Standley Chasm(Angkerle Atwatye)
Shhhh. I’ll let you in on a little secret straight up about Standley Chasm. To really appreciate its magic, you need to visit at noon. Why? Because with the sun directly overhead, the walls of the chasm glow a fiery orange-red for around 90 minutes. Of course, you can visit at any time of the day, but this is when you get to see the real magic.
About Standley Chasm
Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, which means ‘gap of water’, Standley Chasm is a gorge around 3 metres wide and 80 metres high in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Over millions of years, rainfall and flooding have slowly carved a path through the sandstone slopes, creating the chasm we see today.
With thanks to a nearby natural spring, life is abundant in this arid region of Central Australia. Expect to spot lizards, wallabies, a diverse range of birds, ancient cycad palms and native flowering plants on the walking trail to Standley Chasm. For the Arrernte Indigenous people, it is a place of deep cultural significance and a sacred site of women’s dreaming.
Today, Standley Chasm remains 100% owned and operated by the local Western Arrernte community and they are proud to share it with all visitors seeking an authentic Arrernte experience.
How to experience Standley Chasm
Self-guided walk
The short but beautiful walk into Standley Chasm from the Kiosk is quite easy-going. It’s a 2.4km round trip that takes around 30 minutes with a Grade 1 access path. Most will find this trail manageable, even those with kids. However, all visitors should wear appropriate footwear, have a moderate level of fitness and should bring plenty of water.
There are several longer, more advanced trails that leave from Standley Chasm, which is also a stop on the famous Larapinta hiking trail.
Standley Chasm tours
Jump on a day tour from Alice Springs
Skip the hassle of getting yourself there and jump on a half-day tour of the West MacDonnell ranges that visit Standley Chasm from Alice Springs.
Klook.comAboriginal guided tours and talk
For a more immersive cultural experience, you may prefer to be guided by an Arrernte local. Tours run for around three hours and include a guided walk into Standley Chasm. Discover what makes this place so special with commentary on geology, flora, fauna, bush medicine, bush tucker and weaponry.
The tour includes morning tea and coffee with delicious jam and cream scones.
Aboriginal cultural experience and art workshop
On the Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Art Workshop tour, visitors will learn about traditional practices, starting with a Welcome to Country ceremony, and explore the stories of the Dreamtime, which have been passed down from generation to generation. The tour includes a guided walk to Standley Chasm.
After the walk, visitors can craft their own souvenir in a dot painting workshop where they will learn the traditional techniques and significance behind them. Finish off with a buffet lunch of cold meats, salads, bread, dessert and fresh fruit on the verandah of the Kiosk Cafe.
Kiosk Cafe and Gift Shop
There are not many places you can get a barista-made coffee in the West MacDonnell ranges so its worth stopping in the Kiosk Cafe before you leave. A coffee and meal among the shady gum trees of Angkerle Creek is the perfect way to cap off your walk through Standley Chasm.
As well as coffee you can get burgers, chips, pies, pasties, sandwiches, snacks, hot drinks, soft drinks and ice cream. For those looking for a gift or souvenir to take home, the gift shop has several authentic Aboriginal beads, paintings and wooden items made by local community members.
Can you visit Standley Chasm with kids?
Absolutely! Visiting with kids is easy. The walk into the chasm doesn’t require any special abilities, and the cafe and picnic areas make it ideal for a lunchtime visit.
Standley Chasm camping
Campers are welcome to camp under the stars year-round here with powered and un-powered sites available. Unpowered camping is available from $18.50 for the first night and powered campsites are available from $23.50 for the first night (or $65 per family).
Facilities include toilets, hot showers, a washing machine, a kitchen, a fridge and barbecues. The main gates are locked at 5 pm each evening and re-open at 8 am.
As that Standley Chasm is Aboriginal-owned land, alcohol is not permitted and is prohibited by federal law.
Standley Chasm entry fee and opening hours
Standley Chasm is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm. At the time of writing, costs are as follows:
- Adults: $12.00
- Senior: $10.00
- Family of four: $30.00
- Concession: $10.00
- Children: From $1 to $7
How to get to Standley Chasm from Alice Springs
Standley Chasm is an easy 40-minute drive west of Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive. You’ll see signage to the turn-off to Standley Chasm on your right. If you reach the junction to Namatjira Drive, you have missed the entrance.
Resources for booking your getaway to Central Australia
Getting to the Red Centre of Australia
Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com.
Getting around Central Australia
Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. Don’t forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Accommodation in Central Australia
Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131.
Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if you’re on a camping road trip.
Glen Helen is the only non-camping option available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs.
If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead.
Tours and activities in Central Australia
Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator.
