Things to do in

MacDonnell Ranges

Be picked up from your Alice Springs accommodation at 7:45 AM and set off on a day of adventure and exploration! Enjoy the spectacular outback scenery and photo opportunities as you travel along the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap, a natural rock amphitheater that is home to endangered black-footed rock wallabies. Stop at Standley Chasm for morning tea and a leisurely stroll. At Ochre Pits, discover rock walls covered by natural colored ochre, used for sacred ceremonies of the local Aboriginal people. Ormiston Gorge is up next: a great place for a swim, or to see the towering walls of the gorge and pound, local plants and wildlife. By now, you will have certainly worked up an appetite for lunch. The next stop is at Glen Helen. The landscape here is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colors with the light.  On the way back to Alice Springs, witness the famous and enchanting Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months. Visit Flynns Memorial and from October to March, you may decide to partake in an incredible Sunset Camel Ride at the Camel farm (optional, at your own expense). The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples on display. These mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return trip to Alice Springs. Get dropped off at your accommodation in Alice Springs at approximately 5:30 PM.

Your ballooning adventure begins in the cool pre-dawn darkness as you are picked up from your accommodation in Alice Springs. During the drive to the desert launch site you will get to know the crew as they make final weather checks and explain the routine for the morning. At the launch site gas burners are used to inflate the balloons just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Once floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian outback. Wildlife, particularly big red kangaroos are seen nearly every day as the balloon floats above spinifex grasses, mulga scrub and cattle stations. After landing, enjoy a program designed to allow you a unique opportunity to experience the Australia bush. Most landings are in the desert, kilometers away from the nearest road. There is no traffic, no other people and no noise. The perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or if you prefer some tropical apple and guava juice. Perhaps mix the two for a delightful morning cocktail. Drinks are accompanied by a variety of muffins, biscuits, slices of cheese and fresh fruit. It's the perfect mix to enjoy before reboarding your bus to return to “town”.

Embark on a guided journey through the stunning landscapes close to the MacDonnell Ranges. Travel by camel and choose between an afternoon, midday, or sunset tour, catering to your sense of adventure and desire to immerse yourself in the unexpected serenity of the Australian desert. Start your ride at Pyndan Camel Tracks and allow your guide to lead you into White Gums Station to enjoy panoramic vistas across the MacDonnell Ranges. Discover the majesty of the outback, bond with your camel, explore the rugged terrain, and encounter native wildlife like kangaroos and eagles. Visit the Camel Lounge to learn about these creatures and shop for souvenirs. Chat with your guide about camels in Central Australia, camel farm life, and sustainable tourism practices. Enjoy light refreshments with the sunset tour, then be dropped off at your desired Alice Springs location.

Experience the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this tour from Alice Springs. Head to locations like Anzac Hill, Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Honeymoon Gap, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm. Marvel at natural wonders and stop at some local memorials. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Alice Springs. Sit back and relax in the comfortable bus to Anzac Hill. Stop for panoramic views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. Learn about the war memorial at Anzac Hill and have a history discussion about the historical civilization in Central Australia. You can take photos in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs. You may be able to capture one photo to cover the entire town. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defense forces during all international wars. Your tour then continues towards Honeymoon Gap. Honeymoon Gap/ Temple Bar Gap is a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14km west of Alice Springs. The gap is of great significance to the Arrernte people, the traditional owners of the land. The name Temple Bar Gap fell out of favor following the site becoming the honeymoon location for Robert (Bob) and Victoria (Vicky) Darken, who married at the Alice Springs Methodist Church on 25 June 1942. Bob Darken was given a week's leave from the army, and the couple planned to camp for a week at the gap and borrowed a car and a tent. The couple had repeated issues with the car and it rained for most of the week, so, concerned for their safety, friends decided to visit them regularly; they said they were "going to see the honeymooners" or "going to honeymoon gap." It was not until 1981 that the name of the pass was officially changed to Honeymoon Gap and, in 2004, the NT Place Names Committee agreed that the official name of the gap should remain Temple Bar Gap. Continue to the towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap. Discover why this area is vital to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people. Stroll along a dry creek bed to a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. Try to spot some local wildlife, like black-footed rock wallabies at the watering hole. Head to the dramatic Standley Chasm geological formation. The next stop on your exploration of the West MacDonnell is a picturesque walk at Standley Chasm. After Mrs Ida Standley, who in 1914 became the first school teacher in Alice Springs, this place was named Standley Chasm. Standley Chasm is operated by Arrernte Aboriginal family members who are direct descendants of the Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Experience the unique landscapes created by the micro-climate in this valley. Travel to John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, where the Reverend Flynn was resting. Hear about Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy the changing colors of the West MacDonnell Ranges from this location and get some photos.

Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as being the home of giant goanna ancestors. Following that, take a walk to spot black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. You'll then visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place which is sacred to women's dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 1.2-kilometer walk to access the dramatic 80-meter-tall rock-face, and on the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape. The unique micro climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old. After your walk, enjoy morning tea at a local cafe before heading back to Alice Springs for some free time for lunch before setting off again to explore the town. In the afternoon, tour the sights of "The Alice" including the School of the Air. Learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio, and you may have the opportunity to listen to and observe actual lessons in progress on air. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote "outback". You'll also stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia's semi-arid desert. The tour later concludes with panoramic views of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

Immerse yourself into the history of Mparntwe (pronounced m’barn-twa), the Arrernte name of Alice Springs. Learn how it came to be the central hub of the Australian outback by visiting the historical sites that played a big part in the evolution of a town originally called Stuart and its progression to what Alice Springs is today. You’ll visit: School of the Air – Provides education to primary school children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory. Telegraph Station – The first European settlement in Alice Springs(originally Stuart). Learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 150 years. Royal Flying Doctor Service – Delivers medical services and emergency evacuation flights to those who live and work in remote rural Australia Anzac Hill – An amazing view of Alice Springs with the Spectacular backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. All activities are considered very safe for all age groups. They do not require a high level of fitness or agility.

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.

MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Town Highlights Full-Day Tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell ranges, famous gaps in the East MacDonnell ranges, and historical and colourful places in Alice Springs. Itinerary Anzac Hill Our first visit of the day is to Anzac Hill, where you can take in panoramic views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. You may be able to capture one photo that covers the entire town. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defence forces during all international wars. John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve Your next stopping will be at Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the resting place of Reverend Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Simpsons Gap Simpson Gap features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole, and opportunities to spot resident wildlife and ancient Red River Gums with a taste of Central Australia. Honeymoon Gap (Temple Bar Gap) Honeymoon Gap is a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14km west of Alice Springs. You will enjoy unusual features of the natural landscape; the unique micro-climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles. Standley Chasm The next stop on your exploration of West MacDonnell is a picturesque walk at Standley Chasm. After Mrs. Ida Standley, who in 1914 became the first school teacher in Alice Springs, this place was named Standley Chasm by Western Arrentre aboriginal people. LUNCH BREAK (45 MINUTES) Araluen Arts Centre You will have an excellent opportunity to look closely at Albert Namatjira's arts, learn about unique natural history, and follow the evolution of the landscape and fascinating creatures. The Araluen Arts Centre aims to develop a collection of artworks that reflect a permanent record of art practice in Central Australia. Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility The Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility is your next exciting place. Through the wonder of technology, you can see, experience, and learn the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service's birth & growth. Alice Springs School of Air The School of Air offers travellers the opportunity to learn about the history of 'The World's Largest Classroom', reveal stories about the school from afar and life on the land, and share in Outback students' dreams, achievements, and journeys. We also showcase the world-renowned innovations of this uniquely Australian school. Emily and Jessie Gaps Move onward to Emily and Jessie Gaps, the first noticeable feature of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you drive 24 km out of Alice Springs. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Sunset at Anzac Hill. You will see the Sunset from Anzac Hill at the end and be dropped off at your hotel or caravan park.

Day 1 Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury vehicle. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region. Stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break then see Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance as you travel through Curtin Springs Station before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort, rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This afternoon, enter Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the Cultural Centre where you’ll have time to explore the galleries and you may be lucky enough to see local Aboriginal Artists at work. Travel to the base of Uluru where you’ll be amazed as your local guide shares the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (creation) stories that breathe life into this giant formation. Feel the spirit of the land as your guide takes you on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, interpreting the meaning of the ancient Rock Art and 4 sacred sites you’ll see along the way. Travel to the Uluru Sunset Viewing Area where you can relax with a sparkling wine or two while you enjoy a famous Uluru sunset. Witness the incredible changing colours as the sun sets below the horizon. You’ll arrive back at Ayers Rock Resort 30 minutes after sunset. Day 2 This morning you might choose to have a slow start to the day or you might choose to book an optional Sunrise Field of Light tour, scenic helicopter flight (all at additional cost). Travel through spectacular desert scenery from Ayers Rock Resort. Pass through Curtin Springs Station and view Atila (Mt. Conner). Along the way your Driver Guide will provide informative commentary about the history of the surrounding cattle stations on the way to Kings Canyon. You’ll arrive at Kings Canyon Resort in time to relax and before enjoying a spectacular sunset. In the summer months drinks are available for purchase at the sunset viewing area (cash only) or you might choose to experience the Artist Bruce Munro’s Light Towers (Additional Cost) before or after have dinner (on your own). Day 3 Rise early to make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park at sunrise. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a very good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder strewn canyon floor. You will board your coach to travel to Alice Springs. Along the way stop at Erldunda, a classic Northern Territory Roadhouse located at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway. Travel along the Stuart Highway before arriving in Alice Springs.