Finke Gorge National Park
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April.
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.
Spectacular Finke Gorge National Park covers an area of 46,000 hectares and includes the impressive Palm Valley.
Palm Valley is home to a diverse range of plant species, many that are rare and unique to the area, including the red cabbage palm (Livistona mariae), which gives the area its name.
There are around 3,000 adult palms and thousands of juveniles, which are extremely sensitive to visitor impact.
Visit the park to see the mesmerising landscapes that inspired the renowned watercolourist Albert Namatjira who was born and grew up in the nearby community of Hermannsburg.
The park is dissected by the Finke River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Get the Finke Gorge National Park fact sheet and map PDF (1.0 MB).
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finke Gorge National Park | Open | ||
| Palm Valley access road | Open | High Clearance 4WD only due to water crossings. | |
| Palm Valley Campground | Open | Access available to High Clearance 4WD only | |
| Finke River 4WD Route (Boggy Hole Track) | Closed | ||
| Finke River 4wd route campground | Closed | ||
| Boggy Hole | Closed | ||
| Boggy Hole Finke River campground | Closed | ||
| Kalarranga Walk | Open | Access available to HIGH Clearance 4WD only | |
| Mparra Walk | Open | Access available to HIGH Clearance 4WD only | |
| Arankaia Walk, Palm Valley | Open | ||
| Mpulungkinya Walk, Palm Valley | Open |
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.
Camping is available at Finke Gorge National Park.
A campground host site is open during peak season (May to September).
Find out how to be a campground host.
Book before you go
You must book online and pay a fee to camp.
Do this before you go. You can't pay at the site.
Learn more about camping in parks and reserves.
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:
- visitors to the NT require a parks pass
- 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.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 23 May 2024
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