About this tour
Drive deep into the West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs on a 10-hour loop through Australia's red centre. You'll navigate four distinct gorges and waterholes, stopping to walk alongside ochre cliffs and swim in natural pools (seasonal). The landscape shifts from narrow canyon walls to open red earth, with a guide explaining the country's geology and Indigenous significance. Morning tea and lunch included, plus air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup.
Highlights
- Simpsons Gap: narrow canyon carved through ranges
- Standley Chasm: dramatic slot between sheer rock faces
- Ochre Pits: rust-coloured earth deposits and mining history
- Ormiston Gorge: largest waterhole, excellent for swimming
- Ellery Creek Bighole: cool water pool in warmer months
- Flynn Memorial: outback explorer's historic resting place
- Slow drive reveals striped geological layers and desert ecology
What to expect
You'll spend most of the day in a van, with short 15–45 minute walks between stops. Each gorge has its own character—some narrow and shadowed, others open and exposed. Walking tracks are well-maintained but uneven; footing requires care. Swimming happens only November–March, when water temperatures rise. Bring a hat and water; the sun reflects hard off red rock. Lunch is eaten at a scenic rest spot. Your guide will point out wildlife, plant survival strategies, and why Indigenous people valued these waterholes for millennia.
Good to know
NT Parks Pass (digital accepted) must be purchased before the tour—it's no longer included. Wear sturdy, grip-soled shoes for rocky terrain. Moderate fitness required; no extreme climbs. Pack swimwear and extra water. Summer swims are cold even when the air is hot.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.