MacDonnell Ranges

An ever-present backdrop to Alice Springs, the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges stretch for more than 100 kilometres. They extend to both the west and east of the town.

West MacDonnell is a national park in the Northern Territory (Australia) due west of Alice Springs and 1234 km south of Darwin. It extends along the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. — West MacDonnell National Park

Discovering the West MacDonnell National Park

To the west, this dramatic formation is protected in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. The first highlights you reach are just a short trip from Alice Springs. They are a tantalising glimpse of the amazing gorges for which the ranges are renowned. Two of the most accessible sites, Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, are understandably also among the most popular.

As you head further west, you’ll find Ellery Creek Big Hole, which is a perfect spot to stop for a refreshing dip in the remarkable waterhole. Not far away is a popular picnicking place at Serpentine Gorge and the intriguing Ochre Pits site.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.

The spectacular waterhole is fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) and surrounded by tall red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek. The site offers access to Sections 6 and 7 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk via the southern alignment. — Ellery Creek Big Hole – Tourism NT

The gorges just keep coming as you continue west, with the towering walls of Ormiston Gorge and some welcome facilities at Glen Helen. Redbank Gorge, at the base of Mt Sonder, is another great spot to cool off with a swim after tackling some of the walks.

round Glen Helen is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colours with the light. — Glen Helen Gorge – Tourism NT

Exploring the East MacDonnell Range

Over to the east of Alice Springs the East MacDonnell Range isn’t as well known as its western counterpart, but this can be a boon for travellers seeking to avoid the crowds. However, the area is still packed with interesting sites to explore, like Emily and Jessie gaps.

Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park is the first noticeable feature of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you drive out of Alice Springs. Pack a picnic, watch the local wildlife, or follow a short walking track into both gaps. At Emily Gap you can see a large rock painting depicting the caterpillar dreaming. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. — Visitors exploring Jessie Gap in the East MacDonnell Ranges.

Aboriginal History and Cultural Significance

For an insight into the area’s Aboriginal history and culture, stop off at Corroboree Rock, which is a sacred men’s site. The rock art at Trephina Gorge offers another taste of this ancient culture. Beyond Trephina you’ll need a four-wheel drive, so this is a popular spot to stop for a picnic or camp overnight.

Discover the rugged landscapes, wildlife, and Aboriginal and pastoral histories of the East MacDonnell Ranges at Trephina Gorge Nature Park. Trephina Gorge has wide views and a sandy creek bed and can be explored via a network of short walking tracks. — Visitors exploring Trephina Gorge Nature Park in the East MacDonnell Ranges.

A Four-Wheel Drive Adventure

With a four-wheel drive it’s possible to explore some of the East MacDonnell Range’s lesser known attractions, including N’Dhala Gorge and Ruby Gap. With its numerous rock engravings, N’Dhala Gorge provides another insight into the Aboriginal history and culture of this area. If you’re up for even more exploration, then see the ruins of Central Australia’s first town at Arltunga. There’s also more mining boom history at Ruby Gap, which is only accessible to high-clearance four-wheel drives.