The West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. They are one of the major tourist attractions near Alice Springs. There are several reasons why this area is so popular.
You will discover gorges and waterholes, flora and fauna, hiking and swimming, everything one could hope for in a place like this. The other reason that the MacDonnell Ranges are so popular is that they are so accessible. The West MacDonnell National Park is close to Alice Springs, the road is all sealed, and there are plenty of facilities.
From Alice Springs follow the Larapinta Drive westwards. The turn off to the first attraction - Simpsons Gap - is only 18 km from Alice Springs, there is even a cycle path going out there.
If you keep following the road along the ranges you will find one attraction after the other.
Glen Helen Outback Lodge, which marks the end of the bitumen, is 132 km away from Alice Springs.
As the name says, Simpsons Gap is another gap in the ranges. It is easy to get to, whether you have transport or not. Just hire a bicycle for a day. It's a 17 km ride one way.
Simpson's Gap is a great spot to visit, there are walking tracks in the area, as well as picnic facilities.
Standley Chasm can be foud about 50 km west of Alice Springs. It is the only privately owned gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, you have to pay an entry fee. However the narrow chasm is really spectacular.
At lunch time, when the sun is right above it, the steep walls light up in brilliant orange.
There is a lovely walk, and if you don't mind a bit of climbing you can also continue to a second smaller chasm.
A few km after Standley Chasm you come to an intersection. Follow the Namatjira Drive to your right to follow the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is the deepest waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It is good for swimming. It is only 90 km from Alice Springs and is a perfect outing for picnics. There is also a bush camping site there. The pool is in the shade most of the time and the water can be freezing cold.
It's possible to swim through the gap and go exploring on the other side. You could also take the Dolomite Walking Trail, it is about 3 km long or go exploring up the slopes to a little cave.
The turn off to Ormiston Gorge east of Glen Helen.
The main attraction of this area is the narrow gorge on the Ormiston Creek. Walking is the main activity here. The shortest walk takes you just down to the waterhole for a swim. Medium length walks lead through the gorge or along the ridge to a lookout.
The longest walk is about 7 km and takes you through the Ormiston Pound and then back through Ormiston.
Glen Helen is another permanent waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges. There's not much to do here other than wander down to the water hole take your photo, and then spend some time at the lodge.
Redbank Gorge Is a very good camping ground and has good walks. The gorge is well worth visiting. It is located some 150 km west of Alice Springs.
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