West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
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
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.
Please note an NT Parks Pass is required, please purchase prior to tour.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please wear strong, non-slip walking shoes
Please bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and swimwear during the summer months
Please bring NT Parks Pass (digital copy accepted)
What To Expect
MacDonnell Ranges
After pickup at your Alice Springs hotel, set off with your guide and small group into West MacDonnell Ranges 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.
Simpsons Gap
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.
Options
2021-2022
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Morning Tea
Bushman's Lunch
Entry fee to Standley Chasm
Experienced, friendly tour guide
Accommodation pick-up and drop-off
Air-conditioned transport
Gratuities
Effective to all travel on 1st of April 2025, NT Park Pass is no longer included.
Please pre-purchase the NT Park Pass & bring it with you on the day of the tour
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
369 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
West MacDonnell Rangers day trip from Alice Springs.
beverleyc400,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day tour to West Macdonnell Rangers had lots of stops to see different places (plenty of toilet stops)- lovely walks to see stunning scenery and wildlife. We were not rushed and there was plenty of time for photos and given just enough information about each stop. Lunch was make your own wrap which was easy for all. Morning tea was provided at Stanley Chasm after walk. A very enjoyable day out in nature thanks to our guide/driver Andy from Emu Run Experience.
A must do tour !
Sue S,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour ! The pick up from our accommodation was right on time . Our tour guide Alex was new and did an amazing job ( very knowledgeable) Our bus driver Edvino was also very knowledgeable about the area. Our morning tea and lunch was delicious and the extra spots they took us to was great
The scenery was beautiful...
RonaldRalph B,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The scenery was beautiful and walks were easy. Nice tea break and lunch. Andy gave us lots of information about the area. Pickup and drop off was easy. Great day.
Beautiful and interesting
Janette D,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw some great scenery. Even though our tour was modified because of road closures, they made up for it by taking us to other extremely interesting places in Alice Springs.
West McDonnell Range
I8650THsusank,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was beautiful and interesting
Truly amazing day visiting the West Macdonnell Ranges
rkjohns2n,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent day tour with a very nice driver, guide. She was very informative and helpful. The visits to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge were amazing with outstanding views all round. Visiting the ochre pits with their amazing colours and history was another interesting site. The stop off at Ellery Creek also offered wonderful scenery and for some the opportunity to go for a swim. I would recommend this tour to anyone staying in Alice Springs.
A great day out, due to...
Clive G,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great day out, due to an unexpected park closure, we had a lot more options of where to visit. It helped that there were only three of us, and had met the day before on another tour with the same company. Our guide Kylie accommodated all the visit requests, made other suggestions and generally ensured we had a great day. Note to the parks department, short notice cancellation of access for a staff party is not an acceptable practice.
Enjoyable day out in the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges
JudithT441,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our day trip to the West McDonnell ranges on the small group bus tour. Matt was a great guide/driver and had an impressive knowledge of the history of the area. Most interesting. We enjoyed all the places we were taken to and found this to be a really good way to visit the key sites nearby. We had some overseas guests travelling with us and they were also very impressed.
See the rangers
Kellie L,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Loved what we saw just a shame that the guide was new and still learning. The guide was the only let down. The sights were beautiful
Amazing day discovering the West MacDonnell Range
Diana R,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful day experiencing one of the marvels of Alice Springs region. Matt, our guide, was informative on the region, told great stories, and was a great driver as he drove us to all spots on itinerary and then added a few additional stops for more scenic pictures. It was a great tour!
Related Experiences
Operated by Emu Run Experience