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West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

156 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 156 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 94% of reviewers | Alice Springs, Australia
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.

4 hours 20 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

The West MacDonnell Ranges half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historical locations. Tour attractions include hotel pickup, Anzac Hill, John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Honeymoon Gap, and return to your hotel.
We provide Alice Springs and its surroundings sightseeing tour services in the Northern Territory. Our tour operations concentrate on a maximum of eleven travellers. It is not only just sightseeing tours, but also you get to know about Alice Springs. Our tour operators know the local geology, history, climate, flora, and fauna of the McDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs. Our tour operations are full of fun, flexible, and affordable services provided for your satisfaction.

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee We provide Coffee, Tea, soft drink/ water
  • Carbonated beverages We provide soft drink/ water
  • NT Parks Visitor Pass
  • Use of bicycle
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Caravan parks, motels, hotels, all private residences. You can select your pick-up point on your own or you can add or edit your pick-up point after your booking is processed.

What To Expect

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Anzac Hill

Our first visit of the day is at Anzac Hill, where you will be able to take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. You may be able to capture one photo to cover the entire town. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defence forces during all international wars.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve

Your next stopping will be at Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the resting place of Reverend Flynn, the founder of Royal Flying Doctor Service. We make short stopping to relax and enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges and get some photos.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Simpsons Gap

Simpson Gap features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole and opportunities to spot resident wildlife, ancient Red River Gums with a taste of Central Australia. Simpsons Gap is a significant site to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people and was the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors. We will take you on a short, easy walk alongside a picturesque dry creek bed that leads to a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges and a waterhole rich in native wildlife, flora, and geology. Sometimes, you may even spot you might see Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the walking track into the rocky slopes gap. After your bush walk, your guide will invite you to complimentary bush Tea and Coffee at Simpsons Gap.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Standley Chasm Angkerle

The next stop on your exploration of the West MacDonnell is a picturesque walk at Standley Chasm. After Mrs Ida Standley, who in 1914 became the first school teacher in Alice Springs, this place was named Standley Chasm. Walking access to the dramatic 80m sheer rock-face of the chasm is along a well-maintained trail (1.2km/15mins each way), following the natural creek bed with seating & interpretative signage. Angkerle Atwatye, “the Gap of Water”, is a striking geological formation with significant botanical, bird-watching & wildlife photography appeal.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Temple Bar Caravan Park

Temple Bar Gap/ Honeymoon Gap is a small gap south of Larapinta Drive opposite Simpsons Gap, 14km west of Alice Springs. The gap is of great significance to the Arrernte people, the traditional owners of the land. Temple Bar Gap fell out of favour following the site becoming the honeymoon location for Robert (Bob) and Victoria (Vicky) Darken who married at the Alice Springs Methodist Church on 25 June 1942. Bob Darken was given a week's leave from the army and the couple planned to camp for a week at the gap and borrowed a car and a tent. The couple had repeated issues with the car and it rained for most of the week so, concerned for their safety, friends decided to visit them regularly; they said they were "going to see the honeymooners" or "going to honeymoon gap". It was not until 1981 that the name of the pass was officially changed to Honeymoon Gap and, in 2004, the NT Place Names Committee agreed that, the official name of the gap should remain Temple Bar Gap.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ilparpa Road (pass by)

After Tempe Bar Gap/ Honeymoon Gap on our way back, you will enjoy unusual features of the natural landscape; the unique micro-climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient Cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old, washed down from miles upstream. On your return journey, relax and enjoy the changing colours of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges. Finally, you will conclude with your trip and drop you back at your hotel.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-323773P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.76
156 reviews

Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 156 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
133
4 stars
14
3 stars
5
2 stars
2
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Tea and coffeeWe provide Coffee, Tea, soft drink/ water
  • Carbonated beveragesWe provide soft drink/ water
  • NT Parks Visitor Pass
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Use of bicycle

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

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