Alice Springs Day Tours
Take 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. Immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and capture the Australian outback on camera. Traverse rugged canyons, discover hidden waterholes, and visit historic sites. Take the opportunity to swim and hike along the way.
DEPARTS: 07:00 from Alice Springs
RETURNS: 17:30 to Alice Springs
PRICE: $125-175 AUD $120-150 AUD
Highlights
- West MacDonnell National Park, also known as Tjoritja by the indigenous custodians, is a destination worth exploring.
- Explore the 80m high gorge and be awed by Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye‘. 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.
- With its towering walls, you can relax and rejuvenate at Ormiston Gorge, also known as ‘Kwartatuma’.
- Native wildlife, including the black-footed-rock-wallaby, can be observed in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as “Rungutjirpa”.
Itinerary
Alice Springs - McDonnell Western Ranges
We depart Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye,’ a narrow gorge within the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area’s natural beauty and then continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, known as ‘Udepata,’ where we cool off and swim surrounded by the cliffs and banks of Ellery Creek. Our journey continues to Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the impressive red walls formed by geological forces. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole known for native wildlife and its significance in indigenous culture. After a full day of exploring these iconic natural destinations, we return to Alice Springs for the evening.
Lunch is served, and the driving distance is 310 km, while the walking distance is approximately 3 km to 4 km.
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.
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
Is Alice Springs safe for tourists?
How do I get to Alice Springs?
What is the weather like in Alice Springs?
Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of when visiting Aboriginal sites?
Can I see Uluru on a day tour from Alice Springs?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Uluru on a day tour from Alice Springs, but it’s a long day as the landmark is about 450 km away.