Standley Chasm, 0872, Australia

## Overview Standley Chasm (known as Angkerle Atwatye in the Western Arrernte language) is a spectacular narrow gorge nestled within the East MacDonnell Ranges, approximately 50 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory. The chasm is a sacred site of deep cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who have been custodians of this land for tens of thousands of years. The water here has been naturally filtered through the ancient quartzite rock of the East MacDonnell Ranges — a geological formation that dates back hundreds of millions of years. As rainfall percolates through the layered sandstone and quartzite, it emerges remarkably clean and cool. A small on-site business operates a café and campground, filtering the spring-fed water for their own use. Visitors can access water straight from the mountain range via a tap located at the picnic area. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by both the traditional custodians and modern-day visitors alike. The chasm itself is famous for the way sunlight illuminates its towering red walls at midday, when the sun is directly overhead, bathing the narrow passage in vivid orange and gold. The walls rise to around 80 metres high and are only about 9 metres apart at their narrowest point, making it one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Central Australia. ## Directions 1. From Alice Springs, head west along Larapinta Drive. 2. Continue for approximately 50 kilometres — the route is well-signposted to Standley Chasm / Angkerle Atwatye. 3. Turn off at the signed entrance to Standley Chasm. 4. Follow the access road to the car park, where you'll find the picnic area, café, and campground. 5. From the car park, a well-maintained walking trail of roughly 1.5 kilometres leads through a shaded creek bed to the chasm itself. **GPS Coordinates:** -23.719789, 133.242188 ## What to Expect Upon arrival, you'll find a welcoming picnic area with the water tap fed by the mountain range. The on-site café and campground provide additional amenities. An entry fee is typically charged, as the chasm is owned and managed by the Western Arrernte people through the Iwupataka Land Trust. The walk to the chasm follows a scenic, mostly flat trail along a rocky creek bed lined with ghost gums, cycads, and native flora. The path is well-maintained but involves some uneven rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The best time to visit the chasm is around midday (between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM), when sunlight strikes the narrow walls and creates the iconic glowing red effect. The area can be extremely hot during summer months (October–March), with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Carrying plenty of water and sun protection is essential. The cooler months (April–September) offer more comfortable conditions for the walk. Seasonal rains can occasionally cause flash flooding in the creek bed, so it's wise to check conditions before visiting during the wet season.