West MacDonnell Ranges

You'll be inspired by the scenery of the West MacDonnell's that motivated artist Albert Namatjira to paint these landscapes and share them with the world. Washed in sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples, these rocky ridges contain chasms and gorges of rugged scenery. | Location Map

Each of the West MacDonnells' chasms and gorges has its own unique character and scenery. At Simpsons Gap, walk to the permanent pool and possibly catch sight of the rock wallabies that live in the gap's rocky ridges.

At midday, stand in Standley Chasm as it lights up in fiery oranges reflected by the overhead sun. Plunge in for a swim at the picturesque waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.

Visit the Ochre Pits, which desert Aboriginal people used as a quarry for ochre, a valuable traditional material used for paintings and ceremonial body decorations.

Access

Covered by the West MacDonnell National Park, vehicle access is via Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive. West from Alice Springs, there is a new unsealed Mereenie Loop Road connecting Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) with the West MacDonnell Park from the direction of Uluru National Park to the southwest.

Simpsons Gap is also accessible via a sealed bicycle track beginning opposite Flynns Grave, 7 km from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive. The road west to Glen Helen is Fully sealed and Larapinta Drive is sealed to within a few kilmotres of Hermannsburg.

Attractions

Larapinta Trail: An exciting long distance walking track through the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, and across the heart of Central Australia.
 
Established as part of the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory's development of the world-class West MacDonnell National Park, the Trail is an extended walking track running approximately 250 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges - from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder, Mount Razorback and beyond.

John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve (0.3ha/7km): This tiny Reserve is the resting place for the ashes of the Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Inland Mission. The grave is on a low hill at the foot of the MacDonnell ranges with a sign detailing some of his achievements.

Simpsons Gap National Park (30950ha/18km): Steep-sided ridges, huge Ghost Gums, timbered creek flats and scenic rocky gaps make this Park an excellent introduction to the MacDonnell Ranges.

Rock-wallabies are often seen here, especially in the late afternoon. The Park is best seen on foot and several walking tracks give a choice of a short or longer walk. The long-distance Larapinta Trail can be joined from here. Range guided tours are available daily. For bookings phone (059) 55 0310. The park is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily.

Standley Chasm (50km): This spectacular Chasm owned by Aborigines of Iwupataka is a blaze of red when hit by the midday sun. A 1500 metre walk takes you from the kiosk to the Chasm and is best enjoyed early morning or afternoon when less crowded. Open 8.30 am to 4.30 pm daily. An entrance fee applies.

Ellery Creek Big Hole Nature Park (1766ha/93km): High red cliffs, a large waterhole, and a sandy creek fringed by River Red Gums make this Park one of the region's most popular swimming and picnic areas.

Serpentine Gorge Nature Park (518ha/104km): The main feature of this Park is a narrow, winding gorge which has been cut through the range. Semi-permanent waterholes block both ends of the gorge, but visitors prepared for a cold swim can get past to enjoy some beautiful scenery. This is a quiet, bus lover's Park, deliberately undeveloped, and although it is accessible by conventional vehicle, the track is rough and stony.

Ormiston Gorge And Pound National Park (4655ha/132km): Ormiston Gorge is one of the many spectacular features of the MacDonnell Ranges. In summer, its deep waterhole is a welcome relief from the heat, and in cooler times the walking tracks through scenic Ormiston Pound are popular with visitors.

There is a small general campground for tents, campervans, and caravans and a larger campground for big groups and coach tours. Drinking water supplies are unreliable, so bring plenty of water with you.

Glen Helen Gorge Nature Park (386ha/133km): Here the sandy bed of the mighty Finke River squeezes between sandstone walls at the start of its journey to the Simpson Desert.

Most visitors take a 20 minute stroll down the riverbed to the Gorge and many will enjoy a swim there. This semi-permanent waterhole is important to the survival of the area's small fish. Camping isn't allowed in the Park, but accommodation, water, camping and picnic facilities are available at nearby Glen Helen Lodge.

Redbank Nature Park (1295ha/161km): Deep icy waters block this narrow cleft in the range. You can best enjoy the eerie stillness and pastel colours of the flood smoothed rock walls floating through the gorge on an air mattress. Ghost gums on steep slopes along the creek contrast with the shrubland and spinifex around the carpark. The gorge is a 25 minute walk from the carpark.

What To Do

Camping: Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek, Big Hole and Redbank Gorge provide basic facilities. Serpentine Chalet provides camping sites with no facilities. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Lodge, including caravan sites and motel accommodation. Camping fees apply and are payable at each camping area.

Fireplaces are provided at most sites, however at some sites free gas BBQ's replace open fireplaces. At Serpentine Gorge all fires are prohibited in this special zone.

Swimming: The Park offers a number of permanent waterholes ideal for swimming during summer. These are Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Swimmers should be aware that most swimming holes are extremely cold. Prolonged exposure, even during summer, can result in hypothermia. Beware of submerged logs and rocks.

Walking: The best way to experience the spectacular views in this Park is through walking. There are numerous marked trails ranging from leisurely to adventurous. Short marked walks with interesting information about the natural and cultural environment of the NT are available at each site.

Sections of the famous Larapinta Trail run along the Park and offer extended and overnight bushwalks. Prepare well when walking. Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, loose fitting clothing and plenty of drinking water are recommended. Avoid walking alone and minimise physical activity during the hottest part of the day, especially in summer.

Walkers planning extended and overnight walks are strongly advised to notify a Ranger, friend or reliable person of your intended route and plans. Please do not forget to advise of your return.

Further West

Continue west and you will travel on a road winding to the south and come to Tyler Pass, a place to stop for spectacular views of Tnorala / Gosse Bluff, a 5km crater created by a comet 142.5 million years ago.

Swinging back to the east along Larapinta Drive, visit Hermannsburg, the birthplace of famous artist Albert Namatjira. where a faithfully restored 1870s Lutheran mission, showcases Namatjira's and other local artists' work.

Outside Hermannsburg, travel 4x4 through the Finke River, thought to be the world's oldest watercourse.

The Finke Gorge National Park is best known for Palm Valley, which contains groves of unique and beautiful palms that are remnants from millions of years ago, when Central Australia was lush with tropical forests.

In a 4x4 you can easily continue west from this region on the the Mereenie Loop Road to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park. Take the time to discover the West MacDonnells region and you may never want to leave.

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