Alice Springs Day Tours
Embark on an Alice Springs Day Tours to explore West MacDonnell Ridge. An experienced guide will accompany you to attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen. Capture the beauty of the Australian outback with your camera as you navigate through rugged canyons and discover hidden waterholes and historic sites. Take the opportunity to swim and hike during the tour.
Duration : 1 Day
Departure: 07:00 from Alice Springs
Returns: 17:30 to Alice Springs
PRICE $125-175 AUD $120-150 AUD
Tour Highlights
- Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, which is also referred to as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians.
- Visitors can explore the 80m high gorge and marvel at Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’. They can also swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s largest and most picturesque swimming spots.
- You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and witness the use of coloured ochre clay in traditional ceremonies.
- Visitors can relax and rejuvenate at Ormiston Gorge, which is traditionally known as ‘Kwartatuma’ and features large towering walls.
- Native wildlife, including the elusive black-footed rock wallaby, can be observed in the Simpsons’ Gap region, historically referred to as ‘Rungutjirpa’.
Tour Description
Explore Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges on day one
We depart from Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. During our journey, we explore the area’s rugged natural beauty, looking out for native wildlife. We then continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, also known as ‘Udepata,’ where we can cool off and swim amid the steep red cliffs and sandy banks of Ellery Creek. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we take the time to admire the impressive geological formations of the towering red walls. Finally, we visit Simpsons Gap, another stunning feature in the Tjoritja West MacDonnells region.
This waterhole is known for its native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby. It is also considered a sacred space with indigenous dreamtime trails and stories. After a full day of exploring these iconic natural destinations, we return leisurely, dropping you off at your accommodation in Alice Springs for the evening.
- Meals: LunchDriving Distance: 310 km
- Walking Distance: Approximately 3km / 4km
Details
What do you need to bring?
- 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
Exclusions
- Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
- We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
- Pre/post-tour hotel transfers
- Additional personal expenses
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 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.
Covid Safety Measures
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 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.
Booking
FAQs
What's the ideal attire for an Alice Springs tour?
Is it necessary to reserve my tour in advance?
Are meals part of the tour package?
Indeed, the majority of our full-day tours do include meal provisions. However, we advise checking the specific details of each tour to be certain.
Can I bring my kids on the tour?
What types of wildlife can we expect to encounter?
The area around Alice Springs is home to diverse wildlife, including species like kangaroos, dingoes, and a wide variety of birds.