cool shore excursions®
Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Tours by time
  • Tours by the numbers
  • Top attractions
  • Alice Springs travel guides
  • Alice Springs travel calendar
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore Australia tours
Language $Currency
Port schedule
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Cool Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour

Alice Springs, Australia
Book online or call us

from $1,467.88 per group (up to 6)

Lowest Price Guarantee
West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour Image 1
West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour Image 2
West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour Image 3
10 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

The West MacDonnell, Ranges full-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historical locations. Have time to enjoy the region's natural beauty. Travel in the desert sun, visit gorges and waterfalls, spot local wildlife, and learn from your expert guide. Tour attractions include Anzac Hill, John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Mount Sonder Lookout, Glen Helen, Ochre Pits and return to your hotel. Picnic Lunch included. 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 for you once you arrive. The total attractions stop at 280 minutes, and the total driving time is 320 minutes on this tour.

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch Picnic Lunch included. 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 for you once you arrive.
  • Snacks
    See 4 moreSee 2 more

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    We pick up from Hotels, Motels, Caravan parks, and private residences 20 kilometers from the town center and Alice Springs Airport. You can update or later change the pick-up locations as per your preference.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Anzac Hill

    Our first visit is at the iconic local landmark of 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 to cover the entire town. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defense forces during all international wars. Total driving time from your hotel to Anzac Hill 15 minutes
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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. We make short stops to relax and enjoy the changing colors of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges and get some photos. Total driving time from Anzac Hill to John Flynn's Historical reserve 20minutes allocated.
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Simpsons Gap

    Simpson Gap features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole and opportunities to spot resident wildlife, ancient Red River Gums with a taste of Central Australia. Simpsons Gap is a significant site to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people and was the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors. We will take you on 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. Sometimes you may even spot Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the walking track into the rocky slopes gap. After finishing your bush walk your guide will invite you to complimentary bush Tea and Coffee at Simpsons Gap. Total driving time allocated from John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, to Simpsons Gap is 15 minutes
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Standley Chasm Angkerle

    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. Walking access to the dramatic 80m sheer rock-face of the chasm is along a well-maintained trail (1.2km/15mins each way), following the natural creek bed with seating & interpretative signage. Angkerle Atwatye, “the Gap of Water”, is a striking geological formation with significant botanical, bird-watching & wildlife photography appeal. Total driving time allocated from Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm is 35 minutes.
    Read more

    45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Ellery Creek Big Hole

    Your next stop will be at Ellery Creek Big Hole. It is the biggest 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. Thousands of years of massive floods have carved out this waterhole, which is recognized as an internationally significant geological site. A sandy beach lines this huge waterhole, offering superb swimming and beautiful scenery. Tota driving time allocated from Standley Chasm to Ellery Creek Big Hole 55 minutes.
    Read more

    45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Ormiston Gorge

    Your next stop will be at Ormiston Gorge. Ormiston Gorge has become a must-see on any visit to the West Macs. The Ormiston Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole that is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. The spectacular scenery features the soaring cliffs of an ancient mountain range, incredible rock formations, and a picturesque sandy river bed lined by giant River Red Gums. Walk up to a stunning lookout overlooking a beautiful swimming hole and cool off with a swim in this surprisingly big, deep permanent waterhole. Picnic Lunch included. 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 for you once you arrive. The total driving time allocated from Ellery Creek Big Hole to Ormiston Gorge is 45 minutes.
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Mount Sonder

    Our next stop is Mount Sonder Lookout. This 360 ⁰ vista 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. The view is a favorite spot for photographers and landscape artists. Total driving time allocated from Ormiston Gorge To Mount Sonder Lookout is 10 minutes.
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Glen Helen

    Your next stop will be at Glen Helen. Historic Glen Helen Homestead is the perfect place to have your lunch. Enjoy an a la carte lunch in the restaurant, or you may enjoy it with a drink, coffee or ice cream (not included in the tour package). Next, you may take a short walk down a gorgeous waterhole for a swim next 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 water birds. Total driving time allocated from Mount Sonder Lookout to Glen Helen: 5 minutes. Then, arrive at Honeymoon Gap from Glen Helen is approximately 1 hour allocated in the tour.
    Read more

    45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Temple Bar Caravan Park

    Temple Bar Gap/ Honeymoon 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 favour 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.
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Ochre Pits

    Your next visit to see the vivid colours of the mineral Ochre Pits. The ochre pits are a colourful outcrop on the banks of a sandy creek. Magnificent scenery, colours, gums and a nice leisurely walk up the dry sandy river bed to view up close this treasure of the site. Ochre occurs in a range of earthy colours, including white, yellow, orange, red, and brown. It’s an important part of Aboriginal culture that is used in everyday life. It’s the raw material for paintings and ceremonial body decoration. Ochre was used to paint weapons to increase hunting success and protect wooden weapons from termites. Red ochre was mixed into an ointment to relieve decongestion, and white ochre was used as a magical charm. These pits are significant Aboriginal Heritage sites. It is the only quarry for ochre in Central Australia that is open to visitors. The right to continue to take ochre from this site is protected by the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976.
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour?

    A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-323773P7

    Traveler Photos

    Alice Springs Tours
    Attractions
    Guides
    Calendar
    View more

    Similar Tours & Activities

    7-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs with Accommodation Included

    7-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs with Accommodation Included

    Quality, Affrodable touring of Outback Central Australia is the essential ingredient in this amazing tour. You will visit Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta West MacDonnell...

    7 days Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $1,777
    Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket
    4.8 (155)

    Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket

    An inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environments that effortlessly blends the plants, animals and people of the arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and...

    3 to 8 hours
    4.8 (155)
    from
    $28
    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfers

    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfers

    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfer Service is an excellent opportunity to explore the region's panoramic desert landscapes, passing through the beautiful...

    6 hours Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $1,991
    Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs
    4.8 (187)

    Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

    Discover the heart of Australia’s Red Centre on a 3-day guided adventure through Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Walk ancient landscapes, learn about Aboriginal...

    3 days Hotel pickup offered
    4.8 (187)
    from
    $696
    7-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs with Accommodation Included

    Quality, Affrodable touring of Outback Central Australia is the essential ingredient in this amazing tour. You will visit Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta West MacDonnell …More

    7-Day Guided Tour of Alice Springs with Accommodation Included

    Quality, Affrodable touring of Outback Central Australia is the essential ingredient in this amazing tour. You will visit Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta West MacDonnell...

    7 days Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $1,777
    Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket

    An inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environments that effortlessly blends the plants, animals and people of the arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and …More

    4.8 (155)

    Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket

    4.8 (155)

    An inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environments that effortlessly blends the plants, animals and people of the arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and...

    3 to 8 hours
    4.8 (155)
    from
    $28
    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfers

    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfer Service is an excellent opportunity to explore the region's panoramic desert landscapes, passing through the beautiful …More

    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfers

    Alice Springs- Uluru/ Uluru - Alice Springs Private Transfer Service is an excellent opportunity to explore the region's panoramic desert landscapes, passing through the beautiful...

    6 hours Hotel pickup offered
    from
    $1,991
    Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

    Discover the heart of Australia’s Red Centre on a 3-day guided adventure through Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Walk ancient landscapes, learn about Aboriginal …More

    4.8 (187)

    Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

    4.8 (187)

    Discover the heart of Australia’s Red Centre on a 3-day guided adventure through Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Walk ancient landscapes, learn about Aboriginal...

    3 days Hotel pickup offered
    4.8 (187)
    from
    $696

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.8 (156)

    West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

    The West MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and...

    4 hours 20 minutes Hotel pickup offered
    4.8 (156)
    from
    $103
    Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner
    4.6 (615)

    Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

    Experience the wonders of Uluru as part of your Northern Territory adventure. Travel in air-conditioned comfort, hear intriguing stories and learn the secrets of this...

    18 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.6 (615)
    from
    $285
    West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.8 (355)

    West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

    Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the...

    10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.8 (355)
    from
    $178
    Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs
    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.9 (445)

    Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

    Float above the outback desert on this exciting hot air balloon adventure! Rise before dawn and watch your balloon inflate in the early rays of...

    4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.9 (445)
    from
    $270
    West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

    The West MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.8 (156)

    West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

    4.8 (156)

    The West MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and...

    4 hours 20 minutes Hotel pickup offered
    4.8 (156)
    from
    $103
    Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

    Experience the wonders of Uluru as part of your Northern Territory adventure. Travel in air-conditioned comfort, hear intriguing stories and learn the secrets of this …More

    4.6 (615)

    Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

    4.6 (615)

    Experience the wonders of Uluru as part of your Northern Territory adventure. Travel in air-conditioned comfort, hear intriguing stories and learn the secrets of this...

    18 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.6 (615)
    from
    $285
    West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

    Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.8 (355)

    West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

    4.8 (355)

    Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the...

    10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.8 (355)
    from
    $178
    Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

    Float above the outback desert on this exciting hot air balloon adventure! Rise before dawn and watch your balloon inflate in the early rays of …More

    Likely to Sell Out
    Likely to Sell Out
    4.9 (445)

    Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

    4.9 (445)

    Float above the outback desert on this exciting hot air balloon adventure! Rise before dawn and watch your balloon inflate in the early rays of...

    4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
    4.9 (445)
    from
    $270

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour?
    A:
    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
    • Lunch. Picnic Lunch included. 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 for you once you arrive.
    • Snacks.
    • Carbonated beverages. Soda/Pop.
    • Bottled water.
    • Private transportation.
    • NT Parks Visitor Pass.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour is as follows:

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for West MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Private Charter Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
    • LunchPicnic Lunch included. 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 for you once you arrive.
    • Snacks
    • Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
    • Bottled water
    • Private transportation
    • NT Parks Visitor Pass

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Please note that travel time is already been included with the total tour duration.
    • If any of the tour attractions is closed or not available due to circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control, a suitable alternative tour attraction will introduce and conduct the tour.

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name