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Explore the Northern Territory’s West MacDonnell Ranges
Words Hema Maps Editorial Pics Supplied
West of Alice Springs in Central Australia, the West MacDonnell Ranges tower over the region, offering incredible scenery, stunning waterholes and plenty of awesome places to camp and bush walk. Join us as we explore the best of the area.
Credit: David Bristow
Affectionately known as the West Macs, this spectacular mountain range offers a truly astounding range of outback attractions, walking trails and significant historical sites. Discover ancient Aboriginal sites, dramatic gorges, scenic lookouts and hiking trails in the heart of the outback. Visitors to the area are overseen by the red quartzite ranges, which have looked out over the area for more than 300 million years.
The West MacDonnell Ranges are situated west of Alice Springs and are the overriding feature of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Because of this, visitors can expect to come across many other hikers, sightseers and four-wheel drivers. The accessibility of the ranges is in part what has made this area so appealing to the public, but this is definitely not all the area has to offer. Join us as we explore this ancient landscape.
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm is a privately owned gorge located about 50km from Alice Springs. Visitors are required to pay an entry fee to gain access to this area — a great spot offering a range of facilities. Light from the afternoon sun causes the walls to turn orange, which makes for an astounding sight.
For more information and to purchase general admission tickets to Standley Chasm, head here.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Credit: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers
Known as the deepest waterhole in the ranges, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a popular swimming destination, and it is also a well-known tourist spot for day trips. Those looking to camp in the area can make use of onsite camping facilities, but for anyone looking to take a dip in the hole, it’s important to note that due to the water being shaded for a better part of the day, it is very cold.
More information regarding visiting Ellery Creek Big Hole can be found here.
Serpentine Gorge
Serpentine Gorge is another waterhole that is home to a sensitive ecosystem. This area is home to fish that use the spot as a breeding ground, so swimming is not permitted. A lookout is located just a short climb from the gorge. It’s the perfect place to stop, relax and just take in the serenity.
For information about visiting Serpentine Gorge, including required tickets and permits, head here.
Simpsons Gap
Credit: Robert Crack
Simpsons Gap is perhaps one of the most accessible gaps in the ranges and can be reached by those with or without transport. Those who require it can hire a bicycle for the day and ride the 17km from Flynn’s Grave (7km from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive) along the sealed Simpsons Gap Bike Path to the gap. Upon reaching the gap, visitors will want to look out for black-footed rock-wallabies, as well as the various walking tracks on offer.
Head here for more information regarding visiting Simpsons Gap.
The Ochre Pits
About 11km from Serpentine Gorge and 110km from Alice Springs stand the Ochre Pits, which were originally used by First Nations Australians who mined for the substance. The ochre was traditionally used in both local ceremonies and for trading.
For further information about visiting the Ochre Pits, head here.
Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge is an award-winning campground and walking trail that is situated about 156km from Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. The area not only offers visitors a place to stay but also boasts some spectacular views of the surrounding gorge which is a refuge for various threatened plant and animal species.
For further information, including accessing Redbank Gorge (4WD vehicle required), head here.
Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge is located about 128km west of Alice Springs and is one of the main attractions in the area. The narrow gorge is located on Ormiston Creek which is a very popular swimming spot for tourists.
Credit: Getty Images
The area offers camping grounds, as well as a visitor centre and boasts a range of walking activities, from short to medium-length treks. The 8.5km Ormiston Pound loop walk is a popular one with visitors to the area. Ormiston Pound acts as a natural amphitheatre formed by the surrounding hills and ridges.
More information about Ormiston Gorge visitation can be found here.
The Larapinta Trail
One of Australia’s most iconic long-distance walking tracks, the Larapinta Trail runs for 223km from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder along the backbone of the West Macs. The trail takes hikers into the depths of the Red Centre along ridges, across plains and through gorges that are geologically and historically significant and is best completed in winter to avoid the scorching temperatures of summer and spring.
Credit: Tourism NT/Allan Dixon
Head to the official Larapinta Trail website to learn more about this epic walk.
With so many sites to explore, it’s no wonder that the West MacDonnell Ranges are so popular with both 4WD enthusiasts and families looking for spectacular sites, solitude and some fresh NT air.
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