West MacDonnell Ranges Standley Chasm from Alice Springs

Summary Description

Explore the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges in a day! Discover Standley Chasm, swim at Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge, visit the Ochre Pits, and spot rock wallabies at Simpsons Gap. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure day trip. 

Highlights
  • Explore Tjoritja, the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Spot rock wallabies at serene Simpsons Gap
  • Marvel at towering cliffs in Standley Chasm
  • Swim in Ellery Creek & Ormiston Gorge’s cool waters
  • See vivid ochre cliffs used in ancient ceremonies
Description

Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge located in the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja). We explore this beautifully rugged area before trekking west and are tempted to dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Be amazed by the massive geological forces which created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest, as we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with a final stop at Tjoritja West MacDonnells National Park region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife. Now we’ve had our fix of some of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation and evening plans as you reflect on your day of exploration.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, where natural beauty and rich cultural heritage blend seamlessly for an extraordinary experience. 

Our adventure begins at Simpsons Gap, a site deeply embedded in Aboriginal culture and Dreamtime stories. This serene location features a permanent waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife, including the occasional rock wallaby. Keep your eyes peeled as we explore this sacred site, rich with ancient significance.

Next, we head west to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”), a striking natural wonder. This narrow, 80-meter-high gorge is flanked by towering rock walls that glow in vibrant reds and oranges under the sun. The sheer magnitude and beauty of Standley Chasm will leave you in awe. Then, we travel to Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata), a breathtaking waterhole nestled between towering red cliffs and sandy creek beds. Here, you'll have the opportunity to swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Outback. A delicious picnic lunch will be served in this tranquil setting, adding to the beauty of your surroundings.

We continue our journey to the Ochre Pits, a vibrant and culturally significant site. These vivid mineral-rich cliffs have been used for thousands of years by local Aboriginal people for ochre—a substance essential in art and ceremony. The colours of the cliffs are truly striking and offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s cultural heritage. 

Our final stop takes us to Ormiston Gorge, where dramatic red rock walls and winding trails invite exploration. This area, shaped by geological forces over millennia, offers stunning views and the chance to truly connect with the raw power of nature.

After a day filled with unforgettable sights, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, we’ll return to Alice Springs, where you'll reflect on the stunning landscapes and rich stories of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

 Meals: Lunch and snacks.
Driving Distance:  310 km.
Walking Distance: ~3km / 4km.

 *Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional land owner ceremonies. For operational reasons, the order of itinerary stops may vary at times.

Included / Excluded
  • Lunch and snacks and Alice Springs hotel pickups
  • Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee
  • Guided bush walks (3-4km, subject to fitness level)
  • Air-conditioned mini-coach travel with accredited driver guide
  • Local tour commentary, plus text translation app service in several languages
  • NT Parks Day Pass Required: Entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for day trips. This pass is not included in the tour price
  • Any meals not indicated on the itinerary.
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  • Personal travel insurance is recommended.
Start / End Locations
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible
Commentary

Guide : English

Written : Chinese Cantonese, Chinese Mandarin, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Passenger details needed at booking: date of birth, food allergies, and contact phone number.
  • Children aged 6 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times due to the swimming holes involved.
  • A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks down to the waterfalls in sometimes extreme weather conditions on this tour.
  • Notify us of medical conditions when booking. Tour requires moderate to high fitness and mobility.
  • Tour not suitable for mobility-impaired guests, including wheelchairs, walkers, prams, or strollers.
Know Before You Go
  • Travellers must reconfirm tour details by calling 03 9393 1333 within 7 days before departure.
  • Routes may change due to weather, park closures, or road conditions. Guest safety is our top priority.
  • Limited to 1 small (5–7kg) day bag per person. No suitcases—please store them at your hotel.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund. Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund.

Options and Pricing
West MacDonnell Ranges Tour (2025-26 season) RETAIL PRICE
Adult (13 - 85 years) $195.00
Child (6 - 12 years) $176.00
West MacDonnell Ranges Tour (2026-27 season) RETAIL PRICE
Adult (13 - 85 years) $220.00
Child (6 - 12 years) $198.00
Terms and Conditions

Click here to view full version: https://autopiatours.com.au/booking-terms-and-conditions/.

Additional Information

<div>The weather in the Red Centre can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically.&nbsp; Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.<br><br></div>

Redemption Information

Tickets will be held at the box office

FAQ

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Toggle FAQ

Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children must be supervised at all times and guests are to keep to the marked tracks and designated visitor areas

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

Toggle FAQ

A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks, some areas of the West MacDonnell Ranges consist of rocky terrain and steep walking tracks. If you wish to swim then you will need to be a strong swimmer. The water holes get deep quickly and are cold, fresh water so they can be hard to navigate for people who can not swim well.

How many people are on this tour?

Toggle FAQ

We operate this tour with a average of 18 passengers, our vehicles are 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa buses. This vehicle makes for a safe & comfortable journey (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Toggle FAQ

Yes, lunch is included, along with light snacks and drinking water. We also try to cater for dietary requirements, just let us know in advance. Because of the remote nature of the area, some dietary requirements can be harder to cater for. If you have very specific dietary requirements we may advise you bringing some extra snacks of your own.

What should I bring with me?

Toggle FAQ

Comfortable walking shoes, 1L Refillable water bottle, Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, Light jacket (it can be chilly in the morning or in shaded gorges), Camera or phone for photos, Swim wear and beach towel.

Do I need a National Park pass?

Toggle FAQ

Yes, you will need the NT Parks Day Pass which is required for entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for day trips. This pass is not included in the tour price, so we recommend purchasing it in advance to ensure a seamless entry on the day of your tour. The Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee is included.

Is swimming allowed in the gorges and waterholes?

Toggle FAQ

Swimming is permitted in various gorges and waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. The water temperature can be cold, especially outside of summer, so it’s advisable to be prepared for a cool swim. Visitors should always follow local guidance and signs regarding swimming conditions, as they may be affected by inclement weather and seasonal changes. Please be aware the waterholes are also very deep and drop off quickly, this can be hard to navigate if you are not a strong swimmer. If you wish to bring any swimming aids there is some room available on the bus, please let the team know when booking.

What animals live in the West MacDonnell Ranges?

Toggle FAQ

A diverse mountain range of Australian wildlife inhabits the West MacDonnell Ranges. Animals like rock wallabies, dingoes, and various bird species can be seen depending on the time of day and year. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes are also present but are more challenging to spot. Many species of frogs live around the water holes we visit. We also have the Long Tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat which were thought to be extinct until the late 90’s. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late afternoon. On the odd occasion we may even encounter a Big Red Kangaroo as we drive back to Alice Springs.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

Toggle FAQ

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. The West MacDonnell ranges come alive with flora and fauna when it rains and while the experience will be different, it will be such a unique and beautiful day. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, where it’s not safe to travel into West MacDonnell Ranges.

Do I need to get travel insurance?

Toggle FAQ

It is highly recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re exploring remote parts of the Northern Territory with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.

Can I be dropped off at a different location to where I was picked up?

Toggle FAQ

If you wish to be dropped at a different location in ALice Springs after your tour, please speak directly to your driver during the day. While it is not always possible, the driver may be able to drop you at a different location if you have dinner reservations or plans after the tour. The guide cannot act as a taxi and help you change hotels with luggage, they can drop you at one place and the front desk of the hotel can help you order a taxi to take you and your luggage to a new hotel. On rare occasions, we can take some luggage on board the day tour but you must speak to reservations directly to ensure the space is available on board the bus prior to departure.

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Toggle FAQ

Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children must be supervised at all times and guests are to keep to the marked tracks and designated visitor areas

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

Toggle FAQ

A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks, some areas of the West MacDonnell Ranges consist of rocky terrain and steep walking tracks. If you wish to swim then you will need to be a strong swimmer. The water holes get deep quickly and are cold, fresh water so they can be hard to navigate for people who can not swim well.

How many people are on this tour?

Toggle FAQ

We operate this tour with a average of 18 passengers, our vehicles are 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa buses. This vehicle makes for a safe & comfortable journey (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Toggle FAQ

Yes, lunch is included, along with light snacks and drinking water. We also try to cater for dietary requirements, just let us know in advance. Because of the remote nature of the area, some dietary requirements can be harder to cater for. If you have very specific dietary requirements we may advise you bringing some extra snacks of your own.

What should I bring with me?

Toggle FAQ

Comfortable walking shoes, 1L Refillable water bottle, Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, Light jacket (it can be chilly in the morning or in shaded gorges), Camera or phone for photos, Swim wear and beach towel.

Do I need a National Park pass?

Toggle FAQ

Yes, you will need the NT Parks Day Pass which is required for entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for day trips. This pass is not included in the tour price, so we recommend purchasing it in advance to ensure a seamless entry on the day of your tour. The Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee is included.

Is swimming allowed in the gorges and waterholes?

Toggle FAQ

Swimming is permitted in various gorges and waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. The water temperature can be cold, especially outside of summer, so it’s advisable to be prepared for a cool swim. Visitors should always follow local guidance and signs regarding swimming conditions, as they may be affected by inclement weather and seasonal changes. Please be aware the waterholes are also very deep and drop off quickly, this can be hard to navigate if you are not a strong swimmer. If you wish to bring any swimming aids there is some room available on the bus, please let the team know when booking.

What animals live in the West MacDonnell Ranges?

Toggle FAQ

A diverse mountain range of Australian wildlife inhabits the West MacDonnell Ranges. Animals like rock wallabies, dingoes, and various bird species can be seen depending on the time of day and year. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes are also present but are more challenging to spot. Many species of frogs live around the water holes we visit. We also have the Long Tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat which were thought to be extinct until the late 90’s. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late afternoon. On the odd occasion we may even encounter a Big Red Kangaroo as we drive back to Alice Springs.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

Toggle FAQ

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. The West MacDonnell ranges come alive with flora and fauna when it rains and while the experience will be different, it will be such a unique and beautiful day. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, where it’s not safe to travel into West MacDonnell Ranges.

Do I need to get travel insurance?

Toggle FAQ

It is highly recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re exploring remote parts of the Northern Territory with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.

Can I be dropped off at a different location to where I was picked up?

Toggle FAQ

If you wish to be dropped at a different location in ALice Springs after your tour, please speak directly to your driver during the day. While it is not always possible, the driver may be able to drop you at a different location if you have dinner reservations or plans after the tour. The guide cannot act as a taxi and help you change hotels with luggage, they can drop you at one place and the front desk of the hotel can help you order a taxi to take you and your luggage to a new hotel. On rare occasions, we can take some luggage on board the day tour but you must speak to reservations directly to ensure the space is available on board the bus prior to departure.

About operator:

With over 35 years of experience, Autopia Tours is a pioneer in delivering Australia’s most diverse range of premium small-group guided travel experiences. We go beyond the ordinary—avoiding the crowds, uncovering unexpected destinations, and embracing sustainable travel to preserve our environment for future generations.
At Autopia, we believe travel should be less about ticking boxes and more about creating authentic, meaningful experiences. Our tours are designed for the curious explorer—those who want to immerse themselves in nature, connect with local cultures, and share real adventures with like-minded travellers.
From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Red Centre and the rugged beauty of the Top End, to the coastal gems of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the tropical vibes of the East Coast, Autopia Tours covers it all. Whether you're cruising through Katherine Gorge, discovering hidden beaches along the Great Ocean Road, relaxing at the Peninsula Hot Springs, or exploring the ancient rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, every journey is crafted to leave a lasting impression.
Driven by passion, guided by purpose, and committed to responsible tourism—Autopia Tours invites you to explore differently, travel consciously, and experience Australia in its most raw and remarkable form.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 10.5 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Moderate
  • Max Group Size: 23
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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