West MacDonnell Ranges
Northern Territory
The West MacDonnell Ranges with its scenic beauty stretch for 161kms west of Alice Springs. It is an arid zone full of plants and animals, with spectacular gorges and walks through the stony spinifex country. From Alice Springs the road is sealed out to the main destinations so you will not require a 4WD, however if you come to the West MacDonnell Ranges via the Mereenie Loop Road, then a 4WD vehicle is required.
There are many camping sites within the West MacDonnell Ranges, and the Glen Helen Resort offers motel room style accommodation, along with powered and unpowered sites.
Simpsons Gap
Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. At dawn and dusk you may also see the Black-footed Rockwallabies. The area is an important spiritual site to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross.
There are a number of walks you can do from around Simpsons Gap:
Ghost Gum Walk
Ghost Gum Walk is a 15 minute return walk which includes an ancient Ghost Gum.
Cassia Hill
The Cassia Hill walk is a 1.5km, 1 hour return walk, offering elevated views across the range.
Woodland Trail
The 17km walk takes you up to Bond Gap, which is a narrow cleft, and depending on the season you are there, is has icy cold water. The walk also takes you through a Mulga Woodland.
Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail goes through Simpsons Gap, and from here you can do sections 1 or 2.
There is also a sealed bicycle path which begins opposite Flynn's Grave up to the Simpsons Gap. This is a 17km journey, so make sure you take plenty of water with you.
You can also find free gas barbecues and a shady picning area near Simpsons Gap.
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm is located 50kms from Alice Springs, and it at its most dramatic hour either side of noon on a sunny day as the sheer walls from the reflected sunlight. The chasm was created by floods that surged down a narrow tributary of the Finke River. The walks rise 80 metres above the floor, and the 20 minute walk up to the chasm follows a creek with spring-fed pools which are lush with plants.
Standley Chasm is owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust and is operated as a training facility for Aboriginal family members. There is an entrance fee payable at the cafe.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek Big Hole is 91kms from Alice Springs, and has a deep waterhole that is great for swimming. Be careful though as it is very cold. If you are up for it, you can swim through the gap and go exploring on the other side. There are basic camping facilities available here.
Serpentine Gorge
Serpentine Gorge is located 100kms from Alice Springs. River red gums line the well marked walking trails that very between 1 and 3kms in length. To the right of the waterhole there is a short but steep track up to a lookout, giving you a spectacular view of the narrow winding gorge and its series of semi-permanent waterholes.
Ochre Pit
You can find the Ochre Pits 11kms past Serpentine Gorge. From the carpark, follow a short path to the pits where you will see some amazing colours on the walls. The Aboriginals used to mine the ochre for their ceremonies, and for trading with other groups.
Ormiston Gorge
The Ormiston Gorge is 128kms from Alice Springs, or a few kilometres from Glen Helen. The most popular attractions are the 5 minute Waterhole walk, and the 20 minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk. There is also a new permanent waterhole that is suitable for swimming.
Ormiston Pound
If you are feeling energetic, there is the 3 to 4 hour, 7km Ormiston Pound walk. This takes you through scenic slopes and then drops into the flat expanse of the Pound, returning along Ormiston Gorge via the main waterhole. Ensure you start out in the morning, and take plenty of water with you.
Camping is also available at Ormiston Gorge, however spaces are limited and it operates on a first come, first served basis. There are gas barbecues, toilets and showers.
Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge is 157kms from Alice Springs, past the Glen Helen Resort, with access via a dirt road. The waters are deep and narrow through the Gorge, and are very cold all year. If you are going to go through the gorge, then it is best negotiated with an airbed or similar flotation device. The camping facilities are excellent, with shady camps and gas cooking facilities.
Glen Helen & Glen Helen Resort
Glen Helen Resort is situated at the Western end of the West MacDonnell Ranges, a little over an hours drive from Alice Springs. They have motel style accommodation, powered and unpowered sites, including a grassed area for tents. This is a great place to base yourself while you explore the West MacDonnell National Park, including Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Mt Sonder, and the attractions listed above. They also offer a range of tours, fuel, a swimming pool, an outdoor bar, and a restaurant with home style cooking.
www.glenhelen.com.au
Telephone: +61 8 8956 7489