Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges Day Tour

Four stops in the West MacDonnell Ranges, one driver who knows the stories

You get picked up from your hotel and spend the day moving through four key sites in the West MacDonnell Ranges: the School of the Air, the Telegraph Station, Simpson's Gap with a guided walk, and Standley Chasm with a one-hour hike through colored sandstone walls. The NT Parks Pass is included, as is the driver guide's commentary on the history and culture of the region. You're back by late afternoon, and lunch is your own choice at the café or bring your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre55m · entry included
2. Alice Springs Telegraph Station1h · entry included
3. Simpsons Gap1h · entry included
4. Standley Chasm2h · entry included

Explore Alice Springs and West MacDonnell Ranges

• Visit School of the Air
• Explore Alice Springs Telegraph Station
• Walk through Simpson’s Gap
• Hike and view Standley Chasm
• Optional lunch at Standley Chasm Café

The experience

So you're standing at Simpson's Gap and your driver guide is pointing out where the black-footed rock wallabies hide in the cliff face. You'd miss them otherwise, they're that good at staying still. The gap itself opens up in front of you, shaped over millions of years, and the walk through it takes maybe thirty minutes depending on how long you linger. It's one of those places where the scale hits you different when you're actually standing in it, not looking at a photo.

The day starts with hotel pickup and heads straight to the School of the Air visitor centre, which sounds like it might be boring but it's genuinely strange in a good way. It's how kids on remote cattle stations get their education, all via radio and post. Then you move on to the Telegraph Station, the actual first European settlement in Alice Springs, which operated for sixty years relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Your guide walks you through the buildings and explains how it all worked, and there's a real sense of how isolated that must have felt. After that comes Simpson's Gap with the guided walk, and then Standley Chasm, where you do a one-hour hike and watch the sandstone walls turn these intense colors when the midday sun hits them just right. It's significant to the local Arrernte people, and you can feel that in the place itself.

The NT Parks Pass is included now (from April 2027), so you don't have to sort that separately. You're traveling in an air-conditioned coach the whole time, which matters in Central Australia. One thing to know: the School of the Air only runs Monday to Friday, so if you're going on a weekend, you'll skip that stop and spend more time at the other sites. Lunch isn't included, but there's a café at Standley Chasm if you want to eat there, or you can bring something. Bring enclosed walking shoes and layers. It can be warm during the day but cool in the morning and evening.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Alice Springs hotels, entry to the School of the Air Visitor Centre, entry to the Telegraph Station, a guided walk at Simpson's Gap, entry to Standley Chasm with a one-hour guided hike, travel in an air-conditioned coach, the NT Parks Pass (from April 2027), and comprehensive commentary from your driver guide throughout the day. Lunch is not included but can be purchased at the Standley Chasm Café.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 10

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AAT Kings

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the West MacDonnell Ranges' main attractions in one day without arranging your own transport or working out which sites matter most: the fixed itinerary and included park pass take the planning out of it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years); Infant (under 2): free.

Is the School of the Air always open?

No, it's only open Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Weekend tours will skip this stop.

How long are the walks?

Simpson's Gap is around thirty minutes. Standley Chasm is a one-hour guided hike.

Is lunch included?

No, but there's a café at Standley Chasm where you can buy food at your own expense.

Do I need to buy the NT Parks Pass separately?

From April 2027, the pass is included in the tour price. Before that date, you'll need to pre-purchase it online (AUD 10 adult, AUD 5 child).

What should I bring?

Enclosed walking shoes, warm layers for cooler months, and a flynet in summer if you prefer. Bring water and sun protection.

Are rock wallabies guaranteed to be seen at Simpson's Gap?

They're often seen among the cliffs, but they're elusive, so sightings aren't guaranteed.