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West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip: Breathtaking Views and Refreshing Swims from Alice Springs
4.7
339 Ratings
MacDonnell Ranges
Embark on a breathtaking day trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs. Marvel at fiery red walls, swim in refreshing waterholes, and capture unforgettable moments. Suitable for all ages.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- MacDonnell Ranges - After pickup at your Alice Springs hotel, set off with your guide and small group into West MacDonnell 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Further down the road, stop for a picnic 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.
- Mount Sonder - Next, head to Mt Sonder LOOKOUT and admire the spectacular landscape including a towering sandstone wall and views of Mt Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia.
- Emu Run Experience - Day Tours - Your guide returns you to your Alice Springs hotel to end the tour.
- Ellery Creek Big Hole - 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.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Morning Tea
- Entry fee to Standley Chasm
- Experienced, friendly tour guide
- Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned transport
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Experience the spectacular beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this enthralling one-day excursion.
Gaze upon the immense red cliffs bathed in sunlight as you journey through the ranges.
Our all-day adventure takes us through these remarkable ranges, pausing at stunning gorges and natural pools where, during the warmer seasons, we have the opportunity to take a dip.
Remember to bring your camera! Each moment of this unforgettable one-day adventure is picture-worthy.
Your itinerary includes:
- Simpsons Gap
- Standley Chasm
- Ochre Pits
- Ormiston Gorge
- Glen Helen
- Ellery Creek Bighole
- Flynn Memorial
- Seasonal opportunity for a swim at Ellery Creek Bighole (summer only)
All the day’s activities are safe for all ages and do not require significant physical fitness or dexterity.
- Please wear strong, non-slip walking shoes
- Please bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and swimwear during the summer months
Location
MacDonnell Ranges
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(339 Ratings)
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Guide32465304862
Aug 18, 2024
Very satisfied tour - The Guide's explanation was very interesting. I learned a lot from all the things I wouldn't know if I wasn't on tour. The view was amazing, I went up the mountain for about 15 minutes and saw the river below and it was a very satisfying experience. It was winter, so I didn't take my bathing suit, but I regretted not taking it because the temperature was hot and the water was cold enough to swim. It was good to visit various places. Muchas Gracias, Miguel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_w
Aug 6, 2024
Strongly recommend - What a wonderful guide Ana was. Great knowledge and just happy to be around. Packed it a lot but had a wonderful day doing it. Morning tea and lunch were great. Each place had great services and they were very well cared for. Strongly recommend this tour. The landscape is outstanding.
Review provided by Viator
Sara_t
Jul 28, 2024
The breathtaking beauty... - The breathtaking beauty of the gorges and surrounding landscapes, and the highly knowledgeable commentary by guide and driver, Scott.
Review provided by Viator
704hannat
Jul 20, 2024
Wonderful - a must see with a great guide. - Such a great day and fabulous guide (Scott). The landscape was beautiful and we enjoyed learning about the geology and local aboriginal stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larrymd7849gm
Jul 10, 2024
West MacDonnell Range highlights - Had Bluey as our guide along the West MacDonnell Ranges. Bluey’s knowledge was second to none. Learnt so much from him, and was amazed by his narrative and descriptions throughout the whole day. Had a terrific day, with lunch and morning tea.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V2154zvjayd
Jun 20, 2024
A day trip not to miss. - An excellent day covering the highlights of the West MacDonnell ranges- Stanley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Ormiston George amongst others. Some nice walks and nothing felt rushed in a need to get to the other sites.
A brilliant guide in Bluey. He's a master storyteller, an absolute fountain of knowledge - whether it's history, the geology, the flora, the people. Your own personal wikipedia for the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenda_h
Jun 17, 2024
Absolutely breathtaking! - It was a bit of a long trip up to the oversight of the gorge but worth it!! Our guide Ann was an amazing guide!!!
Review provided by Viator
Sara_g
Apr 22, 2024
Some great sights, wonderful swim, excellent guide. Food was meh... - It was a lovely day from start to finish and Scottie was a wonderful guy -- very relaxed and flexible. The highlight for us was swimming in Ellery Creek Big Hole towards the end of the day. We were lucky to have a great group of people on this tour and we all got along very well. Loved Stanley Chasm.
The only thing that could be improved is the food. Our morning tea was very blah, with only instant coffee and bland biscuits. And our lunch wraps were okay, but nothing to write home about.
Review provided by Viator
Philip_h
May 29, 2024
Very good - Only negative was the guide spoke of past events as if they were proven facts instead of debatable theories. His world view is very different to a lot of thinking people. Apart from that it was excellent
Review provided by Viator
W8322avmaggies
Apr 24, 2024
Great Trip from Alice Springs - If you want to see many locations in one day from Alice then this is a trip for you. We got to see so many places. We were guided however the tour guide could have been more clearer with their explanations. Even so, the trip was generally good and the food provided was sufficient.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
