Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges and National Park, traditionally known as Tjoritja, which are a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural significance.
Nestled in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, the West MacDonnell Ranges offer a spectacular showcase of rugged beauty and ancient landscapes. Stretching over 160 kilometres, this magnificent range boasts dramatic gorges, serene waterholes, and striking ochre-coloured cliffs. Join our West MacDonnell Ranges Tour and discover the stunning Standley Chasm, the peaceful Ormiston Gorge, and the picturesque Glen Helen Gorge with an experienced guide. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and have a chance to come across unique flora and fauna, such as black-footed rock wallabies, which can often be spotted amongst the rocks of Simpson Gap.
Rich in Aboriginal culture and history, the West MacDonnell Ranges are a must-visit for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a deep connection to the land.
Highlights
- Thoroughly explore the West MacDonnell National Park, which is known as Tjoritja to its traditional owners.
- Stroll through the 80m high gorge and marvel at Standley Chasm, an ancestral site called ‘Angkerle Atwatye’.
- Rest and revive in the massive towering walls of Ormiston Gorge, popularly known as Kwartatuma.
- Got to the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and witness the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
- Swim in Ellery Creek Big Hole, which is one of the largest and most amazing swimming spots in Central Australia.
- Keep your eyes open for indigenous wildlife which include the very timid black-footed rock wallaby in the area of Simpson’s Gap, or Rungutjirpa as it is commonly known.
Day Trip Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges
Our journey through West MacDonnell Ranges starts from Simpsons Gap, an area with abundant Aboriginal dreaming stories. At this point, it is a big attraction for wildlife which has a permanent waterhole.
Further west is Standley Chasm also known as Angkerle Atwatye or “Gap of Water” and this natural wonder’s 3-meter width and an 80-meter height give an breathtaking display of rough beauty. Keep your eyes open to see if there are any native animals in this beautiful place.
Next, we will go to Ellery Creek Bighole, or Udepata, where you cannot help but want to take a swim in its refreshing waters. This refuge in the outback has towering red cliffs and sandy beaches around it
At last, we reach Ormiston Gorge, where the landscape has been carved by tremendous geological forces, giving rise to towering red walls. Before returning to Alice Springs, spend some time in this natural wonder, enjoying its beauty. While you are on your way back home, consider what you have seen during the day thus far and later reflect on it all at nightfall.
Meals: Lunch
Driving Distance: 310 kilometers
Walking Distance: Approximately 3 to 4 kilometers
*The Tour Operator reserves the right to modify this itinerary based on seasonal weather patterns and/or closures in the park by traditional landowners as a result of their ceremonies or events.
Details
Important Notes
What to Bring
- Refillable water bottle (at least 2 Litres)
- Beach towel, 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 snack and meals
- Camera to capture the memories
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
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 trip, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re traveling and packing suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead unless otherwise advised by the provider.
Covid Safety Measures
Wildlife Tours is registered as a COVID Safe business under the guidelines of Safe Work Australia and the ATEC COVID Ready badge program. Our procedures address four key areas to help control the risks of coronavirus for both our Tour Guides and our Guests:
- Manage staff and passenger well being
- Wherever possible, practice practical physical distancing
- Enhancing our hygiene and cleaning protocols
- Providing hand sanitizer and disposable face masks onboard all our vehicles.
- Ensuring our business is a fully vaccinated workplace
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 nature of the activities involved, this tour is unsuitable for children 5 years old and under.
- This terrain is unsuitable for mobility-impaired travelers 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 7 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.
FAQ
How far is it?
Typically, the journey spans twenty-four hours from dawn to late afternoon or early evening when you are back at Alice Springs.
Can children go on this trip?
Most of these trips are suitable for the whole family. Nevertheless, it is advisable that one checks with the tour operator about age limits and suggestions for children.
What should I bring along?
You should carry some must-haves which include sturdy hiking boots, a wide-brimmed hat, enough sunscreen lotion plus lots of water. Depending on the time of year, you might also want to carry your swimmers to use in natural waterholes and some warm clothes for cooler weather.
How hard is trekking?
The trekking experience can be a hard one; however, most itineraries have moderate walks, which can be done by people with average fitness levels. Be ready for some uneven surfaces in parts.
Can you swim in the gorges and waterholes?
For example, at West MacDonnell Ranges, many spots like Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole allow swimming. The temperature of the water might be low, especially outside summer, so people should not expect any warmer swim. Always follow local advice and signs about swimming such as weather conditions and seasonal effects.
Can people on wheelchairs participate in West MacDonnell Ranges tours?
Our buses don’t have wheelchair ramps, allocated floor space, adjustable restraints or storage for mobility aids, prams or strollers. If you have a collapsible travel wheelchair and can get on our buses unassisted, please call to check wheelchair measurements and itinerary inclusions. Some attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges are accessible to people with limited mobility. However, please check with us as some areas involve walking on uneven ground.
