West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
by Emu Run Experience
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.A$508.46Overview
This full-day bus tour lasts about 10 hours and covers several key locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Alice Springs and air-conditioned transport. A friendly guide provides commentary about the natural features and cultural history throughout the day. The tour begins with a visit to Simpsons Gap, where guests take a scenic walk along a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater and may spot black-footed rock wallabies. Next is Standley Chasm, where the group strolls among trees such as acacias and ghost gums and enjoys morning tea. The tour then stops at the Ochre Pits, a short walk to rock walls with layers of ochre that hold cultural significance for the Arrernte people. Lunch is served at Ormiston Gorge, which has a semi-permanent waterhole frequented by waterbirds like the Pacific heron. After lunch, the tour continues to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a well-known geological site with a clear waterhole where swimming is possible in warmer months. The tour concludes with a return to the Alice Springs hotel. An NT Parks Pass is required and must be purchased before the tour.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
MacDonnell Ranges
After pickup from the hotel in Alice Springs, the group travels into West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The guide provides detailed information about the area's natural and cultural background throughout the day.
Simpsons Gap
The tour begins with a 45-minute walk at Simpsons Gap, a well-known gap in the ranges. Guests follow a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater and may see endangered black-footed rock wallabies among the boulders.
45 min
Standley Chasm Angkerle
Next is a 60-minute visit to Standley Chasm, where visitors walk among trees such as acacias, cycads, ghost gums, and cypress pines. Morning tea is served here before moving on to the next stop.
60 min
Ochre Pits
A 15-minute stop at the Ochre Pits involves a short walk to rock walls layered with white, yellow, and red ochre. This sacred site was traditionally used by the Arrernte peoples for ceremonies and trading.
15 min
Ormiston Gorge
The tour pauses for a one-hour picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, which features a semi-permanent waterhole. Guests can observe waterbirds like the Pacific heron and white-faced heron during the break.
60 min
Ellery Creek Big Hole
The group then spends about one hour at Ellery Creek Big Hole, a significant geological site with a clear waterhole. Swimming is optional during warmer months.
60 min
Return to Alice Springs Hotel
The guide brings the group back to their hotel in Alice Springs to conclude the tour.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
by Emu Run Experience
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.A$508.46Overview
This full-day bus tour lasts about 10 hours and covers several key locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Alice Springs and air-conditioned transport. A friendly guide provides commentary about the natural features and cultural history throughout the day. The tour begins with a visit to Simpsons Gap, where guests take a scenic walk along a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater and may spot black-footed rock wallabies. Next is Standley Chasm, where the group strolls among trees such as acacias and ghost gums and enjoys morning tea. The tour then stops at the Ochre Pits, a short walk to rock walls with layers of ochre that hold cultural significance for the Arrernte people. Lunch is served at Ormiston Gorge, which has a semi-permanent waterhole frequented by waterbirds like the Pacific heron. After lunch, the tour continues to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a well-known geological site with a clear waterhole where swimming is possible in warmer months. The tour concludes with a return to the Alice Springs hotel. An NT Parks Pass is required and must be purchased before the tour.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
MacDonnell Ranges
After pickup from the hotel in Alice Springs, the group travels into West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The guide provides detailed information about the area's natural and cultural background throughout the day.
Simpsons Gap
The tour begins with a 45-minute walk at Simpsons Gap, a well-known gap in the ranges. Guests follow a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater and may see endangered black-footed rock wallabies among the boulders.
45 min
Standley Chasm Angkerle
Next is a 60-minute visit to Standley Chasm, where visitors walk among trees such as acacias, cycads, ghost gums, and cypress pines. Morning tea is served here before moving on to the next stop.
60 min
Ochre Pits
A 15-minute stop at the Ochre Pits involves a short walk to rock walls layered with white, yellow, and red ochre. This sacred site was traditionally used by the Arrernte peoples for ceremonies and trading.
15 min
Ormiston Gorge
The tour pauses for a one-hour picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, which features a semi-permanent waterhole. Guests can observe waterbirds like the Pacific heron and white-faced heron during the break.
60 min
Ellery Creek Big Hole
The group then spends about one hour at Ellery Creek Big Hole, a significant geological site with a clear waterhole. Swimming is optional during warmer months.
60 min
Return to Alice Springs Hotel
The guide brings the group back to their hotel in Alice Springs to conclude the tour.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.