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: info@standleychasm.com.au
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

Affordable camping at the Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum. Powered/unpowered sites, pet friendly and nice hot showers. Explore outback history nearby. If you’re heading to Alice Springs and love the open road camping at the National Road Transport Museum is safe, cheap and a fantastic place to park your caravan and camp. Located just outside of town this museum offers a unique camping experience in the middle of the Aussie of the outback.

This is the second time we’ve camped at the Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum camp ground and it won’t be the last. It’s a nice safe place to camp with the gates locked every evening. You’ve got all the amenities you could possibly need. The amenities are older and not in the best condition however the volunteers do a great job of keeping everything clean.

Camping At The National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum

• It’s located in Alice Springs so there are insects like ants, mosquitos and flies however to balance this out they also have an abundance of bird life and rabbits.
• The main train line runs directly behind the campgrounds and it’s on a crossing so the train horn is a common sound as is the sound of the trains themselves.
• The bathrooms are old and look a bit rough and ready however they are regularly cleaned by volunteers. The water is nice and hot and it’s plentiful. They have plans to construct a new amenities block in the near future.

If you’re after 5 star then this isn’t for you but if you’re after safe and cheap and not jammed into a caravan park site then it’s definitely worth a go.

• This campground has all the basic facilities and amenities including a washing machine.
• Powered and unpowered sites are available in various locations across the campground.
• It is pet friendly. Accessible to caravans, RV/motorhomes, camper trailers, big rigs and buses.

Camping Options

• Powered Sites: If you’ve got a caravan, campervan or motorhome you book one of the powered sites. Perfect for keeping aircon running.
• Unpowered Sites: For those wanting to keep it simple and off-grid the unpowered sites are a great choice. You’ll still have access to all the amenities minus the electricity.

Amenities At The Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum

The camping area has everything you need for a comfortable stay:

• Hot Showers and Toilets: Clean(ish) facilities are available and after a long day of exploring a nice hot shower is just the ticket.
• Laundry Facilities: If you’ve been on the road for a while and need to wash your gear the site has coin operated laundry machines available plus plenty of clothesline space.
• Potable Water: You can fill your caravan water tanks on site.
• Museum Access: One of the best perks of staying here is easy access to the National Road Transport Museum. You can explore the impressive collection of historic trucks, road trains, and memorabilia, all just a short walk from your campsite.

Location And Contact Information For The Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum

Address: 92 Norris Bell Avenue, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Phone: (08) 8952 7161
Email: info@roadtransporthall.com
Website: www.roadtransporthall.com

Pricing

Unpowered Sites: $25 per night for two people
Powered Sites: $30 per night for two people
Extra Person: $5 per person, per night

These rates are very affordable especially for being so close to the town’s major attractions. If you’re a member of the museum you might even score a discount!

Camping At The National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum

Things To Do Nearby

• Alice Springs Desert Park: Located nearby this is a great spot to learn about the wildlife and plants of the outback.
• Anzac Hill: Drive or walk up to Anzac Hill for sweeping views of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges.
• Alice Springs Telegraph Station: A bit of history, this was the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs.
• Standley Chasm: Head out to Standley Chasm for walk that you won’t easily forget. It’s quite a memorable experience.

Final Thoughts

Camping at the Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum is a top-notch spot if you want to combine your love of the road with the beauty of the outback. You’ve got all the basics covered – power, showers and even a bit of history right next door. Whether you’re in a campervan, caravan or a tent you’ll find this a relaxing and affordable place to stay.

National Road Transport Hall Of Fame Museum

Experience the 450km drive from Marla to Alice Springs. Discover essential fuel stops, wildlife, road conditions, and scenic highlights along the Stuart Highway.

We left Coongra Creek on the Oodnadatta Track where we had camped for the night and headed into Marla. When we got to Marla we pulled over just before the roadhouse on the side of the Oodnadatta Track and put air back into our tyres. Then it was a quick stop at the roadhouse for fuel and something to eat and we headed north on the Stuart Highway on the drive from Marla to Alice Springs.

Driving from Marla South Australia to Alice Springs, Northern Territory is a true outback adventure! It’s a stretch of around 450 km (about 5-6 hours of driving) along the Stuart Highway, giving you a real taste of the Aussie outback. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your journey including fuel stops, things to see and road conditions.

Tun Right Out Of Marla Roadhouse To Drive From Marla To Alice Springs

Distance Between Fuel Stops

There aren’t heaps of places to fuel up, so plan ahead. Here’s where you can stop along the way:

• Marla: Your starting point. Fill up here before you hit the road.
• Kulgera Roadhouse (about 180 km from Marla): The first fuel stop. It’s also a good place to stretch your legs, grab a feed and maybe a cold drink.
• Erldunda Roadhouse (around 100 km from Kulgera): Another fuel stop where you can top up your tank. There’s also a café, a caravan park and some cool emus wandering around.
• Alice Springs (165 km from Erldunda): Your destination. Make sure to fill up when you get here especially if you plan to explore more remote areas.

Tip: Always fuel up when you can, as distances between stops can be long, and sometimes roadhouses may run out of supplies.

Airing Tyres Back Up At Marla After Completing The Oodnadatta Track

Things To Do When Driving Between Marla SA and Alice Springs NT

Driving from Marla, South Australia, to Alice Springs, Northern Territory, is a real outback adventure. It’s a long stretch through the red centre, but there are plenty of unique stops and sights along the way. Here’s a simple guide to things you can do to make the trip more interesting.

1. Stop at the Roadhouses

The outback roadhouses are not just for fuel—they’re a good spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and meet some friendly locals.

• Kulgera Roadhouse: About 180 km from Marla, it’s your first proper pit stop. Grab a cold drink and check out the quirky outback vibe.
• Erldunda Roadhouse: About 100 km further, this roadhouse is known as the “Centre of the Centre.” You’ll also see emus wandering about!

1. Look for Wildlife

The outback is full of Aussie wildlife, and you’re likely to spot kangaroos, emus, and even wedge-tailed eagles. But be careful—especially at dusk and dawn, as roos have a habit of hopping onto the road without warning.

2. Take in the Desert Landscape

The drive is long, but the changing colours of the outback landscape are worth admiring. From the red dirt to the striking desert oaks, it’s a truly unique view. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, which bloom after rain, and add bursts of colour to the desert.

3. Detour to Rainbow Valley

If you’ve got a bit of time and a 4WD, you can take a detour to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. It’s around 75 km south of Alice Springs and is famous for its colourful sandstone bluffs that glow red and orange, especially at sunset.

4. Take a Photo at the Northern Territory Border

You’ll cross from South Australia into the Northern Territory, and there’s a big sign marking the border. It’s a must-do for a quick photo to remember your outback adventure.

5. Relax at Desert Oaks Rest Stop

Just before you reach Erldunda you’ll notice a rest area surrounded by tall desert oaks. These iconic trees make for a perfect spot to take a break, have a picnic and enjoy the shade.

6. Geocaching

if you’re into geocaching as we are then you will find quite a few of them on the Stuart Highway along the stretch between Marla and Alice Springs. Here’s your chance to pick up a few that not a lot of people have!

Geocache Found Across The Road From The Pines Rest Area On The Stuart Highway

Road Conditions – Marla To Alice Springs

The Stuart Highway is sealed (paved) all the way, so you won’t need a 4WD for this trip. However it’s still important to be prepared:

• Long straight roads: The highway is mostly straight, with long stretches of road. It can get monotonous, so take breaks and keep hydrated.
• Wildlife: Kangaroos and emus can pop up unexpectedly especially early morning or around dusk. Keep an eye out and don’t drive too fast when it’s dark.
• Road trains: These huge trucks can be intimidating. If you’re overtaking, make sure you have plenty of room.

Stuart Highway Between Marla And Alice Springs

Final Tips

• Pack Water and Snacks: It’s a long drive with limited stops, so make sure you have plenty of supplies.
• Watch for Road Trains: These huge trucks can be tricky to overtake so take your time and only pass when it’s safe. Have your UHF radio turned on and listen for information from the pilot vehicles.
• Fuel Up When You Can: Always top up your tank at each roadhouse as fuel stops are few and far between. And you never know if the next roadhouse has just run out of fuel.

Driving from Marla to Alice Springs is more than just a trip—it’s an outback experience. Take your time, soak in the wide-open spaces, and enjoy the unique stops along the way. Safe travels, mate!

Final Thoughts

Driving from Marla to Alice Springs is a fantastic way to experience the Aussie outback. Make sure your car’s in good nick, bring plenty of water and enjoy the rugged beauty of the desert. Remember to take it slow and enjoy the journey after all you’re in the heart of Australia!

Driving From Marla To Alice Springs Photo Gallery