Touring the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs
How to Tour the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs
What is the best way to tour the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs? That was the question I found myself asking before I visited Australia’s beautiful Northern Territory. Should I rent a car and drive myself or take a tour? I decided that the best way to see the MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs was to take a tour.
To tour the West MacDonnell Ranges, I chose a company called Emu Run Experience. I decided to travel with this group because of their excellent reviews that I found posted online on various websites.
The cost of the tour was A$140, which included a light breakfast, buffet-style lunch, and admission to all the tourist sights.
For this tour, the bus picked me up at 7:55 am outside the Doubletree Hotel. The bus was fairly full at pick-up, but I was able to get a row to myself. I found the seats on the bus fairly small, so having my own row was extremely helpful. The bus had air conditioning vents above each seat, a reading light, and according to our driver, “the world’s smallest toilet.”
Emu Run Experience's "Bluey" - The Best Tour Guide
Our driver/guide’s name was “Bluey” because he always wore blue pants, blue shirts, a blue hat, and blue ‘smalls’ (underpants.)” Bluey was quite the character, but really knew his stuff. I am not kidding when I say this, but Bluey might be one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, and he is definitely the best tour guide I’ve ever had lead a tour.
As we drove, he told us everything we wanted to know and more. There was literally never a moment where he wasn’t sharing his knowledge with us. As we’d come up to a landform or mountain peak, he would tell us who it was named after, how it got its name, and why that person was important.
These stories made the time in between sights go extremely fast. While it would be impossible to highlight eight hours of stories, I will try to retell some of the most memorable ones.
West MacDonnell Ranges Tour from Alice Springs - Table of Content
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West MacDonnell Ranges Tour from Alice Springs - Other Tour Options
Below, are four tour options for taking a West MacDonnell Ranges Tour from Alice Springs from my affiliate partner, Viator. Viator uses many tour companies and there is no guarantee that these tours will be booked with Emu Run. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
If you prefer to book directly with Emu Run, you can do so by clicking HERE. I do not receive any commission for trips booked directly with Emu Run.
Prices are accurate as of March 2024.
 West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs - $138.87 Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a day trip from Alice Springs and visit sites including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Ellery Creek. Enjoy stunning outback scenery and abundant photo opportunities as you travel with an expert guide to rock canyons, waterholes, historical sites and other natural wonders. Take time to revel in the region's beauty without rushing on this small-group tour limited to 24 people, with personalized attention from your guide. |
 West MacDonnell Ranges- Half Day Trip from Alice Springs - $69.55 The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel along through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historic locations. As we depart town, we will stop at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial. Enjoy beautiful walks at both Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. |
 Full-Day West MacDonnell Ranges Tour from Alice Springs - $202.00 Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a day trip from Alice Springs |
West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs - Stop 1 - John Flynn's Gravesite
Who was John Flynn?
The first stop on the tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs was the gravesite of John Flynn. It was also the first of many stories from Bluey. Flynn, a Presbyterian Minister, was always concerned with the needs of those people living in isolated communities, especially in the Australian Bush. Realizing that people living in the Bush had a much shorter life expectancy, he wrote a book called The Bushman’s Companion, which was published by the Presbyterian Church.
Flynn was concerned with the lack of medical availability to people living in the Bush and created the Aerial Medical Service, which is today known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
By using a pedal-operated generator to power a radio receiver, people living in the Outback were able to contact Flynn’s service to request a doctor.
Later on, traditional radios replaced pedal-operated ones, and doctors could give consultations in real time. It was fitting that the first stop on our tour was John Flynn’s grave. Our stop at Flynn’s grave was fairly short, and passengers had about ten minutes to photograph the sphere that makes his grave. John Flynn’s final resting place has a beautiful view of the land where he spent so many years trying to help its inhabitants.
West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs - Stop 2 - Simpson's Gap
Following the stop at John Flynn’s final resting place, the West MacDonnell Ranges Tour continued to Simpson’s Gap. At Simpson’s Gap, there were two tracks to get to the viewing area. We could either take a path that was wheelchair accessible or walk through the dry creek. Both routes were only around 300 meters.
Walking the Dry River Bed at Simpson's Gap
I chose to walk through the dry creek and took pictures of the Eucalyptus Trees. Near Simpson’s Gap, the creek had a small amount of water. Our guide explained that the entire region only averages three millimeters of rain per year and that very rarely fills with water.
To return to our bus, I took the walking path as I preferred to have a different perspective. At the end of the path, there were men’s and women’s toilets. We spent about 30 minutes total at Simpson’s Gap. After my time at Simpson’s Gap, I could really see why this part of the Northern Territory is known as the “Red Centre.”
Stop 3 - Standley Chasm
Who is Standley Chasm Named After? The Story of Ida Standley
As we ventured further away from Alice Springs and deeper into the West MacDonnell Ranges, Bluey told us a story about a woman named Ida Standley, who had escaped from an abusive marriage. She came to Alice Springs and became the first full-time school teacher. Her schedule included two sessions of classes, one for the European children and one for the Aboriginal Children.
As time went by, she asked if she could mix the two classes and teach all the children together. This question was met with a resounding, “no,” as segregation was the norm in Australia during this period.
Bluey explained that early on in Alice Springs (which was initially called Stewart,) there were nine times the amount of European men than women. As a result, sometimes, a European man and an Aboriginal woman would have a child. These children were neglected and ignored as neither the Europeans nor Aborigines wanted even to acknowledge their existence. This neglect caused upwards of sixty children to be forced to live in two Iron Houses called “The Bungalow.”
For fourteen years, Ida Standley acted as a mother to these children to these children and became an advocate for them. To honor her, the government named Standley Chasm after her.
Visiting Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm was the third stop on the tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs. It took about fifteen minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Chasm. Bluey mentioned that there was a massive bushfire that burned at the end of January 2019. As I walked down the path, I could see the damage that this fire caused.
Standley Chasm is the type of place that must be seen in person. Pictures do not capture the spectacular red walls or show the perspective of how high they are.
As I toured, I learned that if I stayed behind and took my time, I could get people-free pictures of all the sights.
Before leaving, we had the option of having tea and coffee as well as some small Australian cakes and biscuits. I do not drink coffee or tea, but did enjoy the cakes and biscuits.
Stop 4 - Ochre Pits
Following Standley Chasm and the light breakfast, we drove to the Ochre Pits. This stop was the fourth stop on the tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs.
Ochre is a colorful natural clay that was harvested by the Aboriginal people. Uses of Ochre included everything from treating medical conditions such as infection and decongestion to painting.
Upon arriving at the Ochre Pits, it was about a 300-meter walk to get to the actual pits. Taking the Ochre is against the law, and fines can be as high as AUS$5,000.
What Causes the Colors in Ochre?
The amount of iron oxide in the rocks causes the color of the Ochre, which can vary from red and yellow to purple and brown.
The Ochre Pits was one of my favorite stops as I had never seen anything like this before.
Stop 5 - Glen Helen for Lunch
Eating at the Glen Helen Lodge
The next stop was at the Glen Helen Lodge for our buffet-style lunch. Lunch was served outdoors on a patio overlooking the Finke River. According to Bluey, the Finke River is one of the oldest rivers in the world that has never changed its path.
As we ate, Bluey told us about a time the Finke River flooded so severely that the water would have been up to the area where we ate. Since all of the water drains into the Finke, even a small amount of rain could cause flooding.
Lunch was a mix of cold-cut deli meats, vegetables, and bread. I ate quickly and took advantage of the WiFi available at the lodge to work on my travel blog.
The Finke River
Following lunch, we had a few minutes to walk down to the river and look around. As we boarded the bus to continue our tour, Bluey explained nine species of fish lived in the Finke River. The population of these fish remains even though the river often dries up. The lack of extinction is because the eggs of the fish can remain doormant for years. When it rains, the eggs rehydrate and hatch, thus keeping the population of fish alive.
Can you Spot the Crocodile? - Mount Sonder
As we departed Glen Helen, we stopped at an observation point where Bluey told us to look for the “giant freshwater crocodile.”
We were only at this viewpoint for 15 minutes, which provided us great views of the Finke River and Mount Sonder. Can you spot the giant crocodile?
Stop 6 - Ormiston Gorge
Our second to last stop on the tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs was the picturesque Ormiston Gorge.
How to See the Ghost Gum Tree at Ormiston Gorge
At Ormiston Gorge, we were given two options for viewing the gorge. These options included either climbing up to the Ghost Gum Tree Lookout or walking on the flat ground into the gorge.
I chose to climb up to the Ghost Gum Tree. The climb was no trouble for me and only took around twenty minutes roundtrip. At the top, multiple viewing platforms provided a great view of the gorge.
After I climbed back down, I decided against walking the other walk into the base of the gorge. Bluey had said we had 45 minutes, and there were only a few minutes left before the bus departed. Instead, I decided to purchase a Diet Coke and ice cream bar from the small kiosk near the car park.
Stop 7 - Ellery Creek Big Hole
The final stop on our tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs was the Ellery Creek Big Hole. During the summer, guests have the option to swim in the Big Hole. Unfortunately, during my visit, it was the end of winter, and it was far too cold to swim in the water.
Over thousands of years, floods have carved out the waterhole, which is sacred to the Central and Western Arrernte people who call it Udepata. The water hole is accessible via a stone path that is no more than 300 meters away from the car park.
Even though we were not able to swim, Bluey still warned us, explaining that the bottom of the waterhole was filled with stones, fallen trees, and rocks covered in slippery algae. Because of this, anyone swimming in the water hole must be cautious.
We spent about 30 minutes at the water hole, taking in the beautiful view.
Returning from the West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs - One Final Story - The Story of Albert Namatjira
Who was Albert Namatjira
It was now around 4:00 pm, and we began to head the 90 kilometers back to Alice Springs. As we drove, Bluey told us a fascinating story about Albert Namatjira, an aboriginal artist who became so famous he met Queen Elizabeth twice.
This story begins with Rex Battarbee, who was a painter working in the Bush of Australia. Eventually, Battarbee asked if he could display his paintings at the Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission near Alice Springs so the Aborigines could view them. The aborigines were fascinated by the paintings, especially a man named Albert Namatjira.
Through the help of a translator, Namatjira told Battarbee that he wanted to “make picture.” Without any formal training, Namatjira created a painting that rivaled a talented school child. Even though the scale of the landscape was way off, Namatjira had been able to capture the colors perfectly. Under Battarbee’s training, Namatjira became one of the most famous artists in Australia. His work was viewed far outside of Australia, reaching as far as Queen Elizabeth II.
Albert Namatjira Met Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth was so impressed that she asked to meet him during a visit to Australia. This meeting would mark one of the two times that Namatjira met the Queen. When asked what it was like meeting the Queen Namatjira referred to her as a “nice lady.”
Albert Namatjira went on to become the first Aboriginal citizen of Australia. This story really helped pass the time during the drive back to Alice Springs, as it took Bluey from kilometer marker 90 until marker 25 to tell the story.
We arrived back in Alice Springs around 5:00 pm, and shortly after that, I was back at my hotel.
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