The Little Penguin Bus

Discover the West MacDonnell Ridge on a day trip from Alice Springs. Experience attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Glen Helen with a knowledgeable guide. Capture the stunning beauty of the Australian outback as you navigate through canyons and discover secluded waterholes and historical sites. Take a refreshing swim and enjoy hiking opportunities throughout the journey.

DAY1
DEPARTS07:00
FROM ALICE SPRINGS
RETURNS17:30
TO ALICE SPRINGS
PRICE$ 120-150 AUD

Tour Highlights

  • One can explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known as Tjoritja, by the indigenous custodians.
  • Explore Standley Chasm, also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, and marvel at its 80m high gorge. Additionally, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most significant and stunning swimming spots.
  • You can visit the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rock and see the coloured ochre clay that is still used in traditional ceremonies.
  • You can experience relaxation and rejuvenation at Ormiston Gorge, known as ‘Kwartatuma’, which features towering walls.
  • Native wildlife, including the black-footed rock wallaby, can be spotted in the Simpsons Gap region, also known as ‘Rungutjirpa’.

Tour Description

Alice Springs – McDonnell Western Ranges

We depart from Alice Springs and travel towards Standley Chasm, a gorge within the West MacDonnell Ranges. We explore the area’s natural beauty and then continue west towards Ellery Creek Bighole, where we swim, surrounded by red cliffs and sandy banks. Our next stop is Ormiston Gorge, where we admire the geological formations. Our final stop is Simpsons Gap, a waterhole known for native wildlife and indigenous significance. After a full day of exploring, we return you to your accommodation in Alice Springs for the evening.

Meals: Lunch

Driving Distance: 310 km

Walking Distance: Approximately 3km / 4km

Tour Ditaly

Aditional Information

  • Any meals not previously indicated in the itinerary
  • We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance
  • Pre/post tour hotel transfers
  • Additional personal expenses
  • 7:00am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
  • 7:00am – Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs 

The weather conditions in the Northern Territory can fluctuate rapidly and be quite intense at times. Temperatures can soar to over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and drop dramatically in the evening. Prior to your journey, we recommend checking the average temperatures for the time of year you’re travelling and pack suitable clothing. In the case of rain or harsh weather, expect that your tour will still go ahead, unless otherwise advised by the provider.

What's Included?

  • Entry fees to Standley Chasm
  • Morning tea & lunch
  • Australian native wildlife sightings
  • Guided bushwalking tours
  • Accredited outback driver-guide
  • Travel in air-conditioned mini-coach
  • Comprehensive commentary on tour
  • Pick-up/ drop-off from selected inner-city Alice Springs points

What do you need to bring?

FAQs

Alice Springs is renowned for its unique Outback charm, Aboriginal culture, and natural attractions like Uluru and Kings Canyon.

Yes, Alice Springs is safe for tourists. As with any destination, exercise common sense and follow local advice.

Yes, but temperatures can be very high. The cooler months between May and September are the best times to visit.

Uluru is about 450 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs. It’s a long drive but worth it!

Many guided tours are available in Alice Springs, catering to various interests, from cultural experiences to wildlife encounters.

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