guided in the right direction.
Review provided by Viator
Shinji_n
Apr 2, 2024
Fabulous experience in a day - Although many tourists go there on their own, it's worth joining in. The tour guide took us to the most popular spots and gave us enough time to explorer and do activities like short hikes, swimming in the water hole and having lunch. We were so lucky to see plenty of water flew and formed the rivers in the ranges because of heavy rain days before.
Review provided by Viator
Pcandma
Sep 25, 2023
Great Day - Our original tour with another company had been cancelled at the last minute and our T.. Agent got us this tour. We were picked up by Kirsty and taken out in her Jeep car to Ormiston Gorge stopping and telling us things on the way. What a beautiful spot and absolutely wonderful reflections in the creek. We met up with a group that had been hiking and Damian then escorted us He was very knowledgeable about the plants and trees we saw in Standley Chasm. We loved that part too, also the Ochre Pits. and Simpson Gap. A most rewarding day. We learnt and saw so much of the nature in the area. Would recomment a trip to the West MacDonells
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terencepaul_o
Aug 26, 2023
An amazing tour - A truly amazing day. Our tour guide Shani was sensational. We were taken to amazing locations and the scenery was stunning. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Nomad50910185456
Jun 24, 2023
Great day trip! - Great day plenty to see,food options great! Alice Springs is safe.lots of places visited.plenty of time to see things.Damien was a great guide and very Knowledgeable AAA+++
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roberttk634tf
Jun 3, 2024
Fantastic insight to Mparntwe and West MacDonnell Range. - Our informative, friendly guide and driver Shrianna was the perfect host. Our 0700-1700 day trip covered keys sights, and insightful commentary guided walks at each destination
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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July 2024
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