Palm Valley & Finke River - The Red Centre's Hidden Gems

The Red Cente’s Finke Gorge National Park tempts adventurers with its tall wavering palms, historic police camp ruins, and spectacular landscapes that inspired the renowned watercolourist Albert Namatjira.

If you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast in search of the rare cabbage palm, or keen on some serious four-wheel-driving, you will adore Finke Gorge National Park. Covering an impressive 46,000 hectares in Alice Springs, it is home to ancient landscapes, Aboriginal cultural sites, Palm Valley, and the Finke River; one of the oldest water courses in the world. Here is the ultimate guide to exploring Finke Gorge National Park and Palm Valley.

How to get to Finke Gorge National Park

It takes about two hours to drive between Alice Springs and Finke Gorge National Park, 138 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Turn south off Larapinta Drive just west of historic Hermannsburg (Ntaria), the birthplace of artist Albert Namatjira.

You will need a high clearance 4WD to access the last 16 kilometres of track, which follows the sandy bed of the Finke River. Allow plenty of time to cover the distance as the road is rough. Entry requires an NT Parks Pass .

a 4WD entering Finke Gorge National Park — A high clearance 4WD is required to access Finke Gorge National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia/Shaana McNaught)

Palm Valley

Within Finke Gorge National Park, the utterly unique Palm Valley is home to about 12,000 red cabbage palms (Livistona mariae). It is a botanical haven, starkly contrasting the desert scenery that characterises much of the Red Centre.

an aerial view of the Finke River — The many colours of Finke Gorge National Park on full display. (Image: Tourism NT/All About Adventure)

What to see and do in Palm Valley

If you are visiting Finke Gorge National Park, you’ll need your hiking shoes. Palm Valley is a walker’s paradise, with trails winding through the gorge, revealing rock pools, ancient plant species and panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs.

From the Palm Valley car park, you have the choice of two walks: the two-hour Mpulungkinya Walk, which takes in an oasis of palms and returns to the car park across the plateau, or a shorter one-hour trek, the Arankaia Walk, which is a loop walk that meanders through an area of lush palms.

a vehicle driving across Finke Gorge National Park — Palm Valley is a walker’s paradise. (Image: Tourism NT/SeanScott)

Nearby, at the Kalarranga car park, there are also two walking options: the family-friendly 45-minute Kalarranga Walk to the lookout and the two-hour Mpaara Walk, which meanders alongside the palm-fringed river before leading up the valley and over a saddle. The views from the top of the saddle are incredible: red rock formations for as far as the eye can see.

two people exploring Finke Gorge National Park — Hike the palm-fringed river of Finke Gorge National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Bronte Stephens)

Day tours to Palm Valley

From Alice Springs, both AAT Kings and Emu Run offer day tours to Palm Valley. This includes a visit to the Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg, in the traditional lands of the Western Arrarnta people.

A couple on a tour with Finke River Cultural Tour — Visit the traditional lands of the Western Arrarnta people and join a Finke River Cultural Tour. (Image: Tourism NT / Charlie Bliss)

Where to stay in Finke Gorge National Park

For those looking to camp in the park, you have two options: Palm Valley Campground and Boggy Hole Campground. Make sure you book with NT Parks before you arrive.

an ATV navigating the dirt road towards Finke Gorge National Park — Go off-grid at Finke Gorge National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Flow Mountain Bike)

The large Palm Valley Campground has plenty of shady sites for tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans. Amenities are impressive for such a remote site: solar-powered hot showers, toilets, gas barbeques and designated firepits (remember to collect firewood before entering the park). Volunteer campground hosts are on site over the peak season (May to September).

You won’t find any facilities at the utterly remote campsite at Boggy Hole, a deep waterhole fed by a natural spring, which is a great spot for a cool dip. The track to Boggy Hole starts at the park’s main entrance and is about 20km long. It takes you through rocky gorges and red dunes, serving up stunning views of the landscape. Once you’ve arrived at the bush camp, a flat area next to the river, you can set up camp and kick back while watching the resident osprey fly above. Don’t forget to check out the nearby police station ruins – it’s off the beaten track but worth the effort.

Opening Hours

Finke Gorge National Park is open year-round, except when the Finke River is in flood. The cooler months (April to September) are the most pleasant time of the year to visit.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Palm Valley and Finke River – the Red Centre’s hidden gems