Alice Springs

Birdwatching

The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary with their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as you travel along through magnificent Outback Country, making stops at the many historic locations. Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, resting place of Reverend Flynn, founder of The Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as the home of giant goanna ancestors. Take a walk to sport black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. Lastly, you will visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place, sacred to womens’ dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 0.75 mile (1.2km) walk to access the dramatic 262 foot (80 metre) tall rock-face. On the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape here, 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. After your walk enjoy Morning Tea at local cafe. Then make your way back to Alice Springs where you will have the afternoon free to explore.

Experience the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this tour from Alice Springs. Head to must-see locations like Anzac Hill, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm. Marvel at natural wonders and stop at some local memorials. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Alice Springs. Sit back and relax in the comfortable bus on your way to Anzac Hill. Stop for panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. Learn about the war memorial at Anzac Hill. Travel to John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve where the Reverend Flynn was laid to rest. Hear about Flynn, the founder of Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy the changing color's of the West MacDonnell Ranges from this location and get some photos. Continue to the towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap. See some ancient Red River Gum trees. Discover why this area is important to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people. Stroll along a dry creek bed to a a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. Try to spot some local wildlife like black-footed rock-wallabies at a the watering hole. Head to the dramatic Standley Chasm and the Angkerle Atwatye (gap of water) geological formation. Standley Chasm is operated by Arrernte aboriginal family members who are direct descendants of the Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Experience the unique landscapes created by the micro-climate in this valley.