Name: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
SKU: 6762WM
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (374 reviews)

WizardTrip

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

4.7(374)· Alice Springs· By Emu Run Experience

Free cancellation

From

€163per person

1 to 15 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €182€182

Total€182

About the activity

Discover the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges on this captivating full-day excursion. Admire the towering, fiery red cliffs, illuminated by the desert sun as you journey through the ranges. We will explore these incredible ranges throughout the day, stopping at picturesque gorges and waterholes, perfect for a refreshing swim during the warmer months. Don't forget your camera! Every moment of this unforgettable day trip is worth capturing. You will visit: Simpsons Gap Standley Chasm Ochre Pits Ormiston Gorge Ellery Creek Big Hole Optional swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole (summer only). All activities are suitable for all age groups and do not require a high level of fitness or agility. Please note: An NT Parks Pass is required and must be purchased before the tour.

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

What is not included

✕Gratuities
✕Effective from April 1st, 2025, the NT Park Pass is no longer included.
✕Please pre-purchase the NT Park Pass and bring it with you on the day of the tour.

Itinerary

1
MacDonnell Ranges
Following pickup from your Alice Springs hotel, embark with your guide and small group into West MacDonnell Ranges National Park to commence your exploration of the area's numerous natural wonders. Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary on the region's natural and cultural history.
· Non-stop passage
2
Simpsons Gap
Begin with a scenic walk at Simpsons Gap, one of the most celebrated gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Follow a riverbed to a natural rock amphitheater while searching for endangered black-footed rock wallabies that inhabit the boulders.
· 45 min· Admission not included
3
Standley Chasm Angkerle
Next, marvel at the towering rock walls of Standley Chasm as you wander through the diverse trees lining the paths, including acacias, cycads, ghost gums, and cypress pines. Enjoy morning tea at Standley Chasm before proceeding to your next destination, the Ochre Pits.
· 1 h· Admission included
4
Ochre Pits
A short pathway leads to rock walls adorned with layers of white, yellow, and red ochre. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the shifting hues. Considered a sacred site for the local Arrernte people, the ochre pits traditionally supplied material for ceremonies and trade.
· 15 min· Admission not included
5
Ormiston Gorge
Further along the route, pause for a bushman's lunch at Ormiston Gorge, which features a semi-permanent waterhole. Keep an eye out for waterbirds like the Pacific heron and white-faced heron, which are frequent visitors to the waterhole.
· 1 h· Admission not included
6
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Continue to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a significant geological site and one of Central Australia's most pristine waterholes. Cool off with a swim in its refreshing waters.
· 1 h· Admission not included
7
Return to Alice Springs
Your guide will return you to your Alice Springs hotel to conclude the tour.
· Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. Please ensure you have one ticket per booking.

Meeting point and return

Please call to confirm your pickup time at least 24 hours prior to the tour date. Kindly allow a 15-minute window for the bus to arrive at your location.

Minimum numbers apply for the tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In such an event, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.

Hotel pickups commence prior to the stated tour start time. Kindly allow a 15-minute window for the bus to arrive.

Practical information

Travelers should possess at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Please wear sturdy, non-slip walking shoes.
During the summer months, please bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and swimwear.
Please bring your NT Parks Pass (a digital copy is acceptable).

Activity options

2021-2022
Pickup included

Duration

10 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Bring swimwear for a dip in the waterholes during warmer months.
Don't forget your camera to capture the spectacular scenery.
Ensure you have your NT Parks Pass ready for inspection.
Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on a full-day adventure from Alice Springs.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 6762WM

Activity offered by Emu Run Experience via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Nature enthusiasts
Photographers
Adventure seekers
Families

Activity essentials

Explore the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges
Visit stunning gorges and waterholes
Opportunity for a refreshing swim (summer)
Learn about local natural and cultural history
Includes lunch and morning tea
Comfortable air-conditioned transport

Alice Springs: good to know

Population: 24,855 (2021)
Elevation: 576 m
Currency: Australian dollar
Official language: English
Driving: on the left
Power plugs: I · 230 V
Emergency number: 000
Capital city: Canberra

Average temperatures

30°Jan
29°Feb
26°Mar
22°Apr
16°May
12°Jun
13°Jul
15°Aug
20°Sept
25°Oct
27°Nov
29°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

Is an NT Parks Pass required for this tour?

Yes, an NT Parks Pass is required. Please purchase it prior to the tour and bring it with you on the day. Effective from April 1st, 2025, the NT Park Pass is no longer included in the tour price.

What should I bring on the tour?

Please bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and swimwear if you plan to swim during the summer months. Also, ensure you have your NT Parks Pass.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, all activities are considered very safe for all age groups and do not require a high level of fitness or agility.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather or low numbers?

The tour may be cancelled if there are not enough participants. In such cases, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

When will I be picked up?

Hotel pickups commence prior to the tour start time. Please call to confirm your specific pickup time at least 24 hours before the tour date, and allow a 15-minute window for the bus to arrive.

Reviews

4.74.7(374)

5 stars

307

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Ranging the Range
Lisa_J, September 2026
Nice day-trip to explore the West MacDonnell Range. Short hikes to interesting geology (gorges and chasms), beautiful vistas, the opportunity to swim in rivers and waterholes, a nice lunch. I recommend this tour.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
West Mac’s magic
karenhM6554WP, September 2026
Lauren was our guide, she was very knowledgeable and super friendly. The whole day was awesome, would highly recommend this tour
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Excellent tour
Curiosity17580788335, September 2026
Interesting sites visited Very professional guide Well-paced day.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
West MacDonnell Rangers day trip from Alice Springs.
beverleyc400, June 2026
The 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.
Response from the operator · Emu Run Experience
Hi Beverley, thank you for your comments and joining us on the West MacDonnell Ranges tour. Your photos are fantastic and I hope they continue to provide many happy memories for you!
★★★★★Viator review
A must do tour !
Sue_S, May 2026
We 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

3 activities · Australia

Alice Springs, Australia, has 3 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Alice Springs

3 in the catalogue

Free cancellation

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

from €163★ 4.7

Selling fast

Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

from €247★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

from €260★ 4.6

All activities · Alice Springs · 3

02In the air

Planes & helicopters in Alice Springs

1 activity

Selling fast

Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

from €247★ 4.8

Frequently asked questions about Alice Springs

What is there to do in Alice Springs?

Alice Springs has 3 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs », « Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs », « Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner ».

What are the top-rated activities in Alice Springs?

According to traveller reviews: « Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs » (4.8/5, 456 reviews) ; « West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs » (4.7/5, 374 reviews) ; « Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner » (4.6/5, 663 reviews).