Summary

Home to two world National Heritage-listed parks; Kakadu and Uluru.

World Heritage Areas

• Kakadu National Park
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Contact details

Northern Territory Parks and Reserves:
https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves

Northern Territory Tourism:
https://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/national-parks

Walks in West MacDonnell National Park

Easy

1.4 km return

30 mins

Ochre Pits

A colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. Ochre has always been an important part of Aboriginal culture and a vital part of everyday life. For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve congestion when mixed with eucalyptus leaves. White ochre was used as a magical charm, when mixed with water and blown from the mouth it is believed to abate the heat of the sun or the force of the wind. Weapons were painted with ochre to increase the success of hunting. It also protected the wooden weapons from termites.

Medium

7 km return

3 hrs

Ormiston Gorge and Pound

This walk is not as tough as is made out. It's basically a big loop through the desert leading into the back of Ormiston Gorge. Obviously the time of year makes a difference as summer would be very hot. The majority of people on the track appeared to have guides but it's a very good walk to do solo (if you can find five minutes without fellow walkers!). The views of the MacDonnells are spectacular and the entry into the back of the gorge a delight. I felt much more a part of it than standing on the viewing platform. If you want a walk within 150 km of Alice, this is a good one!

Medium

2 km return

90 mins

Redbank Gorge

A grade 3 - moderate 2 km, 1.5 hour return walk from the carpark alongside the creekbed will lead visitors to Redbank Gorge. The walk is unmarked but starts on a well defined track before dropping into the sandy creek bed. On a warm day walking in the sand is tiring and visitors should take and drink plenty of water. The track is rocky at times and care should betaken when walking.

Section 12 of the Larapinta Trail starts and finishes at the Redbank Gorge Carpark. Walkers can choose to enjoy the views at the Mt Sonder Lookout and return (5 km, 2.5 hours, includes steep sections of stone steps). Walkers also have the option to start or finish Section 11 of the Trail from this point. Both of these Sections are graded 3/4 - moderate to difficult and should only be attempted by fit people with previous bushwalking experience.

Medium

2.8 km return

1 hr

Serpentine Gorge Lookout

Serpentine Gorge is a sacred site to Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who call it Ulpma.
The Dreaming Story of the Carpet Snake and this place is associated with an Eaglehawk ancestor, the full story of which can only be told to initiated Aboriginal men.

Easy

2.3 km return

45 mins

Serpentine Gorge Waterhole

Serpentine Gorge is a sacred site to Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who call it Ulpma.
The Dreaming Story of the Carpet Snake and this place is associated with an Eaglehawk ancestor, the full story of which can only be told to initiated Aboriginal men.

Easy

1 km return

30 mins

Simpsons Gap

A number of scenic gaps pierce the West MacDonnell Ranges, one of which is Simpsons Gap; site of one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. The area is an important spiritual site to the Aranda Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. At dawn or dusk Simpsons Gap is renowned as a place to see Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the gap's short walking track. Good examples of many of the vegetation communities of the MacDonnell Ranges are found in the Simpsons Gap area, including large stands of Mulga, and the area around the gap is a major stronghold for some of the rare and relic plants of the region.

Easy

1.2 km return

45 mins

Standley Chasm

Although the track is rough in parts, most active visitors will find the 20 minute one-way walk to be quite easy. However, the conditions require that sensible walking shoes be worn.