Take an excursion from Alice Springs to see the amazing West MacDonnell Ranges Tour, which takes you to one of the Outback’s most beautiful places. We love showing off this amazing area, where stunning gorges, ancient geology, and lively cultural stories come together to make a unique trip through the heart of Central Australia.
Set off on an unforgettable journey across the West MacDonnell Ranges, where ancient cultural stories meet harsh natural beauty.
Our first visit is to Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole that is very tranquil and surrounded by tall rock formations. It’s also one of the greatest spots to see a rock wallaby, so keep an eye out as we walk through this holy area.
From here, we head to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), one of the most beautiful places in the area. The walls of the gorge catch the light and flare up in bright red and orange, making a dramatic contrast that you won’t soon forget.
We go to Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata) next, still going west. This beautiful waterhole, surrounded by steep red cliffs and sandy creek beds, is a great place to take a cool dip. We had a nice, leisurely picnic lunch here in the peace and quiet of nature.
Our next stop is the Ochre Pits, where brightly colored mineral walls show how long Aboriginal people have used ochre for art, ceremonies, and cultural expression.
We end the day at Ormiston Gorge, a beautiful place formed by ancient geological processes. You can either relax in the calm waterhole or take a short walk to take in the stunning sights.
After a day of beautiful scenery, cultural stories, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, we go back to Alice Springs with the beauty and energy of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Meals: Lunch and snacks
Driving Distance: 310 km
Walking Distance: ~3–4 km
Meeting location: Alice Springs Hotel Aurora, 11 Leichhardt Terrace, starting at 7:00 a.m.
Other alternatives for 7:00 am pick-up:
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to ensure a smooth start to your tour.
Join us as we explore West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, a vast area rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural significance.
The ranges are more than 160 km long and are only a short drive west of Alice Springs. They have walking trails, cool waterholes, and homes for species found nowhere else.
On this one-day trip of the West MacDonnell Ranges, you’ll see beautiful views and famous places like Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and the colourful mineral-rich Ochre Pits. The way back goes through the famous Simpsons Gap, which is home to one of the area’s rarest animals, the black-footed rock wallaby. You may often spot them bouncing around on the rocky outcrops.
Anyone who is visiting Central Australia should not miss this!
We at Australia Tours are committed to protecting the amazing plants and animals we encounter during our visits to Uluru. We take our responsibility to protect this World Heritage Listed area and the animals that call it home very seriously. We urge all visitors to travel with caution and consideration, since respect for the country and cultural sensitivity are crucial during the trip.
One of our main responsibilities is to advise tourists on low-impact travel practices so that everyone may help preserve species, ecosystems, and the long-term viability of the areas we visit.
Visit https://www.ecotourism.org.au/ to learn more about ecotourism.
Australia Tours pays tribute to the land’s traditional custodians, especially the Wurundjeri people. Because First Nations peoples have a strong spiritual connection to this place, we encourage all visitors to be conscious of cultural sensitivities. It is everyone’s duty to treat sacred sites, folklore, and cultural areas with dignity.
Respectful and unhindered observation of local wildlife is always required. Unnecessary stress can be caused, and natural behaviours may be altered by abrupt movements, loud noises, and attempts to touch or feed animals, including birds. Additionally, human touch might spread disease or make animals more hostile.
Native animals should never be handled or fed by anybody other than certified wildlife professionals. Intentional or inadvertent food provision can disrupt foraging behaviour and lead wildlife to become dependent on humans, resulting in behavioural and physiological problems.
Please notify your guide/tour leader, a National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre employees right away if you see any animal that seems upset, hurt, or in danger.
Please follow all directions given by your guide, as well as the authorised walkways and viewing locations. Particularly near cliff edges, loose rocks, or unstable surfaces, leaving defined trails can harm fragile ecosystems, disrupt animal habitats, and increase the risk of accidents.
Nothing should be taken out of the environment, not even flowers, pebbles, fallen branches, or leaves. Each component of nature contributes to the region’s ecological equilibrium.
There are trash cans in every touring car. Fruit peels, bread, and food scraps are examples of organic materials that should never be thrown on the ground because, although they biodegrade, they are not native to the area and can attract pests or harm wildlife.
For the trip, we advise visitors to carry a reusable water bottle. There are refilling stations on every car, and bottled water adds a lot to landfills. In the outback climate, staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warmer days when the sun and heat are stronger.
All of the guides are certified in Level 2 First Aid. If you become ill or are hurt during the tour, please let your guide know right away. Those with pre-existing medical illnesses should inform the guide at the beginning of the journey and bring the necessary medications.
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas; it is never allowed in cars, campgrounds, or within close proximity of other travellers. While specific smoking breaks cannot be guaranteed, regular comfort stops are provided throughout the day. Cigarette butts should be disposed of properly and safely.
Travellers aged 6 and up are advised to take this excursion. Infants and children under five should not go on this tour due to its nature. Children must always be under adult supervision and must stay in the designated visitor areas.
Due to the vehicle’s limited space, visitors should only carry light hand luggage or a compact daypack. Before boarding, larger luggage, suitcases, or giant backpacks must be stowed at your lodging or in the designated locker facilities.
Because several walks in the West MacDonnell Ranges involve steep parts, rough pathways, and uneven surfaces, a good level of fitness is necessary.
A maximum of 21 passengers may travel on this excursion in 24-seat Mitsubishi Rosa buses. Large windows and air conditioning are features of these cars that improve viewing while preserving comfort and security.
In most weather conditions, the tour will continue. The event would only be cancelled under extreme or dangerous situations. The trip operator will be in touch with travellers if there are any modifications.
Our concern is for your well-being. All excursions follow more stringent cleaning protocols and improved hygiene standards. Click here for additional information.
Included local outback dining.
Chasm entry fees paid.
Scenic guided nature strolls.
Native plant and wildlife spotting.
Expert local outback guide.
Cool, comfortable group travel.
Engaging local stories shared.
Convenient central meeting points.
Park pass required separately.
Extra dining not included.
Fixed central meeting locations.
Personal coverage highly recommended.
Individual expenses not included.
Yes, to enter Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, visitors must obtain an NT Parks Day Pass before the tour starts. The tour cost does not include this pass. Entry into Standley Chasm is previously covered.
Depending on the season and NT Parks’ safety guidelines, swimming is permitted in Ellery Creek Big Hole and frequently at Ormiston Gorge. Standley Chasm and Simpson’s Gap are off-limits to swimmers. On the day, your guide will verify safe swimming locations.
It is advised to have a reasonable level of fitness. The tour consists of 3–4 miles of escorted walking across rocky trails and hilly terrain, with a few brief steep stretches. It’s imperative to use good enclosed walking shoes.
There is lunch and snacks supplied. With enough notice, dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free) can be met. Due to the remote location and limited amenities, guests with severe allergies should bring their own suitable food.
Depending on the location and time of day, allow 30 to 1.5 hours per stop. Major features like Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole are designated for longer pauses. The schedule is made for a leisurely yet active day of exploration.
