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WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
HALF DAY - SMALL GROUP TOUR
About the tour
Start : At 8.00 AMDuration : Four and half hours (approx.)Promotional price : Manual Confirmation AUD $ 115.00 and Instant Confirmation AUD $ 130.00 per seat till 31 December 2024
The West MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory of Australia. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historical locations. Tour attractions include hotel pickup, Anzac Hill, John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Honeymoon Gap, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm. At the end of the tour, we bring you back to your hotel in Alice Springs.
Itinerary
Anzac HillOur first visit of the day is at Anzac Hill, where you can take in panoramic views over the town of 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 defence forces during all international wars. John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve: Your next stop will be at Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the resting place of Reverend Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We stopped to relax, enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, and get some photos.
Simpsons GapSimpson 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. 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. Honeymoon Gap Your next visit will be Honeymoon Gap/ Temple Bar Gap, a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14km west of Alice Springs. The gap is significant to the Arrernte people, the land's traditional owners. 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. Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye)The next stop to explore 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.
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. After finishing your Standley Chasm visit, you will conclude your trip and return to your hotel. Inclusions:• Experienced and friendly guide• 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus provided• Complimentary water/ soft drinks provided• Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off• Entrance fees- Standly Chasm
What to Bring:• Sturdy walking shoes• Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing• Camera• Jacket in cooler months• Smile and happy faces
Not included:• Food and drinks other than those listed• No wheelchair accessible
Not Allowed:• Luggage or large bags• Pets
Additional Information Confirmation will be received at the time of booking• Not wheelchair accessible• Infants must sit on laps (No car seater provided)• Most travellers can participate• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers.
Anzac HillOur first visit of the day is at Anzac Hill, where you can take in panoramic views over the town of 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 defence forces during all international wars. John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve: Your next stop will be at Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the resting place of Reverend Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We stopped to relax, enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, and get some photos.
Simpsons GapSimpson 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. 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. Honeymoon Gap Your next visit will be Honeymoon Gap/ Temple Bar Gap, a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14km west of Alice Springs. The gap is significant to the Arrernte people, the land's traditional owners. 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. Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye)The next stop to explore 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.
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. After finishing your Standley Chasm visit, you will conclude your trip and return to your hotel. Inclusions:• Experienced and friendly guide• 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus provided• Complimentary water/ soft drinks provided• Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off• Entrance fees- Standly Chasm
What to Bring:• Sturdy walking shoes• Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing• Camera• Jacket in cooler months• Smile and happy faces
Not included:• Food and drinks other than those listed• No wheelchair accessible
Not Allowed:• Luggage or large bags• Pets
Additional Information Confirmation will be received at the time of booking• Not wheelchair accessible• Infants must sit on laps (No car seater provided)• Most travellers can participate• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers.