West MacDonnell Ranges tour: Gorges & waterholes adventure

Five gorges and a waterhole swim in one Outback day

A full-day guided tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs visits five named sites (Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge) with entry fees, lunch, guided walks of 3–4 km and hotel pickup included. The tour departs at 7am and returns by 6pm, led by an accredited Outback driver guide who speaks English. Children are welcome from age 6, and a moderate level of fitness is needed for the walks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Simpsons Gap1h
2. Standley Chasm1h · entry included
3. Ormiston Gorge1h

Explore West MacDonnell Ranges highlights

• Depart Alice Springs at 7:00am
• Visit Simpsons Gap and spot rock wallabies
• Explore Standley Chasm's glowing red walls
• Swim and picnic at Ellery Creek Big Hole
• Discover cultural history at the Ochre Pits
• Explore Ormiston Gorge and enjoy views
• Return to Alice Springs by 6:00pm

The experience

The day starts at 7am with pickup from inner-city Alice Springs hotels and heads straight to Simpsons Gap, where a permanent waterhole draws rock wallabies and other native wildlife to a site sacred to the local Aboriginal people. From there the route moves to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), a dramatic gorge where red and orange rock walls tower overhead: a stop built for both the view and the chance to spot more wildlife as you walk through.

Mid-morning leads to Ellery Creek Big Hole (Udepata), surrounded by red cliffs and sandy creek beds, where you swim in the cool, clear water before a picnic lunch in the same spot. The Ochre Pits come next: mineral-rich cliffs in yellows and deep reds that Aboriginal people have used for thousands of years to harvest ceremonial ochre, turning the stop into a window on the region's cultural history. The day ends at Ormiston Gorge, where towering rock formations and winding trails open onto views of the surrounding landscape.

Guided bush walks total 3–4 km across the day and are tailored to fitness levels, so the pace adjusts to the group. The air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Standley Chasm, lunch and light snacks are all included. An NT Parks Day Pass (AUD 10 per person) is required for entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and can be arranged at checkout.

What’s included

• Entry to Standley Chasm.
• comprehensive tour commentary.
• guided bush walks of 3–4 km tailored to fitness levels.
• hotel pickup and drop-off at select Alice Springs inner-city locations.
• lunch and light snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• and an accredited Outback driver guide with in-depth local knowledge.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and FridayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 23

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 10

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wildlife Tours Australia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want multiple gorges and swimming in one day with a 7am start and 6pm return that fits a single Alice Springs day. The moderate walks suit basic fitness levels.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the West MacDonnell Ranges tour?

Rock wallabies are common at Simpsons Gap, and native Australian flora and fauna appear throughout the day at each of the five stops. The permanent waterhole at Simpsons Gap and the creek beds at Ellery Creek Big Hole are the most reliable spots for sightings, though wildlife varies by season and time of day.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Ellery Creek Big Hole is where you swim in the crystal-clear waterhole, surrounded by red cliffs. This is the main swimming stop, and it's also where lunch is served, so you have time to dry off before eating.

How far do I walk on this tour?

Guided bush walks total 3–4 km across the full day, spread across the five sites. The walks are tailored to fitness levels, so the pace adjusts to the group. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry to Standley Chasm, comprehensive tour commentary, guided bush walks, hotel pickup and drop-off at inner-city Alice Springs locations, lunch and light snacks, and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. The NT Parks Day Pass (AUD 10 per person) is separate and arranged at checkout.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour departs at 7am from your Alice Springs hotel and returns by 6pm, making it a full day of roughly 10.5 hours including travel time and all stops.