MacDonnell Ranges National Park is Alice Springs backyard, a window into the beauty of the Australian outback. Take time and explore the outback from the comfort of your Alice Springs hotel.
EXPLORING THE ‘MACS’ MACDONNELL RANGES NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alice Springs backdrop is the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges.
- Rockpools, swim in waterholes
- Picture postcard scenery, the classic Aussie outback colour palate of ochre, gold, burnt orange and faded green Mulga shrubs
- Walks through through chasms and gorges
- Rock wallabies, birds of prey soaring overhead
- Vegetation semi-arid sun loving Mulga (Acacia aneura), the dominant plant of Australia’s interior. A shrub or small tree in appearance, with tiny yellow flowers in clumps creating the appearance of spikes
Mulga trees were an important food source for witchetty grubs found in the roots of the tree. The hard wood of the mulga is used to make boomerangs and digging sticks.
MACDONNELL RANGES – KEY VISITOR DESTINATIONS
Waterholes
| Ellery Creek Big Hole | 80 km from Alice Springs, last 3 km unsealed |
| Ormiston Gorge Waterhole | 135 km west of Alice Spring on sealed roads |
| Simpsons Gap Waterhole | 20 minutes drive from Alice Springs |
Aboriginal Significant Sacred Locations
Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) originated. At Emily Gap you can see a large rock painting depicting the caterpillar dreaming.
For places of significance to the Aboriginal people the easiest way to view over 5,000 ancient carvings and rock art is on a guided tour.
WANDER THROUGH AN ABANDONED GOLD RUSH TOWN, NOW THE ARLTUNGA HISTORICAL RESERVE
Arltunga Historical Reserve is located 110 km east of Alice Springs in the East MacDonnell Ranges, the historic town of Arltunga was officially Central Australia’s first town and once supported up to 3,000 people.
Arltunga was born out of a gold rush in 1887.
NOTE: Access is via 33 km gravel, unsealed road
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE MACDONNELL RANGES, NORTHERN TERRITORY?
For visitors unfamiliar with self driving in outback conditions the best way to explore the MacDonnell Ranges National Park is on a guided tour.
Visitors can explore the park on a:
Active hikers can consider trekking one or more of the 12 sections of the Larapinta Trail.
DOES MACDONNELL RANGES NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN TERRITORY HAVE PUBLIC TOILETS & PICNIC AREAS?
MacDonnell Ranges National Park has several public toilets, ranger station, information signage and parking for self-contained caravans. There are NO RUBBISH BINS, carry in and carry out rubbish. Check the NT MacDonnell National Park website for specific information regarding the location you plan to visit. Check road conditions before you go.
Roads can become impassable for a short period after heavy rain. This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
West MacDonnell Ranges Trips & Tours – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
LARAPINTA TRAIL
Larapinta Trail is a long distance hiking trail divided into 12 sections. This long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections. Each section takes 1 or 2 days to complete.
Simpsons Gap forms part of sections 1 and 2. Camping is allowed at the Simpsons Gap camping area for Larapinta Trail walkers only.
TJORITJA / WEST MACDONNELL NATIONAL PARK LOCATION
Book and pay online for your NT Parks Pass and camping site
You must book and pay online for designated campsites and some multi-day walking trails. Do this before you go.You can’t pay at the park as wifi is intermittent or not available.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
- Ellery Creek Big Hole - Factsheet NT parks service brochure
- Ormiston Gorge - Factsheet NT parks service brochure
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE