Macdonnell Ranges – Australian Tourist Publications

MacDonnell Ranges

EAST & WEST

MacDonnell Ranges

The MacDonnell Ranges stretch over 640 kilometres running east-west through Alice Springs, lighting up each sunrise and sunset in a display of fiery reds, sunburnt oranges and deep purples. Estimated to be at least 340 million years old, they were formed when two tectonic plates collided. Wind, water, and time have exposed the skeleton of what was once a giant mountain range. The Traditional Owners of Alice Springs, the Arrernte people, are spiritually connected to the ranges through a network of ancient creation stories.

The Yeperenye creation stories tells the story of ancestral spirits in the form of a giant caterpillars that emerged from the East MacDonnell Ranges and created the landscape of the ranges.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

ULURU & KATA TJUTA

INDIGENOUS CULTURE & THE ARTS

Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges)

This iconic National Park, soon to be World Heritage listed, stretches westward from Alice Springs and is a must-see for any nature lover who visits Central Australia. Visitors to Toritja (other than Northern Territory residents) must obtain an NT Parks Pass online before entering the Park. The 'West Macs' are home to the tallest mountains in the Northern Territory and several spectacular permanent and semi-permanent waterholes, which nestle in the gaps and gorges of the park. Setting out from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive are some of the most stunning natural wonders in Australia, each with its unique beauty, the first of which is Simpsons Gap, only 25 kilometres from Alice Springs. A natural gap in the range, it is famous for its colony of gorgeous Black-footed Rock wallabies. It also has a visitor information shelter at the beginning of a short easy walk to a beautiful waterhole (sorry, no swimming). Simpsons Gap is also a favourite picnic spot for locals. Cyclists can travel along an easy, sealed walking and bike track through the countryside from Flynnís Grave on the outskirts of Alice Springs to the gap.

Fifty kilometres from Alice Springs, Standley Chasm has been gouged through the ranges by flood waters that, over untold millions of years, have surged down a narrow tributary of the Finke River System. The result is a deep red cleft crowded on either side by sheer slopes that rise 80 metres above the floor. Aboriginal owned and operated, and an entry fee is required. The largest permanent waterhole in Central Australia, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a beautiful swimming hole about 90 kilometres from Alice Springs, via Namatjira Drive.

Simpsons Gap

Standley Chasm

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ormiston Gorge is often the favourite spot of visitors to the West Macs. The magnificent red walls of the gorge, tower above the oasis of Ormiston Creek and its beautiful permanent water hole. The gorge provides a refuge for rare and endangered animals, and an amazing variety of native plants, including relict species from the Centreís tropical past. Located 135 kilometres from Alice Springs, via sealed roads, Ormiston provides superb opportunities for swimming, bird watching, photography, camping and bush walking. Walkers can stroll down a sealed path for a dip in the cool waters, stride up to the Ghost Gum Lookout, or hike the incredibly spectacular Ghost Gum Walk (one hour) or the Pound Walk (3-4 hours).

Redbank Gorge is at the western fringe of the park and is most well-known for its hike up Mt Sonder and swimming in Redbank waterhole. The 5 kilometres access road from Namatjira Drive is unsealed and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The Mt Sonder walk (8kms/5-6 hours return) is one of the most rewarding in Central Australia and the views from the summit, particularly at sunrise, are literally breathtaking.

The Larapinta Trail winds its way for the entire length of the Park. Ranked as one of the planetís top 20 treks, the famous Larapinta Trail follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges for 223 kilometres from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mt Sonder. One of Australia's most unique and spectacular attractions, the trail can be completed in sections, end-to-end, or as a day walk. Pre-planning is essential and walkers must be well prepared. Fees apply to walk and camp on the trail with information at nt.gov.au/parks.

Ormiston Gorge

Redbank Gorge

Larapinta Trail

Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. In the 1980s women began painting in Haasts Bluff in the aged care facility. They had been instructed by their husbands and fathers, and they had often assisted them in completing their paintings. By the early 1990s these women artists decided to pursue setting up their own art centre. Ikuntji Artists was first established in 1992, after a series of workshops, and under the influence of the then community president, the late Esther Jugadai. The art centre was initially set up to fulfil the role of womenís centre providing services such as catering for old people and children in the community. After their first experiences made in printing T-shirts, the artists began producing acrylic paintings on linen and handmade paper, which quickly gained the attention of the Australian and international art world as well as earning the centre an impressive reputation for fine art. The focus changed from a womenís centre to an art centre in 2005 with the incorporation of the art centre as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation. Today Ikuntji Artists are represented in many national and international galleries and institutions. Their art is famous for bold colour choice, decisive brush strokes and a long legacy of internationally renowned artists.

Ntaria/ Hermannsburg, Wurtai (Welcome) to West Arrernte country. Experience a truly remarkable part of Central Australiaís history. Wander around the old Lutheran Mission and get a glimpse of life as it was for the early pioneers and their families. Learn about how the European settlers and local Arrernte people built a thriving community, despite many difficulties and setbacks. Come and share their stories, art and culture, and make sure to try some some of their famous apple strudel or scones with jam and cream.

Hermannsburg Historic Precinct offers many historical treasures. Browse the Kata-Anga Tearooms, formerly the home of Carl Strehlow, view the art gallery, with Albert Namatjira artworks and paintings from the Hermannsburg School of Watercolour Artists, and get a taste of what life was like on the Hermannsburg mission and its rich history.

Ikuntji Artists

Ntaria/Hermannsburg

Hermannsburg Historic Precinct

Cool of in the many waterholes of the MacDonnell Ranges.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Summer, Life is a Beach

The 223km trail, divided into 12 sections, passes through iconic spots like Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge, offering challenging terrain, rugged views, and an unforgettable walking experience.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

The Larapinta Trail

East MacDonnell Ranges

Rich in history and rugged natural beauty, the 'East Macs' is the lesser-known cousin to the West MacDonnell Ranges but has so much to offer those who want to get off the beaten track. Discover a ghost town from the 1800s, secluded waterholes as beautiful as any in Australia and some of the most accessible Aboriginal rock carvings in the country.

Yeperenye/ Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, only 10 kilometres from Alice Springs, is a superb showcase of the regionís rugged beauty and cultural heritage. These two amazing gaps in the ranges boast dramatic red sandstone cliffs and ancient rock art. The sacred rock paintings, depicting the Caterpillar creation story, is central to the cultural beliefs of the Arrernte people. Visitors can enjoy short, easy walks through the gaps, marvelling at ancient geology and diverse wildlife. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich Indigenous significance, Emily and Jessie Gaps offer a wonderful connection to the spirit of Central Australia.

Trephina Gorge Nature Park, a beautiful valley oasis 85 kilomteres from Alice Springs, is probably the most popular destination in the East Macs. It can be accessed by 2WD vehicles (weather permitting). It has fantastic walks and swimming is permitted at the glorious John Hayes Rockhole (4WD only). Overnight camping, including caravans, is permitted at three sites.

N’Dhala Gorge is reached by an unsealed road that winds through riverine woodlands. The gorge hosts one of the largest sites of Aboriginal rock carvings open for public viewing. Overnight bush camping is allowed. No water is available.

Yepernye/Emily Gap and Jessie Gaps Nature Park

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

N'Dhala Gorge

The Arltunga Historical Reserve protects the site of the first gold rush in Central Australia. Relive the gold rush years as you walk through the ghost town and its wonderfully preserved stone government buildings, abandoned mines and equipment, police station, minerís camps and homes. An unmanned Visitor Centre provides an excellent, detailed understanding of this bygone era. Access to Arltunga is via an unsealed road.

A great overnight stop nearby is Arltunga Bush Pub & Eco Retreat, located in some of Australiaís most secluded bushland. The recently refurbished campground facilities invite travellers to stay, explore and unwind with bush camping under a trillion stars. Itís also a great base from which to explore the old gold mining settlement, take off on a self-drive adventure, and experience the unique flora and fauna of nearby outstanding natural wonders. Hosts Brad and Belinda are looking forward to welcoming guests after renovating the old pub, which will reopen in January 2025.

Nearby is the stunning Ruby Gap Nature Park, home to the best swimming in the East Macs, Glen Annie Gorge. This very remote park is 150 kilometres from Alice Springs. Ruby Gap is a popular place for camping, bushwalking and swimming, for those who like to escape the crowds. Much of the rugged terrain into the park is only suitable for accomplished four-wheel drivers.

Arltunga Historical Nature Reserve

Arltunga Bush Pub & Eco Retreat

Ruby Gap Nature Park

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Bush Camping

East MacDonnell Ranges

Bush Camping

Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat.

Arltunga Bush Pub and Eco Retreat is located in some of Australia’s most secluded bushland, Arltunga campground is your gateway to a range of local experiences.

Explore the heritage sites and natural scenic wonders including Ruby Gorge. Relax in there two pools and enjoy their hearty meals. Deluxe campings tents and miners huts also available.

visit arltunga.com.au

Australian Tourist Publications acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands represented in this website and pay their respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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