West MacDonnell Ranges One Day Tour

Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour.
Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the desert sun as you drive along the ranges.

We tour through these amazing ranges all day and stop at beautiful gorges and waterholes, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months.

Don’t forget your camera! Every moment of this memorable one day tour is worth capturing.

You’ll visit:
Simpsons Gap
Standley Chasm
Ochre Pits
Ormiston Gorge
Glen Helen
Ellery Creek Bighole
Flynn Memorial
Optional swim at Ellery Creek Bighole (summer only)

All activities are considered very safe for all age groups. They do not require a high level of fitness or agility.

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 to expect:

Duration: 10 hours

MacDonnell Ranges

, , Northern Territory

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.

Admission Ticket Included

Simpsons Gap

Simpsons Gap, Burt Plain NT 0872, Australia

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

Larapinta Drive, 0872, Northern Territory

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

Burt Plain, Northern Territory

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

Namatjira Drive, Northern Territory

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

, , Northern Territory

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.

15 minutes

Emu Run Experience - Day Tours

Alice Springs, 0871, Northern Territory

Your guide returns you to your Alice Springs hotel to end the tour.

Ellery Creek Big Hole

West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs, 0872, Northern Territory

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.