The ultimate guide to exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges

By Leah McLennan
hero media
The immense Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park boasts some of Central Australia’s most spectacular scenery.

Stretching for 160 kilometres west from Alice Springs, its concentration of pristine waterholes, cliffs of colourful ochre and biodiversity is hard to match. Best explored on foot, it’s home to the epic 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s most challenging multi-day walks. But you don’t have to commit to the entire length of this iconic line to experience the valleys, plains, and canyons of the West Macs. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges.

How to get to West MacDonnell National Park

The West Macs begin just outside Alice Springs, with the major attractions ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours’ drive away. Jump on an organised tour or hire your own car to access the sites.

driving along West MacDonnell Ranges

Embark on a road trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

While a regular car will get you to many of the major sites, a 4WD will allow you to do side trips. Another way to experience the West Macs is to hike a section of the Larapinta Trail.

a group of hikers traversing the Larapinta Trail

Hike past rocky outcrops along the Larapinta Trail. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

What to see in West MacDonnell National Park

Must-see spots include Simpsons Gap with its towering red cliffs and black-footed rock wallabies, Ellery Creek with its refreshingly cool (bordering on icy) swimming hole, and Standley Chasm with its glowing red rock walls at midday. The historical Ochre Pits are well worth a visit, as is the natural oasis that is Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen with its huge cliff face and inviting cool water.

an aerial view of people swimming in Glen Helen

Take a cool dip at Glen Helen. (Image: Tourism NT/All About Adventure)

Simpsons Gap

Only a short drive from Alice Springs, the towering red cliffs of Simpsons Gap are unmissable. If you’re here at sunrise or sunset, keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies near the walking paths. The area is also a nature lover’s dream, dotted with ghost gums, mulga trees and over 40 kinds of rare plants.

the red cliffs at Simpsons Gap

See the towering red cliffs at Simpsons Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits)

For the walkers, there are several easy trails to pick from that wind through native plants with some pretty sweet views of the ranges thrown in. If biking is your thing, there’s a 17 kilometres path from just outside Alice Springs straight to the Gap. Outback Cycling rents out bikes. Make sure you pack plenty of cold drinks as it’s the only refreshment permitted here. No swimming is allowed.

two people biking at Simpsons Gap

Pedal your way around Simpsons Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Standley Chasm

Owned by the Western Arrernte people, Standley Chasm is an incredibly narrow, soaring passage through the towering, rust-stained rocks, just a 40-minute drive west of Alice Springs.

a man standing between the towering red cliffs at Standley Chasm

Make your way through the narrow passage of Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick)

To access this 80-metre high, three-metre-wide canyon you will need to purchase a $12 ticket to enter this flora and fauna reserve. From the kiosk, it’s an easy 1.2-kilometre walk along a well-maintained path to the gorge. For a more in-depth experience, jump on a half-day cultural experience, which includes a guided walk, dot painting workshop and lunch.

a painting workshop at Standley Chasm

Join a half-day cultural experience. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Ellery Creek Big Hole

You’ll find this secluded swimming spot 88 kilometres west of Alice Springs. With easy access via a sealed road, this permanent, deep waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs is perfect for a dip on a hot day. If you’re lucky you might spot a dingo taking a drink, and keep an eye out for honeyeaters, white-winged fairywrens, and little buttonquails. Hikers can set off on the Dolomite Walk, a three-kilometre loop walk through the surrounding spinifex country with good views en route.

swimming in the waterhole at Ellery Creek

Ellery Creek is perfect for a cool dip on a hot day. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

Serpentine Gorge

The narrow, ochre-red Serpentine Gorge sits 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs, with the entrance to the gorge down a three-kilometre dirt track. It has a little waterhole, a dwarf compared to surrounding waterholes, but its lookout adds to its appeal. Climb up the steep track for about 15 minutes to the top of a towering cliff and (once you catch your breath back) you will be stunned by the 360-degree view from the top.

Ochre Pits

About 110 kilometres west of Alice Springs, don’t miss stopping by the spectacular Ochre Pits, a rockface with colourful bands of clay. The Ochre Pits are easily accessible via a 300-metre sealed path from the car park, which is an attractive picnic spot. The Western Aranda people have used this site for thousands of years to gather ochre for painting, body decoration, medicine, and to cover wooden weapons to protect them from termites.

a group of hikers exploring Ochre Pits

Journey through a colourful ochre outcrop. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

Glen Helen Gorge

 Glen Helen is your go-to spot for soaking in the majesty of the West Macs, enjoying a swim, and hanging out with the local fauna.

the spectacular view of Glen Helen Gorge

Glen Helen Gorge is rich in diverse flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

Sitting 132 kilometres west of Alice Springs, the first thing you see as you drive into Glen Helen is a towering sandstone cliff. A short stroll from the car park, you will find a serene hideaway with shaded banks and a huge body of water that is home to several fish species.

a woman sitting on a rock at Glen Helen Gorge

Take advantage of the shaded banks of the gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick)

Ormiston Gorge

A huge inviting pool surrounded by sandy verges, Ormiston Gorge is another unmissable spot, famously swimmable year-round.

relaxing at Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge is an ideal spot to swim. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

To earn your refreshing swim you should attempt the 8.5-kilometre Ormiston Pound Walk (a loop hike from the car park). It takes you to a ridge-top lookout over Ormiston Pound, a circle of peaks amid the otherwise unbending lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

an aerial view of the Ormiston Gorge

You don’t want to miss the spectacular views in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Aura)

Redbank Gorge

Nestled at the base of Mt Sonder, Redbank Gorge is a slot canyon with a near-permanent waterhole that is a bird-watching paradise. Tip: bring a flotation device to swim through the gorge.

a couple walking along Redbank Gorge

Spend time by the secluded Redbank Gorge. (Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle)

There are plenty of hiking options at Redbank Gorge, 156km west of Alice Springs. Hikers can tick off Larapinta Trail’s section 12 from the car park, a 5km return walk that takes you to the Mount Sonder Lookout.

a woman floating on Redbank Gorge

Float along the emerald waters. (Image: Tourism NT/All About Adventure)

West MacDonnell Ranges Accommodation

Camping spots are plentiful in the West Macs and are managed by NT Parks, except for Standley Chasm. Make sure you book at NT Parks before you arrive and plan several months in advance as sites book out during the peak winter months.

Alice Springs surrounds from above

See Alice Springs in the distance from above. (Image: Tourism Australia/Allan Dixon)

Standley Chasm

At the Aboriginal-owned and operated Standley Chasm campers and caravaners can choose from powered and non-powered sites on the grassy lawn.

two women sitting outside their tents at Standley Chasm

Support the Aboriginal-owned and operated campsite at Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss)

Facilities include toilets, hot showers, a washing machine, a camp kitchen, and barbecues. There’s also a kiosk cafe and gift shop.

two people walking along the camp facilities at Standley Chasm

Choose from powered and non-powered sites. (Image: Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss)

Ellery Creek Campground

At the popular Ellery Creek Big Hole, you’ll no doubt be sharing this beautiful swimming spot with others. Tents, trailers and caravans are welcome at the campground and facilities include barbecues, wood firepits and toilets.

friends swimming at Ellery Creek

Set up camp on Ellery Creek. (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Aura)

Ormiston Gorge Campground

Pleasant camping facilities are available at Ormiston Gorge, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Facilities include gas barbecues, toilets, and showers.

the waterhole at Ormiston Gorge

Orminston Gorge has a permanent waterhole. (Image: Tourism NT/Daniel Tran)

Birthday Waterhole Campground

Accessible by 4WD only, Birthday Waterhole is about an hour’s drive from Alice Springs. There are no facilities so make sure you have drinking water and all your camping requirements with you.

Finke River Two Mile Campground

Accessible by 4WD only, Finke Two Mile campground sits beside the Finke River, around 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Campers need to be self-sufficient as there are no facilities here.

an aerial view of Finke River Two Mile campground

Finke River Two Mile Campground can only be accessed by a 4WD. (Image: Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle)

Redbank Gorge (Ridgetop) Campground

The tranquil Redbank Gorge (Ridgetop) campsite has basic facilities including toilets, firepits, and picnic tables. A 4WD is recommended to access this gorge, which is 156km from Alice Springs and 5km along a dirt road.

the Redbank Gorge walking sign

Take the two-kilometre walk from the car park to Redbank Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
See all articles
Why these Aussie couples have visited Uluṟu so much they’ve lost count
Uluru

Why these Aussie couples have visited Uluṟu so much they’ve lost count

For two couples, Uluṟu has been more than a destination – it's been a spiritual touchstone across decades of changing landscapes, culture and understanding. 

Read more
A solar eclipse will be visible above Uluṟu – how to time your trip
Uluru

A solar eclipse will be visible above Uluṟu – how to time your trip

It’s a total eclipse of Australia’s heart (well, almost).

Read more
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory
Uluru

Uluṟu’s new hike just got luxe accommodation to match

This multi-day hike just got even better thanks to its exclusive new accommodation offering.

Read more
The best time to see Uluṟu is during a downpour. Here’s why.
Uluru

The best time to see Uluṟu is during a downpour. Here’s why.

Forget postcard-perfect sunshine; the best time to see Uluṟu is during a downpour.

Read more

It’s official! The Northern Territory’s best restaurant is in Uluṟu.

    By Emily Murphy
    hero media
    Continue
    Australia’s most iconic rock now rocks the food scene.

    You already know Uluṟu as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – but did you know it’s also home to the Northern Territory’s best dining?

    At the 2025 Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards, Tali Wiṟu, the signature open-air dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort, was crowned Restaurant of the Year. The win cements Uluṟu as not only a bucket-list destination for awe-inspiring landscapes but also for world-class food.

    A fine-dining experience under the stars

    A table of people dining at Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu

    Tali Wiru has a Chef’s Hat. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    Meaning “beautiful dune” in the local Aṉangu language, Tali Wiṟu offers diners an unforgettable four-course banquet beneath the desert sky. Think native flavours like wattleseed, quandong, and desert lime woven into contemporary dishes, paired with premium Australian wines and uninterrupted views of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa glowing at sunset.

    It’s a recipe that has already earned Tali Wiṟu a coveted Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide – making it the highest-rated restaurant in the Northern Territory and the only open-air restaurant in Australia to hold such an honour.

    More than one win for Uluṟu

    Dining at Arnguli Grill & Restaurant in Uluṟu

    Arnguli Grill & Restaurant won the Best Hotel Restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    The resort didn’t stop there. Its Arnguli Grill & Restaurant, located at Desert Gardens Hotel, also took home the award for Best Hotel Restaurant, impressing judges with refined dishes that showcase premium Australian steak and native ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

    A taste of Country

    Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu chef plating entrees

    The culinary philosophy is to champion bush foods and pay respect to Anangu culture. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    For both restaurants, the accolades recognise more than just flawless cooking – they’re also a celebration of connection to Country. Central to Ayers Rock Resort’s culinary philosophy is championing bush foods and paying respect to Aṉangu culture. Native ingredients like lemon myrtle, kangaroo and desert lime feature heavily on the menus, offering travellers a true taste of the Red Centre.

    Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Matt Cameron-Smith said the wins highlight their dedication to delivering world-class dining experiences.

    “These awards are a testament to the passion and creativity of our culinary teams, and to the unique cultural and natural setting that inspires everything we do,” he said.