NORTHERN TERRITORY West- & East MacDonnell Ranges

The Aranda people refer to the West MacDonnel Ranges as Tjoritja (pronounced Choor-it-ja). In their lore and culture, the landscape was created by ancestral beings during a mythological time, the foundation of their spiritual beliefs and identity.

Since April 2023, all visitors need a park pass to visit Redbank Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole ($10 per day/per adult or $30 for 2 weeks per adult). It can be booked online from the parks online booking system.

Redbank Gorge (156km from Alice Springs)

It is situated at the bottom of Mount Sonder ( Rutjupma, pronounced ‘roo-choop-ma’). This stunning gorge and chasm is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species. The 5 km access road from the Redbank Gorge turn off is unsealed and rough in parts and a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. A grade 3 – moderate 2 km, 1.5 hour return walk from the carpark alongside the creekbed will lead you to the Redbank Gorge. The Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole and swimming is permitted. The water is all year round extremely cold and a floating device is advisable.

Section 12 of the Larapinta Trail starts and finishes at the Redbank Gorge carpark (5 km, 2.5 hours, grade 4)

Ormiston Gorge (135km from Alice Springs)

Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The visitor Centre / Kiosk is approximately 8 km from the Ormiston Gorge turn off on Namatjira Drive. The road to the carpark is all sealed and accessible by conventional vehicles. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species remaining from a tropical past. The gorge has a permanent waterhole and it is estimated to be up to 14 metres deep on the southern end. Swimming is permitted but is very cold all year round.

The best way to appreciate the scenery of Ormiston Gorge and Pound is to follow one of the marked walking tracks:

Waterhole Walk: 300 metres – 5 minutes (one way), Grade 1 easy with wheelchair access to the end of the paved path.

Ghost Gum Lookout: 1.2 km – 45 minutes return walk, Grade 3 moderate.

Ghost Gum Walk: 2.5 km – 1.5 hours loop walk, Grade 3 moderate. After climbing up to the Ghost Gum Lookout, continue by following the path around the western side of the Gorge and return via the main waterhole.

Ormiston Pound Walk: 8.5 km / 3-4 hour loop walk, Grade 3 moderate. It completes a full circuit from the Walks Information Shelter, meandering around scenic slopes, dropping into the flat expanse of the Pound and returning along Ormiston Gorge via the main waterhole.

Glen Helen Gorge (132km from Alice Springs) Temporarily Closed This site will be closed until 11/07/2024

Glen Helen Gorge is one of the natural wonders of central Australia. The Gorge and its waterhole are home to a diversity of bird and fish species. The waterhole has 9 species of fish from the Finke River. From here the Finke River makes its way on to the Simpson Desert. The Gorge can be accessed from Glen Helen Lodge via short 5 minute walk. Swimming in the permanent waterhole is permitted.

Serpentine Gorge (100km from Alice Springs)

Follow one of the many well-marked paths along the gorge through the cool shade of the river red gums, or up to the lookout above the cliffs to survey views of the semi-permanent waterholes and the geology of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. It compromises two gorges and is home to some rare Central Australian plants such as the Centralian flannel/flower.

Ellery Creek Big Hole (80km from Alice Springs)

This is a spectacular waterhole in the mighty Ellery Creek which cuts through the gorge. Access is by Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The 2 km road in is accessible by conventional vehicles. The waterhole can be reached by a short 10 metre - 5 minutes walk from the carpark and is ideal for swimming. This is a very popular swimming spot during the warmer month.

The Dolomite Walk: 3 km – 1.5 hours loop walk is a great way to take in the fascinating geological processes of the site. The walk is along a marked, unsealed path with some steady inclines, and returns to the carpark along the southern alignment of the Larapinta Trail.

Ellery Creek Loop Walk: 32.3 km – 3 days and access to sections 6 and 7 of the Larapinta Trail. This is only for the keen walkers and requires careful planning and preparation.

Standley Chasm (50km from Alice Springs)

Standley Chasm or traditional known as Angkerle Atwatye which has the meaning ‘Gap of Water’ is 100% owned and operated by local Arrernte community. The entry fee is $12 per adult and can be purchased at the kiosk at the entrance. The Chasm is a 3 metres wide and 80 metres high gorge. The magnificent display of bold red and orange hues glow deepest under the midday sun. From the entrance a well maintained walking path takes you on a 2.4 km – 30 minutes round trip.

Simpsons Gap (18km from Alice Springs)

This gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges and is home to the black-footed rock-wallaby. It is a sacred site to Central Arrernte Aboriginal people and is associated with Perentie (goanna), Eagle and Rock Wallaby Dreamings. There are several short walks with views of the range. Simpson Gap is also located on the Larapinta Trail, a 231 kilometre walking track through the West MacDonnell Ranges. From here you can walk Sections 1 or 2 of the trail.

CAMPING with a dog

Our recommendations

Glen Helen Discovery Park

They have sites with power/water or unpowered. Every site has a view of the beautiful red cliffs. New amenities with toilets, shower and laundry facilities. Also offer meals at the restaurant. It is a bit expensive with around $80 a night.

Point Howard Lookout

This is a free camp just outside the NP. A lovely spot with great views. 24 hour restriction.

National Road Transport Museum Campground Alice Springs

92 Norris Bell Ave, Alice Springs, Ph (08)89555047/0414185886

Book online via their website. Power/water $25, unpowered $15

Gates get locked at night for safety. Amenities are a bit dated but hot shower and toilet functional.

East MacDonnell Ranges

Since April 2023, all visitors need a park pass to visit Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve, Trephina Gorge Nature Park, N’dhala Gorge and Ruby Gap Nature Park ($10 per day/per adult or $30 for 2 weeks per adult). It can be booked online from the parks online booking system.

Emily and Jessie Gap / Yeperenye

(10 km from Alice Springs)

This gap is one of the first stops on a journey to the East MacDonnell Ranges. The ranges are part of the caterpillar dreaming story, which tells the tale of how Alice Springs was formed. You can see rock art of this dreaming at Emily Gap. If Emily Gap has water the rock paintings are only accessible by swimming through the water. There are picnic tables and firepits at Jessie Gap. There are short walking tracks leading into both Emily and Jessie Gap. You can also walk between Emily and Jessie Gap along the Yeperenye Trail.

Yeperenye Trail: 8.3 km, 2 hours one way, Grade 3. This gentle track takes you along the foothills of the range, allowing you to explore the local flora and fauna. You also can ride your bike along this trail.

Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve (48 km from Alice

Corroboree Rock is a dark grey column of dolomite. Take a short walk around the base of the rock to survey the area and have a closer look at the ancient sedimentary, fine-grained rock. At the base you can see dark grey and light grey streaky blobs of dolostone rock. A ring of low ground surrounding it makes it look like an obelisk.

John Hayes Rockhole (75 km from Alice Springs)

Access to John Hayes Rockhole is from the Ross Highway via a rough dirt road (5km) by four-wheel drive only. The permanent waterhole is accessible by a short walk from the carpark. You can swim in the waterhole also the water is very cold year-round. We had an idyllic picnic by ourselves after the walk.

The Chain of Ponds Walk: 3.5km loop walk that is a challenging trail up to a lookout and then back around the waterhole and down to the carpark. You come across lots of small picturesque waterholes against the impressive rock walls. It requires some decent rock scrambling but it is a very rewarding walk. This was our favourite walk in the East MacDonnell Ranges.

Trephina Gorge Nature Park (85 km from Alice

Once you turn down the Trephina Gorge rad, the last 5 km are on an unsealed road all the way to the main trailhead. From here you can start many of the Trephina Gorge walks and lookouts. This park is a handy distance for a day trip from Alice springs and is notable for its short walks, views, and natural beauty. Trephina Gorge has wide views across a sandy creek bed and can be explored via a network of short walking tracks. It’s one of two gorges that intersect the East MacDonnell Ranges. The other is John Hayes rock Hole. The two are connected via the Trephina Ridgetop Walk.

Trephina Gorge Walk: This is a 2km (30 min.) loop walk and is the easiest of all the walks. You climb up to the rim of the gorge and walk along until it turns, and you walk back through the sandy creek bed in the gorge.

Panorama Walk: This is a 2.5km loop walk. A steep climb to begin brings you to a lookout with magnificent 360 degree views of the Ranges. From there you follow the ridge around and back on a more gentle trail. We highly recommend.

Ridgetop Walk: This is a 10km one way walk to John Hayes Rockhole. It suits the keen and experienced hiker and you need to come prepared. It is definitely worth doing as the views at Turners Lookout are just incredible. You then either return the same way or walk back on the highway to Trephina Gorge.

N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park (90 km from Alice Springs)

Access to the nature park is via the Ross Highway. Once you pass the Ross River Homestead, the track becomes accessible to four-wheel drive vehicles only. This is an important archaeological and heritage site also protects rare plants. Follow the 1.5 km (1 hour return) marked walking track into the gorge. Signs along the track interpret some of the approx. 6000 individual stone engravings or petroglyphs. N’Dhala Gorge is also significant for its rare plants such as the Peach-leafed Poison Bush and the Undoolya Wattle.

Ruby Gap Nature Park (150 km from Alice Springs)

Access to this little-visited and remote park is via the Arltunga Historical Reserve. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is essential. It was the site of Central Australia’s first mining rush in 1886 after ‘rubies’ were found in the riverbed. Today Ruby Gap is a popular place for camping and bushwalking. Much of the terrain is extremely rugged and is only suitable for the experienced and well-prepared walker.

Camping with dog

Our recommendations

Ross River Resort (80 km east from Alice Springs)

7829 Ross Highway, Hale NT 0872, Ph (08) 8956 9711

Ross River Resort offers a full range of camping options, rustic outback cabins and an historic homestead with full dining facilities. They have powered and unpowered camping sites.

Enjoy