Standley Chasm Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm


Walk through this towering red-sandstone gorge carved out by floods to discover a rich array of native flowering plants, ancient cycads and diverse bird species.

Walk through this towering red-sandstone gorge carved out by floods to discover a rich array of native flowering plants, ancient cycads and diverse bird species.

Standley Chasm is at its most spectacular in the middle of the day, when the 80-metre (260-foot) red-sandstone walls reveal their brilliant colour. The land is owned and cared for by the Arrernte people who live nearby. In the Arrernte language the gorge is known as Angkerle. The name Standley comes from the first schoolteacher in the area who was the first white woman to visit the chasm. Take the walking track that runs along the gully to admire the lush ferns, cycads and gums that shelter in the moist, shady environment.

The walking track runs along a creek bed that is mostly dry. Occasional fresh springs along the creek attract wildlife and allow wildflowers to grow up the chasm’s sides. It’s an easy walk along the track but it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the creek bed is rocky. Stop for a quiet moment along the way to see the lizards, wallabies and birds that live here. You may even see a dingo.

Continue along the track for another half-hour to the next gorge. A second 45-minute return trail leads to a hilltop with great views over the Chewings Ranges. The third section of the Larapinta Trail ends at Standley Chasm and section four continues on from here to Birthday Waterhole, 18 kilometres (11 miles) away.

Return to Standley Chasm to visit the café and gift shop run by the Aboriginal people who care for this reserve and who are descended from some of the earliest inhabitants of the area. Purchase handmade craft and paintings. Bring food from Alice Springs to enjoy a barbeque lunch.

Standley Chasm is 50 kilometres (31 miles) west of Alice Springs. There is a small cost for entry to the park, which includes overnight camping.

Plan a trip to see Standley Chasm

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Ooraminna Station Homestead
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Popular places to visit


Top Standley Chasm Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Squeaky Windmill

Squeaky Windmill

2 out of 5
971 Ilparpa Rd, White Gums, NT
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Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

3.5 out of 5
20 Gregory Terrace, Corner Hartley St and Gregory Terra, Alice Springs, NT
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
Elkira Court Motel

Elkira Court Motel

3.5 out of 5
65 Bath Street, Alice Springs, NT
Elkira Court Motel
Discovery Parks - Alice Springs

Discovery Parks - Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
Palm Place, Ross, NT
Discovery Parks - Alice Springs
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge

Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge

3 out of 5
1 Palm Circuit, Ross, NT
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

3.5 out of 5
11 Leichardt Tce, Alice Springs, NT
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Desert Palms Alice Springs

Desert Palms Alice Springs

3.5 out of 5
74 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
Desert Palms Alice Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Standley Chasm

Standley Chasm offers a range of outdoor adventures, including picturesque hiking trails that showcase the stunning landscapes of the Northern Territory. Visitors can enjoy guided walks to learn about the area's unique flora and fauna. For those looking to extend their stay, there are camping sites available, providing a perfect base to explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable destination.

Shopping

In Standley Chasm, enjoy local shops offering unique gifts and Indigenous art. For a broader selection, if you're up for a drive, visit Alice Springs' Todd Mall, approximately 50 kilometres away, featuring a vibrant marketplace with local crafts, souvenirs, and food stalls.

Recreation

At Alice Springs Golf Club, located 41.8km from Standley Chasm, you can enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking landscapes. The club's outdoor, sports vibes create a perfect environment for relaxation and recreation, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and wellness activities.

Adventure

At Standley Chasm, embark on the Larapinta Trail Trailhead, located 41.8km away, for breathtaking hikes through stunning scenery. The Heritage Walk, 40.2km away, offers a unique outdoor experience. Don’t miss the nearby Larapinta Trail Section 4 Trailhead, only 483m away, for an adventurous exploration.

Nightlife

In Standley Chasm, the nightlife is tranquil yet captivating, with outdoor dining experiences under the stars and storytelling by local Indigenous guides. Nearby, the local pub offers a relaxed atmosphere with live music and a selection of Aussie craft beers, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Standley Chasm

Standley Chasm, also known as Angkerle, offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and adventure. Visitors can explore the picturesque Standley Chasm trailhead, enjoy the surrounding desert landscapes, and visit local arts centres. There are also private campgrounds available for those looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Whether you seek scenic views or an adrenaline rush, Standley Chasm has something for every traveller.

  • MacDonnell Ranges: A stunning natural reserve located 12.9km from Standley Chasm, the MacDonnell Ranges offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. You'll find friendly locals and a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the Australian outback.
  • Alice Springs Desert Park: Situated 37.0km away, this desert park is perfect for adventure seekers. Explore diverse landscapes, enjoy spectacular scenery, and immerse yourself in outdoor activities that showcase the unique desert environment and its wildlife.
  • Araluen Cultural Precinct: Located 40.2km from Standley Chasm, this arts centre celebrates Central Australia's rich cultural heritage. Engage with local art and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural vibes that highlight the region's Indigenous history.

Best time to go to Standley Chasm

The best time to visit Standley Chasm is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. June and July are its coolest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February83.8°F (28.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March79.9°F (26.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November80.8°F (27.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December84.6°F (29.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Standley Chasm

For a budget-friendly visit to Standley Chasm, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay about a month in advance or explore last minute deals on platforms like Expedia for potential savings. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tools to filter for budget-friendly and eco-certified hotels, and don’t forget to look into package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Also, consider camping to further cut costs while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Standley Chasm are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Standley Chasm is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Standley Chasm is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Standley Chasm is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Standley Chasm hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.