West Macdonnell National Park is one filled with history and excitement. It sits on land known as Tjoritja by the Traditional Owners, and the area is integral to the local Aranda Aboriginal culture. The land features gorges that offer home for a variety of plants and animals, some remainders of a bygone era of tropical forests, relics unique to the area. There are also trails for casual and avid walkers, including our most famous Larapinta Trail. This trail runs through the heart of Central Australia and extends over 230 kilometers. It is divided into 12 sections with each taking a day or two. Make sure to check out the Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Mount Sonder along the way! You will be amazed by its beauty, especially with the Ellery Creek Big Hole! It is a spectacular waterhole in the Ellery Creek that cuts through gorges in the West Macdonnell Ranges, perfect for walking, swimming. and picnicking. Visitors can also view the Redbank Gorge, a perfect gorge for viewing threatened plants and animals. It also offers a refreshing stop with cold waters to float in and waterholes perfect for swimming. Take note of the wildlife too: there are numerous species of anything from birds to reptiles. Are you taken by our scenic sights yet? Come and explore more!

How to get to West Macs National Park

From Alice Springs, vehicle access to the Park is via Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive. From Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) the unsealed Red Centre Way (4WD recommended) connects to Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Simpsons Gap is also accessible via a 17 km sealed bicycle track that starts opposite Flynn’s Grave, 7 km from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive.

Ellery Creek Big Hole: it is located 80 km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. Access is by conventional vehicle, however the last 2 km is unsealed. All roads can be impassable for a short period after heavy rain.

Redbank Gorge: it is located 156 km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives, both sealed roads. The 5 km access road from the Redbank Gorge turnoff to Redbank Gorge is unsealed and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. All roads can be impassable for a short period after heavy rain.

Park maps with marked points of interest and destinations

Check out more details about West Macdonnells Map, visit https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/200051/tjoritja-west-macs-fact-sheet-and-map.pdf

What you can do at West Macs

You can do all of the following activities in the park: bushwalking; wildlife spotting; camping; scenic lookout; cycling; birdwatching. Besides, we would recommend you explore the following activities as well, click and check it out!

• Larapinta Trail
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: Camping facilities available, swimming waters available, walking trails offered at section 6 and 7 of Larapinta trail.
• Redbank Gorge: camping available at Woodland Camping Area and the Ridgetop Camping Area, trails available at section 12 of Larapinta Trail, views available at Mt Sonder Lookout.

Camping Information

Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. Camping fees apply and are payable on-site. The camping areas and facilities are listed below:

• Ormiston Gorge: provides camping facilities including showers and flush toilets
• Commercial facilities available at Glen Helen Lodge, including caravan sites and motel accommodation
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: camping available for tents, trailers and caravans. Gas barbecues and toilets are provided.
• Redbank Gorge camping sites:
  
  • Woodland Camping Area
  • Ridgetop Camping Area
  • Both provide toilets, firepits, and picnic tables
• Larapinta Trail Intermediate Campsites
  
  • Wallaby Gap
  • Mulga Camp
  • Millers Flat
  • Brinkley Bluff Summit
  • Stuarts Pass
  • Birthday Waterhole
  • Fringe Lily Creek
  • Ghost Gum Flat
  • Rocky Gully
  • Serpentine Chalet Bush Camp
  • Waterfall Gorge
  • Glen Helen
  • Hilltop Lookout
  • Rocky Bar Gap
  • Ridgetop Camping Area
  • Woodland Camping Area

Camping etiquette

• Fires are only permitted in fireplaces
• Collect firewood before entering the park
• Some camping areas will not provide bins – take trash with you!
• Bring your own water supplies, treat before drinking
• Pets are not permitted in the park

Variety of trails & difficulty, length, etc.

Larapinta Trail Sections

• Section 1: Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 3: Jay Creek to Standley Chasm (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 4: Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole (5-difficult)
• Section 5: Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge (5-difficult)
• Section 6: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek North (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 7: Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 9: Serpentine Chalet Dam to Ormiston Gorge (5-difficult)
• Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River (3-moderate)
• Section 11: Finke River to Redbank Gorge (4-moderate to difficult)
• Section 12: Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return (4-moderate to difficult)

Brief info on traveling with family & pets

• Pets are NOT permitted in the park!
• Most trails are quite long. Make sure to choose lower grade trails, travel
• Take special care with children around water: it may get cold and slippery!

What to pack for this park’s visit?

• satellite phone/personal locator beacon
• loose-fitting cotton clothing
• sunscreen
• broad brim hat
• treated water
• Insect repellent
• Proper footwear

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

• One Day Walks: Section One, Ellery Creek South to Serpentine Gorge, Section 8, section 10, Section 12
• Two Day Walks: Standley Chasm to Tangentyere Junction return
• Two to Three Day Walks: Ellery Creek South to Serpentine Chalet Dam or the Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Loop Walk starting from either Ellery Creek South or Serpentine Gorge
• Two to Four Day Walks: Section 10 and 11
• Four to Five Day Walks: Standley Chasm to Alice Springs
• Five to Six Day Walks: Section 7 to 10
• Six to Seven Day Walks: Redbank Gorge to Ormiston Gorge or the Ochre Pits
• Larapinta Trail end to end: allow around 20 days

For more information, please visit https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/plan-your-visit/bushwalking-hiking/larapinta-trail/suggested-itineraries

Safety advice

• Consider your level of fitness before embarking on trails
• Tell your family or friends before heading off
• Do not walk alone, walk with at least 2 or 3 people
• Do not walk when it’s hot, take breaks in the shade
• Write in all logbooks
• Only swim in areas permitted for swimming
• Prepare for freezing temperatures in the winter and cold deep waterholes
• Plan out walks, including rest days and consider difficulty breaks
• Prepare extra food and water
• Prepare whistle to attract attention
• Phone 00 in an emergency or phone the Alice Springs Police at 131 444
• Find open, bare area in the case of bushfire, replace synthetic clothing

Some common animals that can be spotted at West Macs include:

Dingo: Tingo is an ancient lineage of dogs, possessing a lean hardy body coming in three different coat colors. They can be seen drinking water from Ellery. Do NOT feed them! They will become a risk to visitors and will have to be removed

Spencer’s Burrowing Frog: You might run into these during a downpour on Larapinta, as they burrow under the grounds and hibernate while dry. They are also incredibly loud, so listen for them!

Perentie: This is a lizard that grows up to 2.5 meters, holding its place as Australia’s largest lizard. They have a forked tongue like a snake, and eat anything it can get its hands on.

Desert Rainbow Fish: They are found in semi-permanent waterholes or creeks, such as the Birthday Waterhold or Ellery Creek. These colorful fish attract a majority of the waterbirds into the area. Males are purple or bluish green, while females are sparkling silvery color with clear fins.

• Fires prohibited at Serpentine Gorge
  • Fires are permitted in communal fire pits only. Collect firewood before entering the park.
• Keep to designated roads and tracks
• All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
• Generators are not permitted
• Bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
• Pets are not permitted
• A permit is required for Drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the Park.
• Camping fees are payable on-site in cash only. Only camp in designated areas.
• Swing ropes are not permitted
• Observe park safety signs
• Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
• Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• Think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk
• Swim only where recommended