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Day Trips From Alice Springs

Take a full-day tour from Alice Springs and explore West MacDonnell Ridge. A guide will take you to various attractions in the area, including Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Capture the region’s natural beauty and take pictures of the Australian outback. Discover hidden waterholes, hike through rugged canyons, and explore historic sites. Don’t forget to take a swim along the way.

Tour Information

  • Day 1
  • Price $ AUD 125 - 175
  • Departs 7:00
  • Returns 17:30
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Highlights

  • The West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, invites visitors to explore its scenic landscapes.
  • Explore the impressive Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, with its 80-meter-high gorge. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
  • You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and observe the coloured ochre clay still used in traditional ceremonies.
  • Visitors can find relaxation and rejuvenation within the walls of Ormiston Gorge, also known as ‘Kwartatuma.’
  • Native wildlife, such as the black-footed-rock-wallaby, can be found in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.

What you can actually see!

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Itinerary

We depart from Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, meaning ‘Gap of Water’. The narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell ranges 3 meters wide and 80 meters high. We explore the area for native wildlife and appreciate the rugged natural beauty. We then continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, known as ‘Udepata’, where we take a refreshing swim surrounded by steep red cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive geological formations of the towering red walls. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole and a significant Tjoritja West MacDonnells region site. It is a sacred space where indigenous dreamtime trails and stories intersect and are known for its shy black-footed rock wallaby. After a full day of exploring Central Australia’s iconic natural destinations, we returned leisurely to Alice Springs for the evening.

Lunch is provided, and the driving distance will be 310 km. The walking distance is approximately 3 km to 4 km.

Details

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

Aditional Information

  • Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
  • We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
  • Pre/post-tourhotel transfers
  • Additional personal expenses
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 activities involved, this tour is unsuitable for children five years old and under.
  • This terrain is unsuitable for mobility-impaired travellers 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 seven 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.
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.

Booking

FAQs

Uluru is approximately 450 km southwest of Alice Springs, which is around a 5-hour drive.
Some waterholes are safe to swim in, but always check for signs and ask local authorities as conditions can change.
Some Aboriginal sites require a permit, while others don’t. It’s best to check with the local tourism office or your tour operator. Always respect local customs and laws.
Alice Springs and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, emus, and a diverse range of bird species.
You can visit most of these sites independently, although some people prefer to book tours for convenience and the additional information provided by tour guides. It’s a matter of personal preference.
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