West MacDonnell Ranges Tours | Alice Springs Day Tour

Discover the Hidden Gem of the Outback: Experience the West MacDonnell Ranges Tours on an Unforgettable Alice Springs Day Tour. It’s one of Australia’s best-kept secrets! At our core, we are passionate about showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. We offer unforgettable tours that explore ancient landscapes, beautiful gorges, and historic sites, immersing you in the rich Aboriginal culture while ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable travel experience in the magnificent Australian outback.

Tour Reviews

Introducing

Join us as we uncover the wonder of the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, a treasure trove of natural beauty and history.

There are plenty of walking trails and waterholes to cool off from the Red Centre‘s heat. Located west of Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges cover 161km and serve as a refuge for wildlife found nowhere else.

On our one-day West MacDonnell Ranges tours, you’ll enjoy the diverse panoramic landscape and scenic views of Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and the vivid colours of the mineral Ochre Pits, before journeying home via Simpsons Gap, an area surrounded by towering cliffs and rich in wildlife, such as the black-footed rock wallaby, a rare species known for the West MacDonnell Ranges region.

A must-do travel destination when visiting Central Australia!

Details

Alice Springs Tours Highlights

*We would like to inform you that a NT Parks Day Pass is required for entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for day trips. This pass is not included in the tour price, so we recommend purchasing it in advance to ensure a seamless entry on the day of your tour. The Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee is included.

What you can actually see!

Full Itinerary

  • Lunch and snacks
  • Standley Chasm entry fees included
  • Guided bush walks (3-4km, subject to fitness level)
  • Sightings of Australian flora and fauna
  • Hosted by an accredited outback driver guide
  • Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
  • Comprehensive local tour commentary
  • Selected Alice Springs inner-city pick-up/drop-off point
  • We would like to inform you that a NT Parks Day Pass is required for entry into Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for day trips. This pass is not included in the tour price, so we recommend purchasing it in advance to ensure a seamless entry on the day of your tour. The Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm entry fee is included.
  • Any meals not indicated on the itinerary. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
  • Personal travel insurance is highly recommended.
  • Spending money for personal items and expenses.

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

Our central meeting point for this tour will be Stay at Alice Springs Hotel Aurora – 11 Leichhardt Terrace Alice Springs @ 7:00am. 

  • 7:00am – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
  • 7:00am – Stay at Alice Springs Hotel Aurora – 11 Leichhardt Terrace
  • 7:00am – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Haven Backpacker Resort – 3 Larapinta Dr Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Mercure Alice Springs Resort -34 Stott Terrace Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Quest Alice Springs – 10 South Terrace Alice Springs
  • 7:00am – Swagmans Rest Apartments The – 67 Gap Rd Alice Springs

*Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Our Contract 

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Validity 

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions 

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.

We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.

Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.

GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.

Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.

Traveller Information 

For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.

For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Booking Terms and Conditions 

Customers Responsible Travel

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.

In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.

It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.

In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Refund Policy 

Cancellation by the Traveller 

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.

If you wish to change or cancel a trip: 

Day Trips 

(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
     ● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or     
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
     ● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
     ● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
     ● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Short Break / Extended Tours

(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
     ● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or 
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
     ● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
     ● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
     ● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.

Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellation by the Operator 

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation 

If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years

Force Majeure Cancellation 

If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.

If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
     ● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
     ● are not redeemable for cash;
     ● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions

In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.

A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.

Acceptance of Risk

Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.

Travel Insurance

We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.

We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.

Child Policy (Age Requirements)

Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.

Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).

Prices and surcharges 

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Luggage Policy 

To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.

Pick-up & Drop-offs

GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Weather Policy

The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.

We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Special Requirements

Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries 

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].

Updated June 2024.

At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Uluru Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World  Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children must be supervised at all times and guests are to keep to the marked tracks and designated visitor areas.

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks, some areas of the West MacDonnell Ranges consist of rocky terrain and steep walking tracks.

How many people are on this tour?

We operate this tour with a maximum of 21 passengers, our vehicles are 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa buses. This vehicle makes for a safe & comfortable journey (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel into West MacDonnell Ranges.

Safe Travel Statement

For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. For more information click here.

FAQ

The most common way to travel from Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges is by road. Joining a guided full-day tour is a popular option for those looking for informative commentary and a comprehensive visit to crucial attractions.

A diverse mountain range of Australian wildlife inhabits the West MacDonnell Ranges. Animals like rock wallabies, dingoes, and various bird species can be seen depending on the time of day and year. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes are also present but are more challenging to spot. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late afternoon.

Swimming is permitted in various gorges and waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. The water temperature can be cold, especially outside of summer, so it’s advisable to be prepared for a cool swim. Visitors should always follow local guidance and signs regarding swimming conditions, as they may be affected by inclement weather and seasonal changes.

Our buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, allocated floor space, adjustable restraint systems, or safe storage for mobility aids, prams, or strollers. If you have a collapsible travel wheelchair and can board our vehicles unassisted, please call to check wheelchair measurements and itinerary inclusions. Certain attractions within the West MacDonnell Ranges are available to individuals with limited mobility. Still, it is advisable to confirm the accessibility with us, as certain areas may involve walking on uneven surfaces.

West MacDonnell National Park has designated camping areas with basic facilities. Campsites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and some may have a fee. We also offer two-, three—, and four-day adventure tours departing from Alice Springs, which include overnight stays at our exclusive campsites, where you can stay in a safari tent or a bush swag.

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4 thoughts on “West MacDonnell Ranges Tours | Alice Springs Day Tour”

  1. We throughly enjoyed the tour with Rhett as our tour guide of the West MacDonald Ranges. Rhett is extremely knowledgable, passionate and respectful of the landscape and the indigenous people. Even though Rhett was called in as a last minute for a sick call replacement to take us on our tour he had a relaxed and pleasant manner. We bought our own brekky at an Indigenous run cafe at Standley Chasm, Lunch was provided -salads, ham, chicken and wraps with homous, mustard, mayo, sauces etc and was fresh and we enjoyed it especially in the beautiful setting of Ellery Creek Big-hole. A day well worth it and very enjoyable day.

  2. Carole Sheppard

    Fabulous tour to the West McDonnells with Mitch today. He was really informative and very entertaining.

  3. Graham Hosking

    What a fabulous day with Mitch today on the West McDonnell tour. He was extremely informative, witty and very knowledgeable about the area.. Highly recommend Mitch as a guide..

  4. We absolutely loved our West Macdonnell tour. Our guide, Adam was extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and shared his passion for birds with us. We visited some truly beautiful places, my favorite being Standley Chasm. This place offered a wonderful walk and lunch at a great cafe. This tour has been our favorite part of Central Australia so far.

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