Wildlife Tours Australia: West MacDonnell Ranges Tour

This tour is operated by our main sightseeing touring brand Autopia Tours.

TOUR CODE: WWM-B

OPERATES: Mon, Wed, *Thu, Fri, *Sun (*peak season, on request)

DEPARTS: 7:00am

RETURNS: 18:00pm approx.

TOUR DURATION: 10 Hours

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Selected Alice Springs Accommodation

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Explore the West MacDonnell National Park, known by the traditional owners as Tjoritja
• Marvel at the awe of Standley Chasm traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye as you meander through the 80m high gorge
• Cool off at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia's largest and most beautiful swimming spots
• See the UNESCO-listed Ochre Pit mineral rockface and coloured clay ochre still used in traditional ceremonies
• Refresh within the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge, traditionally known as Kwartatuma 
• Try for a glimpse of the very shy black-footed-rock-wallaby and other native wildlife through Simpsons Gap, traditionally known as Rungutjirpa

ITINERARY:

Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is a 3-meter-wide, 80-meter-high gorge amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. We hope to spot the native wildlife as we explore this beautifully rugged area before we track west and are tempted to dip in Ellery Creek Bighole, known traditionally as Udepata, surrounded by tall red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. Onwards to where massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Spend time here admiring nature and its finest before we begin our leisurely journey back towards Alice Springs, with our final stop at another amazing feature of the Tjoritja West MacDonnells region, Simpsons Gap, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Featuring a permanent waterhole this is also a great place to spot resident wildlife. Now we’ve had our fix of some of the best of central Australia’s natural icons, we deliver you back to Alice Springs to your chosen accommodation and evening plans as you reminisce on your day of exploration. Meals: Lunch. Driving Distance: 310 km. Walking Distance: ~3km / 4km.

*We reserve the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.

INCLUSIONS:

• Standley Chasm entry fee
• Morning tea & lunch
• Guided bush walks (3-4km, subject to fitness level)
• Australian wildlife sightings, in the wild!
• Hosted by an accredited outback driver guide
  
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
  
• Comprehensive local tour commentary
• Selected Alice Spring inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary
  
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
  
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
  
• Personal expenses
  

WHAT TO BRING:

2L Refillable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, beach towel and swimwear, comfortable hiking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes), all-weather comfortable clothing, tropical strength insect repellent, small day pack 5-7kg, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment, binoculars for wildlife spotting.

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 6 to 12 years old. Not suitable for infants or children 5 years old and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks.

WEATHER:

The weather in the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Mandatory passenger details required at the time of booking: contact phone number.
  
• While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, passengers MUST advise their booking agent at the time of booking. The tour operator must also be notified of any food allergies or known medical conditions at the time of booking.
  
• A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
  
• This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
  
• Child policy 6 years old and over, not suitable for children 5 years old and under.
  
• This terrain is not suitable for mobility-impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers, prams or strollers.
  
• Limited storage space on our vehicle, baggage kept to 1 x 5-7kg day bag per person.
  
• We reserve the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.
  
• Private touring is available on request.