Standley Chasm - NT

Standley Chasm is reached by foot within 20 minutes from the main carpark along a trail that follows a creek. The gully floor is lush with tall gums trees, and cycad palms. The track is rough in parts but most active visitors will find the walk to be quite easy if you wear sensible walking shoes.

Whilst the Chasm is worthy of a visit at anytime of day, the Chasm is at its most dramatic an hour either side of noon on a sunny day (ie. between 11am - 1pm). This is the time of day when the light enters the chasm in such a way that the sheer walls glow from reflected sunlight.

Called Angkerle by the Aborigines, the Chasm's European name honours Mrs Ida Standley who, in 1914 became the first school teacher in Alice Springs. In 1925 the school for children of Aboriginal descent was moved from Alice Springs to Jay Creek (Iwupataka) with Mrs Standley as matron. It was during her time at Jay Creek that she became the first non-Aboriginal woman to visit the feature that now bears her name.