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Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge and Pound feature some of the most spectacular scenery in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The gorge has a near permanent waterhole, estimated to be up to 14 metres deep. The area is home to some interesting fauna and flora including a number of relic plant species from its tropical past. A great way to take in the scenery of the Gorge is to follow one of the many marked walking tracks.
Glen Helen
Glen Helen Gorge was formed from quartzite and is one of the most beautiful attractions along the Mereenie Loop Road. The region was one of the first pastoral leases in Central Australia and the rubble of an original homestead can be seen on the bank of Ormiston Creek.
Palm Valley
Palm Valley is located in the Finke Gorge National Park and is accessible by 4×4 only. It is home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area. The Park is well known for the Red Cabbage Palm with a population of around 3,000 adult plants.
Finke Gorge NP
Set within the James and Krichauff Ranges, Finke Gorge National Park covers an area of around 114, 000 acres spreading out from the Finke River. Many geologists believe the Finke to be one of the oldest river courses in the world. Access to the park is via Hermannsburg and by 4×4 only.
Gosse Bluff
Millions of years ago, a huge comet crashed into the earth, leaving a 20km diameter crater. Years of erosion around the ancient crater have left a 5km wide rim, which rises from the flat desert landscape. A 4×4 track to the inside of the crater leads to a small picnic area.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
High red cliffs, a large waterhole and a sandy creek make this one of the most popular picnicking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Hole is recognised as an internationally significant geological site and a swim here is a refreshing break after the three-kilometre Dolomite walk.
Hermannsburg
Once home to water colour artist, Albert Namatjira, this historical precinct was the first established town in Central Australia and the Arrentre traditions of the area were not lost even during the time of the Lutheran missionaries. The parallel existence of the two beliefs can be witnessed in the architecture of the buildings and artefacts found around the town.
Trephina Gorge
Situated in the East MacDonnell Ranges, Trephina Gorge is best known for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined creeks and rivers. It is also a good place to spot the uncommon black flanked rock wallaby. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and John Hayes Rockhole where swimming is possible.
The East and West MacDonnell Ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometres on both sides of Alice Springs.
The traditional owners of the Alice Springs area, the Arrernte people, believe giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye became the Ranges - they entered this world through one of the dramatic gaps in the escarpments of the area.
The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessed from Alice Springs. Each of the West MacDonnell's chasms and gorges has its own unique character and scenery. Simpsons Gap sports a permanent pool and rock wallabies live in the gap's rocky ridges. Standley Chasm lights up in fiery colours reflected by the overhead sun at midday.
Picturesque swimming holes such as Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge offer refreshing relief on a scorching day. It is also possible to visit the Ochre Pits that desert Aboriginal people once used as a quarry for ochre pigments.
The East MacDonnell Ranges, while not as well known as the West MacDonnells, do provide beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving. Visit Arltunga, a ghost town that was the site of a gold rush in the 1930's. Other places of spectacular natural beauty like Trephina Gorge, make a trip to the East MacDonnells more than worthwhile.
