Did you know that right in the heart of the Northern Territory lies one of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes — a region carved by time, alive with colour, and steeped in culture? The West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) stretch majestically across Central Australia, offering a true escape into nature’s masterpiece. From dramatic red rock gorges and peaceful waterholes to ancient trails and hidden lookouts, this region invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the land.
Whether you’re chasing family adventures, planning a camping getaway, or simply wanting to experience the outback’s raw beauty, the West Macs have something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through our 4-day West MacDonnell Ranges family itinerary, showcasing the must-see sights, natural wonders, and unforgettable moments that make this part of the Northern Territory truly one of a kind.
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We are a travelling family with three kids, and together, we decided we wanted to get off the highway and give the kids a back-to-nature experience.
We started Day 1 by ensuring we had our permits and enough food and water for the next few days. As we left Kings Canyon and headed out to drive the 150km of dirt on the Mereenie Road, we got our first taste of the ranges and were not disappointed. The road conditions were reasonable, and by taking precautions and driving to the conditions, we had no problems at all.
About the West MacDonnell Ranges
Stretching for over 160 kilometres west of Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) are one of Central Australia’s most remarkable natural landscapes. This ancient mountain range is a playground of deep red gorges, crystal-clear waterholes, and dramatic desert scenery — all shaped over millions of years. It’s also a region rich in culture, with deep significance to the Arrernte people, the Traditional Owners who have cared for this land for countless generations.
Visitors can expect a mix of breathtaking geological features, native wildlife, and family-friendly walks that make exploring easy and rewarding. From sunrise colours lighting up the cliffs to cool swims in hidden creeks, the West Macs showcase the very best of the Northern Territory’s outback beauty.
Learn more about the West Macs in our complete guide.
What to Know Before You Go
Before heading out to explore, it’s worth planning ahead so you can make the most of your time in this vast region. The West MacDonnell National Park is easily accessible from Alice Springs, with sealed roads reaching many of the major sites.
A 2WD vehicle will get you to most attractions, though a 4WD opens up more remote stops and campgrounds.
Facilities such as picnic areas, toilets, and campgrounds are scattered throughout the park, but services are limited once you leave Alice Springs — so stock up on food, fuel, and water before you go. The best time to visit is during the dry season between April and October, when temperatures are cooler and conditions are perfect for hiking and swimming.
Always bring sun protection, a hat, and plenty of drinking water, and check for any park alerts or closures before your trip.
4-Day West Macs Family Itinerary
Day 1: Redbank Gorge
Our first stop was the Woodlands Campground at Redbank Gorge. This is a quiet campground with clean toilets and BBQs ready for use.
If you arrive early enough in the day, we recommend heading up to Redbank Gorge and making the 20-minute walk out to the water hole. This is an easy walk through the dry creek bed with some rocks to navigate over as you reach the end. The water is perfect for swimming, and this makes a great spot to create an adventure.
Follow the gorge and explore all the way through until you find the small beach toward the end. We spent about 2.5 hours here before returning to camp to enjoy dinner around the fire while watching the sunset.
Day 2: Ormiston Gorge
On day two, we headed towards our next campground at Ellery Creek Big Hole, but only after making some stops to enjoy the day. We arrived at Ormiston Gorge and ate lunch before visiting the kiosk to treat ourselves to well-deserved ice cream.
It was time to grab the towels and pool noodles and head for the swimming hole. This was by far one of our favourite spots. The kids loved the large beach area to play, and the water was so clear we could see the bottom; they even found a few rocks to jump off.
This is the type of place you could easily sit all day, surrounded by stunning red cliffs, green trees and beautiful clear waters. There is much to do here, with hikes and camping also available on-site.
As 3 pm rolled around, we made the call to continue on our camp for the evening. A short drive to Ellery Creek, we were all set up and able to walk down to the big hole to enjoy watching the sunset over the water as we listened to the birds.
This was the perfect campsite, with excellent facilities, including clean flushing toilets, BBQs, and communal fire pits where you could meet your neighbours and share stories. It was here that the kids played with new friends from Denmark, and we chatted with fellow travellers from across Australia.
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Day 3: Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole
We were excited to head out for a day trip to Standley Chasm on day three. The wonderful staff at the café were great to chat with and were happy to share their knowledge of the area.
We purchased our tickets and completed the easy 15-minute walk out to the Chasm. What a sight to be seen! It is a place you need to stand in and experience the beauty of how these rock formations surround you. That afternoon was spent exploring the Ellery Creek Big Hole back at camp. We swam to the other side and explored the surrounding area before spending our last afternoon having a picnic afternoon tea and playing with the kids.
It was here that the kids were able to spend three days without reception. They were never bored, as they got to explore, climb, swim, and hike through some of the most stunning places we have ever been.
Day four saw the end of our West MacDonnell Ranges adventure. As we headed towards Alice Springs, we stared out the window, admiring the world around us. We all commented that our favourite memories were the past few days.
We have undoubtedly yet to see it all but instead have gotten an incredible taste of what the ranges can offer. It is a place to unplug, be with family and friends, make new friends, and experience nature how it is meant to be seen. We will be back.
Family Travel Tips for the West Macs
The West Macs are perfect for families looking to balance adventure with relaxation. Most key attractions are only a short drive apart, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Kids will love the natural swimming holes like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge, while short walks such as the ones at Standley Chasm or Simpsons Gap offer just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming.
Pack plenty of snacks, a picnic rug, and swimming gear for spontaneous stops. Early starts are best to beat the midday heat, and having a flexible plan means you can adjust if little ones need a rest. Encourage children to spot rock wallabies or learn about the area’s Aboriginal stories — it’s a great way to connect them with the land and its culture.
Remember to pack your sense of adventure, respect for nature, and an open mind as you set out to discover the West MacDonnell Ranges. Leave only footprints behind as you traverse the trails and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the National Park! We would love your feedback – we encourage you to share your experiences, questions, and suggestions in the comments below.
You can always get more inspiration for other National Parks to visit by following @northerhq or get your West MacDonnell National Park daily fix @westmacdonnellnationalpark.
*Cover image is by @travelling_with_five on IG.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
