Finke Gorge National Park is located in the Northern territory, closest to the city of Alice Springs and covering an area of 458 kilometers squared. It is home to Palm Valley, a scenic desert oasis located in the park. It runs through the valley of Krichauff Range, 123 km southwest of Alice Springs. This area is the only area in Central Australia where Red Cabbage Palms can survive, an impressive sight to see. These palms are remnants of prehistoric times, when the climate could support a tropical rainforest. Over 3,000 adult palms are in the area, all sensitive to visitor impact. Unique flora forms in the region with minimal average rainfall in Palm Valley, but aquatic life also flourish during the significant rainfall season. Besides Palm Valley, there is also the Finke River dissecting the park. This river is considered to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. Nearby areas hold cultural significance to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people, and walkers will be introduced to some of the Western Aranda Aboriginal culture mythology along walks. Evidence of European settlement in Central Australia can also be seen in the area. Multiple walks and camping are offered, along with the Finke River 4WD route. Has this historical area garnered interest in you?

How to get to FINKE GORGE NATIONAL PARK

he Park lies 138 km (about 2 hrs) west of Alice Springs. Turn south off Larapinta Drive just west of Hermannsburg. Access along the last 16 km of track is limited to high clearance 4WD (four wheel drive) vehicles only. Part of this last 16 km follows the sandy bed of the Finke River. Heavy rains may cause this section of the track to be impassable. The track from the picnic area to Palm Valley is not suitable for trailers or caravans. Check current road conditions on 1800 246 199 or contact the Parks and Wildlife Regional Office. Commercial tour operators regularly visit the Park from Alice Springs. For more details contact Tourism Central Australia.

Park maps with marked points of interest and destinations

For more information, check out Here

What you can do at Finke Gorge

• Visit Palm Valley!
  
  • View the rare cabbage palms & thousands of other plants
• Enjoy short walks
• Camping/bush camping
• Wildlife spotting
• Picnicking
• Drive along Finke River 4WD Route! RECOMMEND
  
  • Provides route between Fike Gorge and Watarrka National Parks
  • Not suitable for trailers
  • Mostly sand driving
  • More information about 4WD at Finke Gorge, check out Here
• Ranger-guided Activities
  
  • For more information, please call 08 8951 8250

Camping Information

• A campground with toilets, showers, and gas barbecues is provided at Boggy Hole
  • Basic supplies are available near Hermannsburg
• Bush camping is available on marked areas on the map. No facilities will be provided
  • No Bush camping is permitted in the Finke River between Hermannsburg and Palm Valley

Camping etiquette

• Collect firewood before entering the park
• Camping is only permitted in designated areas
• Collect your trash with you, bins are not provided
• Do not light fires outside of the communal fire pits

Variety of trails & difficulty, length, etc.

• Kalarranga Walk:
  • 2.5 km, 45 minutes return
  • is a moderate, family-friendly walk which ends at a lookout with amazing views
• Mpaara Walk:
  • 4 km, 2 hour return
  • begins at Kalarranga carpark and introduces some of the mythology of Western Aranda Aboriginal culture. Walkers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the ampitheatre.
• Walks in Palm Valley: the Arankaia Walk (2 km, 1 hour) and the longer Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hrs return) meander alongside a lush oasis of slender palms and return to the carpark across the plateau

Brief info on traveling with family & pets

• Take special care care with children around to keep on designated paths
• The Kalarranga Walk is a family-friendly walk that offers stunning views
• Pets are not permitted in the park

What to pack for this park’s visit?

• Plenty of water
• Shady hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Suitable clothing/footwear
• Enough fuel if going on 4WD road
• Adequate vehicle recovery equipment

Day trip information (How long will hikes take? Where to park?)

• Hikes within the park are relatively short and can be done within the day
• Parking is available at the campground
• One can choose to drive along the Finke River 4DW Route to
• Watarrka National Park with an experienced driver

Safety advice

• Avoid Strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• Consider health and fitness when choosing a walk
• Keep to designated roads and tracks
• Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite phone. Tell a reliable
• person of your trip plans before leaving
• Park may not be accessible when Finke River floods, most
• pleasant time to visit are months April to September
• On Finke River 4WD Route:
• In the case of an emergency, police and medical facilities are available at Hermannsburg. There is also a district nurse available at Kings Canyon
• Check spare tires before embarking
• Roads may flood, please check current road conditions by calling at 1800 246 199

Some commonly spotted animal species in the park include:

• Sand Goanna
  
  • The Sand Goanna is one of the more widespread goannas of Australia. Their colors can vary, from light yellow to black with dark dense speckling and pale dots. Don’t step on their tails though! Goannas don’t grow their limbs back.
• Clam Shrimp
  
  • The clam shrimp are little crustaceans often found in bodies of water in arid deserts of Australia. They have two valves of shell, held together by a strong closing muscle. Their eggs can take up to 7 years to hatch!
• Pied Butcherbird
  
  • The Pied Butcherbird is a black and white songbird that can grow up to 32 cm. They have a long hooked bill and a black hood. They are calm and inquisitive, but also territorial.
• Yellow-faced Whip Snake
  
  • The yellow-faced whip snake is a venomous snake endemic to Australia. They have large eyes and a whip-like tail, averaging 80 cm in length. Alert and agile, they are able to constrict their prey and poison them with cenom. However, the venom is not dangerous to human adults.

• Visitors can post a threat to the survival of palms. Please keep to designated trails and avoid walking on soil beds.
• All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
• Firewood collection is not permitted in the park
• Fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
• Generators are not permitted
• A permit is required for Drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the Park
• Track from the picnic area to Palm Valley is not suitable for trailers or caravans
• Camping fees can be paid onsite, cash only. Change cannot be provided.
• Keep to designated roads and tracks.
• Bins are not provided, please take your rubbish with you.
• Pets are not permitted.