West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip from Alice Springs
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Alice Springs, Australia
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Attractions such as Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park show that you don’t need to go far from Alice Springs to see the beautiful landscapes of the Australian Outback. However, they can be a challenge to reach on your own. This full-day tour makes visiting easy, though, as you’re driven to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and other natural wonders and then shown about by a group guide.
- Cool off at natural swimming holes, including Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Spot wildlife and learn about Aboriginal culture on nature walks
- Don’t go hungry with a complimentary morning tea and lunch
- Travel in an air-conditioned minibus to coolly and comfortably get about
What's Included
- Morning tea & picnic lunch
- Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee
- Guided bush walks (3-4km, subject to fitness level)
- Air-conditioned mini-coach travel with local tour commentary
- Translation app service available in several different languages.
- Selected Alice Spring inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
- NT Park Day Pass for West MacDonnell Ranges National Park is required prior to travelA$10.00 per person
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
- Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Mantra Alice Springs11 Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside Stay at Alice Springs Hotel, 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs at 7:30am. Please advise us of your hotel details, so we can provide you with an exact pickup time according to your accommodation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.7:30 am
Itinerary
1
Alice Springs
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
3
Ormiston Gorge
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Ochre Pits
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Ellery Creek Big Hole
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
6
Standley Chasm Angkerle
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
7
Simpsons Gap
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
8
Alice Springs
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
- Child policy 6 years old and over, not suitable for children 5 years old and under.
- This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
- Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
- Alternative, pickup locations are available within the Alice Springs area. To change please contact our reservations team for details.
- Prior to booking, we strongly recommend guests purchase travel insurance.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 23 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
It was a great tour with wonderful guide, Casper (thank you). Very versatile day with walking, swimming, learning about local plants, geology, history, traditions. The views are spectacular, truly unforgettable experience.
Reviews
4.9
based on 84 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Great trip to see the West MacDonnell Ranges including Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, where there was time for a swim, The Ochre Pits for a demonstration of how the ochre was collected and prepared, Ormiston Gorge, where there was a picturesque view of the Gorge from the lookout, almost 300 steps to the top.
Lunch was at Standley Chasm where we had a choice from the Menu board and also a drink. Morning tea was provided on the vehicle, fruit bars, mandarins, apples and mixed lollies, these were available all day.
All sites had extremely amazing scenery and was totally great value.
We left at 7:30am returning back to the Hotel about 6pm.
This is a great trip and we just came back to our hotel. The places we visited were astonishing. The lady driver / tour guide was very organized and very very knowledgeable. She mada the trip a great experience and unfortunately it came to an end. Thank you for everything.
If you are in Alice Springs, you definitely have to do this tour to the West MacDonnell Ranges. The bus was super comfortable and the whole ride felt really smooth. What I loved about the itinerary is that it gives you plenty of short, well-timed stops to just hop off, enjoy the scenery, and take photos without feeling rushed at all. The walking tracks at both Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm are very flat, well-kept, and easy to walk, so you can just enjoy the outback at your own pace. Standing inside Standley Chasm right at noon when the sunlight hits the 80-meter rock walls and turns them bright orange was incredible.Another huge plus was the lunch. It had a lot of different options to choose from, which you don't usually expect on a remote tour like this. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. Definitely worth every single dollar! 5 stars.
The tour was really well organised and the pace was perfect. We got to spend enough time at each place to really enjoy it. The ranges are spectacular!
Lunch and a drink are provided/ the burgers were really good.
Our guide Emily was friendly and a wealth of knowledge about the ranges, the flora and history.
Highlights were Stanley Chasm, seeing rock wallabies and walks to the water holes. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the well-organised tour and found the pace just right, with plenty of time to take in each beautiful location. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the spectacular ranges, the delicious burgers, and highlights such as Stanley Chasm, the rock wallabies, and the waterhole walks. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Emily, and we’re so glad her knowledge of the ranges, flora, and history added to your experience. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Great day seeing the outback around Alice Springs. Our guide was also very knowledgeable and happy to answer the questions we had
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your day exploring the outback around Alice Springs. It's great to know that your guide was knowledgeable and attentive to your questions. We appreciate your kind words and hope to have you with us again for more adventures!
Excellent day out.good value. ZARA was a fund of interesting knowledge . Excellent Lunch at Cafe. Recommended and appreciated.
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Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback! I'm glad you had an excellent day out and found it to be good value. It's wonderful to hear that Zara shared interesting knowledge, making the experience even more enriching.
I'm also pleased that you enjoyed the lunch at the café-great food always adds to a memorable day. Your recommendation and appreciation mean a lot, and we hope to host you again for more fantastic adventures!
Tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable, friendly and would highly recommend. Looking forward to a returning trip and see more with this tour company.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear you had a great experience and that your tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and helped make the trip enjoyable. We really appreciate your recommendation and are thrilled to hear you’re considering travelling with us again. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure to explore even more with us!
Andrew is a chill guy. Sometimes, you have to enjoy the trip yourself so you can bring that happiness to the traveler. I went swimming because of him. He bought us coffee and burgers from a local shop. what a luxurious treat while touring.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Andrew's laid-back approach helped create such a memorable and enjoyable trip. It's wonderful that he was able to enhance your journey with local treats and special moments like swimming. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to providing more amazing experiences in the future!
Full day Alice spring tour with must see locations. Surround yourself with aboriginal stories and culture. Take a refreshing dip in the most visited water holes and finish your day with a mesmerising sunset near the sleeping lady… - Jonny did an amazing job and made the day trip remarkable. 5 stars for his knowledge of the people and their culture.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the full-day Alice Springs tour, exploring the must-see locations and immersing yourself in Aboriginal stories and culture.
It’s fantastic to know Jonny made your day trip remarkable with his exceptional knowledge and passion for sharing the rich heritage of the region. We agree-his expertise truly enhances the experience.
We're glad you enjoyed the refreshing dips in the water holes and the mesmerizing sunset near the Sleeping Lady-those are truly special moments.
Thank you for the 5-star feedback! We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures soon.
You see a lot but do not feel rushed. The highlight was being able to swim at two of the gorges! It was wonderful to experience these places after the big wet this area had experienced. However, even if dry the area is spectacular, worth visiting!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges! Swimming in the gorges after the big wet sounds magical, and it’s wonderful to know the pace felt relaxed. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s always a spectacular place to visit!
Rachel was our guide for the tour today. She was awesome and so very informative. My husband and l thoroughly enjoyed this tour and we got to meet lovely people. The scenery and water holes were spectacular.
Thank you again Rachel for the best day and thank you Viator for another amazing tour.
Julianne & Greg from Melbourne ❤️
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience, Julianne and Greg! We're thrilled to hear that Rachel provided an awesome and informative tour, and that you enjoyed the scenery, water holes, and the chance to meet lovely people. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Rachel. We're delighted you had such a memorable day and appreciate your continued support of Viator. Looking forward to your next adventure with us!
The tour is well run with a small group. The guide is very knowledgeable. The scenery speaks for itself and is perfect. The afternoon provides an added delight of being able to swim in the waterholes surrounded 350million year old geological formations. It is like being cradled in the jewels of the earth.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for the beautiful reflection! We're so glad the tour and guide made the day seamless, and that the ancient landscapes and tranquil waterholes left such a lasting impression. What a magical way to connect with nature.
5 stars - the places we visited were beautiful and we were given plenty of time to enjoy the views and take in our surroundings. I didn't feel rushed at all; in fact there were times where I was itching to get going to the next place. Maya was an excellent guide who had so much knowledge to share. I would love to visit all of those places again!
Though overall I had a great time, there were a few things I feel future travellers should know and consider when booking:
- **Morning tea is NOT provided, as is stated in the description**. We did have an opportunity to purchase our own coffee/snack at the cafe at Ormiston Gorge, but if you would rather not spend any extra money, then make sure you bring something to eat with you during morning tea. Lunch was provided as part of the tour price as stated.
- Though we were instructed to wait at 7am, we did not get picked up until 7.20am, and this left the group of travellers at this pick-up spot a bit confused. It wasn't until I messaged the team that we received an update that the guide was running a bit late due to multiple pick-up spots. This is of course completely fine, but I wish we were updated earlier.
(I also did not receive any reminder emails about the upcoming tour... only at 3.30pm on the actual day of the tour did I receive a "get ready for today's booking" email - but I think this is more of a Viator issue).
- As above, we were given plenty of time to spend at each destination and we were not rushed at all. The small downside to this is that we did not arrive back to Alice Springs until around 1900. Though this was not an issue for me, one of the other solo tourists I met on the day was panicking and requesting for me to be with them for the evening because they were too scared to now walk in the dark to get dinner alone. So especially if you are a solo traveller, please make sure you anticipate possibly a later-than-expected finish - safety in the town centre can be variable, so do make sure to have dinner arrangements beforehand.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for the thoughtful and detailed review! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning landscapes and Maya’s knowledgeable guidance. Your tips for future travellers are incredibly helpful, especially around timing, meals, and solo travel safety. We appreciate you sharing both the highlights and the practical insights.
We had a great day out with Nacho being our excellent guide. We were a group of eight and learnt a lot about aboriginal culture and local flora during the course of the day. Picked up a lovely lunch from Standley Chasm kiosk and enjoyed a relaxing time at Ellery Big hole. This has been one of the best tours that we have been on. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your day with Nacho and appreciated the insights into Aboriginal culture and local flora. It’s great to know you had a relaxing time at Ellery Big Hole and enjoyed the lunch from Standley Chasm kiosk. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we're so pleased you consider this one of your best tours. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable adventure! Vs.
Excellent day tour with Maya who was on time, knowledgeable and very helpful.
We had a great day seeing some terrific scenery - thankyou Maya!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning scenery and had a fantastic day with Maya. She’ll be thrilled to hear it! 🌄😊
We got to see some mamy different sites in one say including Simpson's Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Ochre Pits, Mt Sonder Lookout and Ormiston Gorge. The scenery was magnificent and our guide / driver Sid was extremely knowledgeable. Lunch of wraps, watermelon and Tim Tams was also delicious.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for sharing your experience! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning West Macs and Sid’s expert guidance. Sounds like a day full of breathtaking views and tasty treats, Tim Tams included!
This trip is a great way to hit a lot of different spots and landmarks in the area. Beautiful sights and lots of fun.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the lovely feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the sights and had such a fun, well-paced experience exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm. It's a stunning slice of the Territory, and we’re thrilled it made a great impression. 🌄😊
the tour guide is very caring, knowledgeable of the sites visited, the tour is good value, we covered a lot
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated our guide’s care and knowledge. It’s great to know you felt the tour was good value and packed with highlights. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! VS.
Absolutely first class experience, Our guide Nacho was informative, had a genuine interest in Aboriginal culture and went above and beyond in explaining each leg of the tour in depth, couldn't have been more impressive, Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
That's absolutely wonderful to hear! It sounds like you had a truly first-class experience and that Nacho was an exceptional guide.
We're thrilled that he was so informative, demonstrated such a genuine interest in Aboriginal culture, and went above and beyond in explaining each leg of the tour in depth. It's guides like Nacho who truly make a difference, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the places visited.
Your "highly recommended" means a lot to us, and we'll be sure to pass on your glowing feedback to Nacho. Thank you for sharing such an impressive review! Vs.
Picked up on time. We were the only passengers, so pretty much a private tour. Nachos was great and allowed us to set our own pace. Unfortunately a cold, wet day in Alice, but it added to the drama. Only thing that needed improving is the bus. A bit dated and hard on the back.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you had an awesome experience despite the wet weather, it certainly adds a unique touch to the adventure! We appreciate your comments about the bus and will take them into consideration. Hope to see you on another journey soon! - MC
Incredible, our tour guide Casper was amazing, so friendly and knowledgeable, so much wonderful scenery
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled that Casper made your tour memorable with his friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge. It’s great to know you enjoyed the beautiful scenery as well. We appreciate your kind words, Cheers! Vs.
It was a great tour with wonderful guide, Casper (thank you). Very versatile day with walking, swimming, learning about local plants, geology, history, traditions. The views are spectacular, truly unforgettable experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a superb day exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm.
Casper will be delighted to know his guidance made your experience even more special! We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on another journey soon! - MC 🌿🏞️
Great day out to see the beautiful MacDonnell ranges and natural wonders! Such a fun day with a lovely stop for lunch. Very relaxed pace and something new around every corner. Our guide/driver Kirsty was the best!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Absolutely stoked to hear you had a cracker of a day exploring the stunning MacDonnell Ranges and all its natural wonders! Sounds like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with a top-notch lunch to boot. And how good is Kirsty? She’s an absolute legend! We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words. She’ll be rapt. Hope to see you again for another brilliant day out!
- MC 😊
Great excursion but unfortunately the Standley Chasm was closed! Too bad as this was one of the reason we picked this tour. It would have been nice to get this information away ahead so that we could eventually reschedule it for another day.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
G'day,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the excursion, though we sincerely apologize for the closure of Standley Chasm during your tour. We understand how disappointing it can be when planned stops are unavailable, and we truly appreciate your understanding.
We always strive to keep our guests informed of any changes, and we’ll take your suggestion into account to improve communication moving forward. We hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future!
Kind regards,
Autopia Tours
wonderful day exploring the outback, our guide Tim was very knowledgable about all the locations, the rocks, the wildlife. He looked after us all, made sure we were comfortable. Im quite old & walk a lot slower than most people, but I didnt feel left out at any point during the long tour. Well worth it.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hi James,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're so glad to hear that Tim made your day in the Outback so memorable and ensured you felt comfortable throughout the journey. His knowledge and care for all the guests really shine through, and it’s great to know you didn’t feel left out at any point. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Kind regards,
Autopia Tours
This experience was so much more than we could have expected. Jayden our guide was full of energy, life and wisdom, teaching us bush survival with a side of comedy. Could not have asked for a better guide but wait, he bought CJ along on her day off. CJ was an Indigenous knowledge bank and they were fun and clearly love what they do. I can’t thank them enough for taking my son Jack and l out for an epic day trip, even including Ellery Creek. A day I will always remember and be grateful for and l now have some bush survival skills. Above and beyond guys, you deserve a raise!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
G'day!
Thanks so much for your awesome review. We’re stoked to hear you and Jack had such an epic day with Jordan and CJ! They’re absolute legends, and it’s great to know their energy and knowledge made your trip unforgettable.
Ellery Creek is a gem, and we’re glad you got to experience it with a side of bush survival skills.
Can’t wait to see you both back for another adventure!
Kind regards,
Autopia Tours
We spent an exciting day with Anna, our guide, in the MacDonnell Ranges. She told us a lot about the places we visited. She knew all about their plants and animals and the aboriginal families who allow us to visit their territory. She could explain meaning and importance of the nature sites to them and thus made us understand their culture and their way of thinking. Each stop had its Charme, whether it was watching wallabies, swimming in Ellery Creek Hole or having a walk in the wild landscape.
You could never explore this part of the country like this on your own. So, it's really worthwhile to book this trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi There,
Thank you for your review!
We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with us.
We hope you made some great memories and that we will see you again soon.
Cody
We saw everything at a relaxed pace. You choose our own morning tea and lunch from local Cafe. Food was great. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. You should take this trip....and take lots of photos.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the trip at a relaxed pace and loved the flexibility of choosing your morning tea and lunch from a local café. It sounds like a delicious experience! We appreciate your recommendation and can't wait to welcome you back for more adventures—don't forget to bring your camera!
My husband and I were alone on our tour and had the best experience! Our guide, Mitch, was personable and VERY knowledgeable about plants, animals, the area, culture - just everything. You could tell that Mitch is genuinely interested in the world and his attitude and storytelling greatly enhanced our tour experience. Really enjoyed the day which started with an extra stop at Desert Gardens and continued with planned stops at gorgeous spots in the West MacDonnell National Park. Lots of rewarding views after short walks. Highly recommend this tour for an action packed day of exploring!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a great experience on your tour with Mitch. It's fantastic that his knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to your day, and we're glad you enjoyed the extra stop at Desert Gardens and the beautiful views in West MacDonnell National Park.
Ze was a great guide, we had a small group that made for an intimate experience. Fantastic views, my personal favorites were the swimming holes.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
G'day,
Thank you for your great review!
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Zephyr as your guide and appreciated the intimate setting of a small group.
It’s great to know that you loved the fantastic views and the swimming holes!
We hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
Kind regards
Autopia
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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