West MacDonnell National Park
The West MacDonnell National Park encloses a vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges, located west of Alice Springs. This panoramic landscape is an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time. Each of the West MacDonnell’s chasms and gorges has its own unique character and scenery. Make use of the sealed bike path between John Flynn's Grave and Simpsons Gap or spot the Black-footed Rock Wallabies that live in the Gap's rocky ridges. Take a refreshing dip in the waterholes of Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge or Redbank Gorge. Or visit the Ochre Pits and gain insight into the ancient culture of the local Aboriginal people, who for thousands of years have used the area as a quarry for ochre, a traditional material for paint and ceremonial body decorations.
Continuing west, you'll travel on a road winding to the south and come to Tylers Pass, a place to stop for spectacular views of Tnorala / Gosse Bluff Conservation Reserve, a 5 kilometre crater created by a comet 142.5 million years ago. Next, visit historic Hermannsburg, the birthplace of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. An exciting four-wheel-drive track leads out of Hermannsburg to the Finke River, thought to be one of the world's oldest watercourses. The Finke Gorge National Park is best known for Palm Valley, where groves of unique and beautiful Red Cabbage Palms, that are botanic remnants from millions of years ago, adorn a hidden oasis.
One of the best ways to see the West MacDonnell Ranges is by foot. Bushwalking takes you where no roads can go and provides views that few travellers see. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell National Park is the showpiece of Central Australian bushwalking. Because the West MacDonnell Ranges are so close to Alice Springs, you can take in the major sites in an enjoyable day trip, or spend longer if you can as there is much to explore. Whether you plan to hike through the bush, or drive from place to place, take the time to discover the unique and ancient beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
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