Finke Gorge National Park

All year round, but the roads may be closed after heavy rain.

The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September.

Check road conditions before you leave home.

The park is 138km west of Alice Springs. Turn south off Larapinta Drive just west of Hermannsburg.

Access along the last 16km of track follows the sandy bed of the Finke River and is limited to high clearance 4WD vehicles only.

Heavy rains may cause this section of the road to be impassable. Check road conditions before you go.

You can do all of the following activities in the park:

• short walks
• camping
• wildlife spotting
• picnicking
• four wheel driving
• ranger-guided activities
• volunteer campground hosting.

Palm Valley and the campground can be accessed by a high clearance four-wheel drive (4WD).

The Finke River 4WD route through to Illamurta Springs and onto Watarrka is much more remote.

Towing of trailers is not recommended along this track.

Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and you are an experienced 4WD traveller.

Be prepared with extra food and water, vehicle equipment, recovery and safety gear.

To help plan your trip read the Finke River 4WD information sheet PDF (1.4 MB).

You can also get more information from Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs.

Finke Gorge National Park has all of the following facilities:

• information signs
• ranger station - emergency contact only
• 4WD roads
• communal fire pits
• drinking water
• public toilets
• picnic tables
• gas barbecues
• designated campsites
• showers
• walking trails
• wildlife
• scenic lookouts.

When visiting the park, remember all of the following:

• camping is only permitted in the designated camping areas at Palm Valley and along the Finke River at Boggy Hole
• collect firewood before entering the park
• at Palm Valley, fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
• pets are not permitted in the National Park
• rubbish bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
• if travelling the Finke River 4WD route, stay on the marked track
• you need a permit to use a drone - you must get it before you arrive.

Be careful where you walk and stay on the marked tracks. Young palms can be destroyed by visitors not realising what they are walking on. The regeneration of the palms is needed for the survival of this population.

You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Finke Gorge 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
• use interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.

Finke Gorge Ranger Station phone: 08 8956 7401

Contact Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information.