Day Trip To Standley Chasm From Alice Springs

Discover Standley Chasm on a scenic day trip from Alice Springs. Hike, explore Indigenous culture and enjoy the stunning landscapes.

Standley Chasm or Angkerle Atwatye in the local Arrernte language is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Its towering red rock walls, rich cultural significance and stunning desert landscape make it an essential day trip from Alice Springs. Whether you want to do a bit of bushwalking, dip into Indigenous culture or just enjoy a scenic drive through the outback this trip offers it all.

Standley Chasm Waterhole

Things To Do At Standley Chasm

Once you arrive at Standley Chasm, there’s plenty to do to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re keen on learning more about the area’s Indigenous heritage, going for a hike, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

1. Walk To The Chasm
   The walk to Standley Chasm itself is the main attraction. It’s an easy, well-marked trail that takes about 15 minutes from the visitor centre. The path is shaded by lush greenery, with the towering walls of the chasm coming into view as you make your way deeper into the gorge. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by red rock walls that reach up to the sky, and during midday, the sunlight lights up the rocks, creating a brilliant display of red, orange, and pink hues. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the path can be rocky in some parts. And don’t forget your camera the scenery is stunning!
2. Aboriginal Cultural Experience
   Standley Chasm is located on Aboriginal land, and the site is managed by the local Arrernte community. After your walk, take some time to explore the cultural displays and learn more about the significance of the area to the Arrernte people. The visitor centre has information about the local flora, fauna, and traditional uses of the land, giving you a deeper understanding of the place you’re exploring. The Kiosk and Café near the entrance also offers local Aboriginal art so you can take home a souvenir that supports the local community.
3. Enjoy A Picnic
   There are picnic areas around Standley Chasm What Tourists Never See, complete with tables and benches. Bring along a packed lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you didn’t bring any food, the café offers simple meals, snacks, and drinks, making it a convenient spot to refuel. While you’re having lunch, you might even spot some local wildlife like birds or rock wallabies.
4. Explore The Walking Tracks
   Aside from the main walk to the chasm, there are several other bushwalking trails in the area if you’re up for a bit more adventure. The longer hikes will take you up into the hills around the chasm, offering panoramic views of the West MacDonnell Ranges. These walks can be a bit more challenging, but the views are worth the effort.
5. Flora And Fauna
   Standley Chasm is home to a variety of native Australian plants and animals. As you walk through the area, you’ll likely come across ghost gums, cycads, and other desert flora. You’ll find lots of birds in the area including zebra finches and pied butcherbirds. Periodically stop and remain still for a few seconds and try to listen for their calls.

Getting To Standley Chasm From Alice Springs

Standley Chasm is located about 50 km (31 miles) west of Alice Springs, making it an easy 40-45 minute drive. The drive is straightforward and takes you through the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, one of the most scenic areas in the Northern Territory.

Larapinta Drive NT

The Scenic Drive To Standley Chasm

Before even reaching Standley Chasm, the drive itself is something to enjoy. You’ll pass through desert plains, rock formations, and ranges that shift in colour as the sun moves across the sky. The West MacDonnell Ranges are stunning, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to reach your destination.

Things To Do On The Drive To And From Angkerle Atwatye

• Simpsons Gap: About 18 km out of Alice Springs is Simpsons Gap, an iconic stop on the Larapinta Drive. It’s a quick and easy walk from the car park to the gap itself and it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive black-footed rock wallabies that live in the area. These little fellas are hard to spot but rewarding if you catch sight of one.
• John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve: Located along Larapinta Drive this spot honours John Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It’s a brief but meaningful stop particularly if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the region and the importance of medical services in remote Australia. Bonus tip: There’s a geocache located here.
• Scenic Lookouts: The West MacDonnell Ranges are full of places to stop and admire the scenery. There are a few designated lookout points along the road, where you can pull over and take a photo or two. Take a moment to appreciate the wide open skies and the way the light changes the colours of the landscape. Early mornings or late afternoons give the best colours for photos. Amanda and I have done this drive a few times and we reckon that the ridgeline of the West MacDonnell Ranges along this drive look like the spine of a dragon in some places. Maybe it’s just our imagination but I swear it looks like a dragon lying down for a sleep.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: If you have extra time a short detour to Ellery Creek Big Hole is well worth it. It’s about 15 km off Larapinta Drive, and it offers a cool and refreshing swimming hole surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s one of the most popular natural swimming spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges so don’t forget your swimmers. It’s often warm enough in winter to get in and cool off.
• Geocaching: If you’re into geocaching then this drive will be an absolute treat for you. Amanda and I found loads of them – one of them even involved me being a mountain goat!

John Flynns Grave Historical Reserve

Directions To Standley Chasm From Alice Springs

• Start in Alice Springs: From the town centre head west on Larapinta Drive. You’ll leave the town behind pretty quickly entering into the wide-open desert landscapes.
• Stay on Larapinta Drive for approximately 35 km. This section of the drive is mostly flat and offers sweeping views of the surrounding ranges and scrubland.
• Turn right at the well marked Standley Chasm turnoff. The road here is sealed and you’ll continue for about 10 km until you reach the car park and visitor centre. Once you reach the gates you’re almost there.
• Make sure you’ve got enough fuel before heading out as there aren’t any places to fill up along the way. The road is fully sealed so you don’t need a four-wheel drive for this trip just your standard car will do.
• There’s an entrance fee to visit Standley Chasm as it is located on Aboriginal land and is managed by the local community. The fee goes towards maintaining the site and supporting the custodians of the land so it’s all for a good cause.

Tips For Visiting Angkerle Atwatye

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Standley Chasm in winter is around midday when the sun is directly overhead. This is when the red walls of the chasm are illuminated by the sunlight creating a truly spectacular sight. If you’re visiting in the summer months make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection as it can get extremely hot during the day.
• Entrance Fee: As mentioned earlier there is a small entrance fee to access the chasm. This fee goes towards the upkeep of the site and supports the local Arrernte community.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and a camera are essential. If you’re planning on going on one of the longer hikes pack some extra water, extra snacks and gear accordingly.

Heading Back To Alice Springs

After a day of exploring, you’ll make your way back to Alice Springs via the same route along Larapinta Drive. If you didn’t stop at Simpsons Gap or John Flynn’s Grave on the way out now’s the time to check them out. Otherwise enjoy the drive as the afternoon light starts to cast long shadows across the ranges creating a spectacular end to your day.

Key Info For Angkerle Atwatye

• Make sure to take plenty of water, a hat, put on sunscreen and wear appropriate footwear.
• It’s around an easy 40 minute drive from Alice Springs on sealed roads. There’s plenty of parking.
• Enter and purchase tickets at the Kiosk cafe.
• Remember that you walk the trails at your own risk.
• Native flora and fauna is protected.
• Please don’t feed any animals including the dingoes and wallabies.
• Pets are not permitted.
• Alcohol is not permitted.

Towering Outcrops

Contact Details For Standley Chasm

Address
Standley Chasm, Hugh NT 0872

Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am to 2pm

E: [email protected]
P: (08) 8956 7440
M: 0474 112 644

Final Thoughts

A day trip to Standley Chasm from Alice Springs is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. With its striking red rock walls, rich cultural history, and peaceful surroundings, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply want to get out and explore a piece of Australia’s iconic outback, Standley Chasm is a must-see. So hit the road for an adventure that’s just a stone’s throw away from the Alice. You won’t regret it!

Selfie At Standley Chasm

Standley Chasm Photo Gallery