Explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges on a full-day tour from Alice Springs. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as you travel through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at many historical locations.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic local landmark of Anzac Hill, where you can take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. Continue to Simpson Gap, a significant site to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Take a short, easy walk alongside a picturesque dry creek bed that leads to a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges and a waterhole rich in native wildlife, flora, and geology. Next, stop at Honeymoon Gap, a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14 km west of Alice Springs.

Continue to Standley Chasm, a picturesque walk named after Mrs. Ida Standley, who in 1914 became the first school teacher in Alice Springs. Walking access to the dramatic 80m sheer rock face of the chasm is along a well-maintained trail, following the natural creek bed with seating and interpretative signage.

Next, stop at Ellery Creek Big Hole, the most significant and deepest waterhole in Central Australia. The spectacular waterhole is fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) and is surrounded by tall red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek.

Continue to Ormiston Gorge, a must-see on any visit to the West Macs. The Ormiston Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months.
While you do your picnic walk or swimming at Ormiston Gorge, we do bush cooking, including Kangaroo and Lamb, and your picnic lunch is ready.

Next, stop at Mount Sonder Lookout, a 360-degree vista that looks out towards the imposing Mt Sonder and over a beautifully scenic. Look for the wide range of birds of prey, such as the Wedge-tailed eagle and the Peregrine falcon and wood swallows circling the summit, riding the thermal updraughts.

Ochre Pits
Your next visit to see the vivid colours of the mineral Ochre Pits, which have been mined for generations by the local Aboriginal people. The site of Ochre Pits is located 110km west of Alice Springs; the ochre pits are a colourful outcrop on the banks of a sandy creek.

Neil Hargrave Lookout
Your next visit between Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge, this lookout and free camp is a great spot to check out on a road trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Finally, stop at Glen Helen, the perfect place to relax for a while. Take a short walk down a gorgeous waterhole to the striking Glen Helen Gorge. At Glen Helen Gorge, the ranges are part of making way for the Finke River. This permanent waterhole is an essential refuge in the hot summer months for all nine species of fish recorded for the Finke, as well as migrating waterbirds.

After finishing with Glen Helen, we return to your hotel in Alice Springs.