Alice Springs Day Tours

Experience a full-day tour of the West MacDonnell Ridge from Alice Springs. Your guide will take you to famous attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Explore the region’s stunning natural beauty and capture the beauty of the Australian outback as you navigate through rugged canyons and discover pristine waterholes and historic sites. Enjoy swimming and hiking during the tour.
DAYS 1
DEPARTS 07:00 FROM ALICE SPRINGS
RETURNS 17:30 TO ALICE SPRINGS
PRICE $125-175 AUD

Highlights

  • The West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a recommended destination for exploration.
  • Experience the awe-inspiring Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, as you explore the 80m high gorge. Discover the beauty of 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 utilized in traditional ceremonies.
  • Visitors can find relaxation and rejuvenation within the large, impressive walls of Ormiston Gorge, traditionally known as ‘Kwartatuma’.
  • Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be observed in the Simpson Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’. 

Description of the Route

Travel from Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges 

We leave Alice Springs and head towards Standley Chasm, or ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, a narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges. We explore the area and look for native wildlife before continuing west towards Ellery Creek Bighole or ‘Udepata’, where we can swim surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive red walls created by geological forces. Finally, we visit Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole and sacred site home to various native wildlife. After a full day of exploring these iconic natural attractions, we will return you to Alice Springs for the evening.

  • Meals: Lunch.
  • Driving distance: 310 km.
  • Walking distance: approximately 3km or 4km. 

Details​

What do you need to bring?

  • 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 

What's Included?

  • Entry fees to Standley Chasm
  • Morning tea & lunch
  • Australian native wildlife sightings
  • Guided bushwalking tours
  • Accredited outback driver-guide
  • Travel in air-conditioned mini-coach
  • Comprehensive commentary on the tour
  • Pickup/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points
  • Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
  • We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
  • Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
  • Additional personal expenses 
  • 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 

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.

Online Bookings

FAQs

Yes, it is possible, but be prepared for a long day as the round-trip driving time is around 9 hours.

It depends on your destination. Some remote areas may require a 4WD, but most significant attractions are accessible with a standard vehicle.

Several tour companies offer guided day trips to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and comfortable walking shoes. Depending on your activities, you may also need swimwear, hiking gear, or warmer clothing for cool desert evenings.

Generally, it is secure. However, due to the remote location of many attractions, it’s advisable to let someone know your plans, take enough supplies, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.

Scroll to Top