Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and March.
It can exceed 40 degrees celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches 161km west of Alice Springs and will draw you in with its majestic beauty.
Known as Tjoritja by the Traditional Owners, the continuation of cultural practices and a connection to the land is highly significant for local Aranda Aboriginal culture.
Cool scenic gorges are important refuges for plants and animals, many are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests.
Some of the sites you shouldn't miss on a journey here include Simpsons Gap, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm (privately operated) and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
When you visit the park, allow a few days to see the many surprises here steeped in Aboriginal culture.
Take the time to witness an outback sunrise, sunset and starry night sky.
Avid and experienced walkers can trek the West Macs on the Larapinta Trail.
The trail is broken into 12 sections and can be completed in stages or all at once.
Get the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park fact sheet and map PDF (1.1 MB).
Get the Ellery Creek Big Hole fact sheet and map PDF (1.1 MB).
Get the Redbank Gorge fact sheet and map PDF (1.3 MB)
Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station phone: 08 8956 7799
Simpsons Gap Ranger Station phone: 08 8955 0310
| Park sites | Access | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park | Open | - | |
| Birthday Waterhole | Open | - | |
| Ellery Creek Big Hole | Open | - | |
| Dolomite Walk | Open | - | |
| Glen Helen Gorge | Open | Access via alternative trail. | |
| Glen Helen Gorge Walk | Open | A temporary access trail has been installed providing alternative access to the Gorge. | |
| Finke River Two Mile | Open | - | |
| Hugh Gorge | Open | - | |
| Ochre Pits | Open | - | |
| Aranda Walk | Open | - | |
| Ormiston Gorge | Open | - | |
| Ormiston Gorge campground | Open | - | |
| Ormiston Gorge Kiosk | Open | - | |
| Ormiston Pound Walk: Ormiston Gorge | Open | - | |
| Ghost Gum Lookout | Open | - | |
| Ghost Gum Loop Walk | Open | - | |
| Redbank Gorge | Open to 4WD only | Soft sand and debris on road. | |
| Redbank Gorge Walk | Open | - | |
| Simpsons Gap | Open | - | |
| Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path | Open | - | |
| Serpentine Gorge | Open | ||
| Serpentine Chalet C | Open | ||
| Larapinta Trail | |||
| Larapinta Trail | Open | Some parts of the Larapinta Trail were impacted by fires in 2019. Take care to stay on the track and follow temporary track markers. | - |
| Section 1 - Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap | Open | - | |
| Section 2 - Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek | Open | - | |
| Section 3 - Jay Creek to Standley Chasm | Open | - | |
| Section 4 - Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole | Open | - | |
| Section 5 - Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge | Open | - | |
| Section 6 - Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek | Open | - | |
| Section 7 - Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge | Open | - | |
| Section 8 - Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet | Open | - | |
| Section 9 - Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge | Open | - | |
| Section 10 - Ormiston Gorge to Finke River | Open | - | |
| Section 11 - Finke River to Redbank Gorge | Open | - | |
| Section 12 - Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return | Open | - | |
Most of the park is open all year round, but roads may not be accessible for short periods after heavy rain.
It is best to visit in the cooler months from April to September.
From Alice Springs, access the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park's many visitor areas along Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive.
From Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) access the park on the unsealed Red Centre Way (Mereenie Loop). You need a permit to access this road.
You can do all of the following activities in the park:
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- camping
- scenic lookout
- cycling
- birdwatching
- ranger-guided activities.
Camping is only permitted in designated campsites.
Ellery Big Hole and Redbank Gorge have basic camping facilities.
Bush camping is available at Serpentine Chalet and Finke 2-mile. Ormiston Gorge has a campground with showers and flushing toilets.
Camping fees apply and are payable on-site.
Swimming is permitted at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Redbank Gorge and Ormiston Gorge.
You should be aware that most swimming holes are very cold. Long exposure, even during summer, can lead to hypothermia.
The Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park visitor areas have many facilities as listed below.
Simpsons Gap
Read more on Simpsons Gap.
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm is commercially-owned and operated and has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- public toilets
- drinking water
- kiosk
- picnic area.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek Big Hole has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- picnic area
- public toilets
- drinking water - must be treated before drinking
- gas barbecues
- walking tracks
- disability access
- swimming
- camping and caravan sites.
Serpentine Gorge
Serpentine Gorge has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- picnic area
- public toilets
- walking tracks.
Serpentine Chalet
Serpentine Chalet has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- picnic area
- public toilets
- walking tracks
- bush camping.
Ochre Pits
The Ochre Pits have all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- picnic area
- public toilets
- disability access.
Ormiston Gorge
Read more on Ormiston Gorge.
Finke 2-Mile
Finke 2-Mile is four-wheel drive access only. It has information signs and bush camping.
Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- barbecues
- drinking water - must be treated before drinking
- campsites
- caravan sites
- walking tracks
- picnic area
- public toilets
- swimming.
When visiting the park remember all of the following:
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- fires are permitted in communal fire pits only
- collect firewood before entering the park
- bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
- pets are not permitted in the park
- generators are not permitted in the park
- you need a permit to use a drone - you must get it before you arrive.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park by doing all of the following:
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- 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
- swing ropes are not permitted
- use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.
Simpsons Gap Ranger Station phone: 08 8955 0310
Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station phone: 08 8956 7799
Go to Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information.
Last updated: 10 December 2020
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