West MacDonnell Ranges (*659)

Angkerle (Standley Chasm)

First stop is Angkerle (Standley Chasm). Take a walk along the stony watercourse, where spring-fed pools attract a great variety of wildlife and birds.

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Next you’ll arrive at Ellery Creek Big Hole, a spectacular waterhole in the mighty Ellery Creek, which cuts through a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Thousands of years of massive floods have carved out this beautiful waterhole and unlocked some amazing geology.

Ochre Pits

Ochre has been used all over the world for decoration and painting since pre-historic times. At this location you can see the natural ochres in the cliff face that have provided a source of materials for Indigenous people for thousands of years.

Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge offers all the spectacular geology and landforms of the Tjoritja/MacDonnell Ranges. The rugged scenery of the gorge is complemented by a near-permanent waterhole, which attracts an interesting variety of native fauna and flora.

Glen Helen

Enjoy a Ploughman’s lunch at Glen Helen Resort with time visit to Glen Helen Gorge. The permanent waterhole here is home to many species of animals, including a variety of water birds and fish.

Simpsons Gap

Surrounded by towering cliffs, incredible Simpsons Gap is one of the best known destinations in the ranges and features a number of walking tracks. Walk through Simpsons Gap to the waterhole, keeping an eye out for the elusive black-footed rock wallabies hiding among the rocks. Enjoy the late afternoon sun reflecting on the MacDonnell Ranges as you return to Alice Springs.