West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

Start early with pickup at your Alice Springs hotel and set off in your air-conditioned coaster or seat rosa for West MacDonnell National Park.

Start with a walk at Simpsons Gap to see a natural rock amphitheater that is home to endangered black-footed rock wallabies. Next, head to Standley Chasm for morning tea and a stroll along trails lined with acacias, cycads, ghost gums and cypress pines. Continue on to Ochre Pits, where rock walls are covered by white, yellow and red ochre, used for sacred ceremonies of the local Arrernte peoples.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, a large waterhole surrounded by red rock and visited by waterbirds such as the Pacific heron and white-faced heron. After eating, drive to Mt Sonder lookout for views of a towering sandstone wall and Mt Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia.

Next up, visit Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of central Australia's most pristine waterholes. Cool off with a swim and hear from your guide about the significance of the geology. Then wind down your tour as sunset splashes over the MacDonnell Ranges. Have the option to join a sunset camel ride (October to March- own expense) for your final activity of the day.