Live Your Best Lives
Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, photography, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the park. Popular activities include swimming in waterholes like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Simpsons Gap, and visiting landmarks like Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm.
West MacDonnell National Park , located west of Alice Springs in the central inland of the Northern Territory , encompasses ancient landscape sculptures that have weathered many vicissitudes of life. It is also a refuge for many rare and endangered plants and wildlife, including rare birds such as the peregrine falcon .
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and local history while exploring and walking, and take a dip in the cold water of the park's perennial pond. There are also many camping sites in the park, offering different access and facilities. You can set up a tent and stay for a long time.
The national park also offers many marked leisure and adventure walking tracks, including the Larapinta Trail, which stretches 223 kilometres through the park and offers long and overnight bushwalks for the fit, experienced and well-prepared walker.
The season is generally from the end of April to the beginning of October . The climate is relatively pleasant and it is the best time to travel.
Recommended playing time: more than 2 hours
free
All day
West MacDonnell National Park is a vast protected area in central Australia, showcasing the stunning beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges. The park is rich in Aboriginal heritage, with many sacred sites for local Indigenous peoples. It is also an important conservation area for native flora and fauna.
The park is located approximately 130 km west of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. It can be reached by car or tour from Alice Springs. There are no direct public transport links, so driving or joining a guided tour is the best option.
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the cooler months (April to September), as summer can be extremely hot. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for outdoor activities to avoid midday heat.
There is no entrance fee for West MacDonnell National Park. However, some of the specific sites within the park, such as camping areas, may require a fee, which can be paid on-site or online for camping bookings.
Booking is not necessary for general park entry, but it is recommended to book campsites in advance during peak seasons (especially between May and October).
To fully explore the park, it typically takes 2-3 days, depending on how many of the hiking trails and major attractions you want to visit. A day trip is also possible for those who focus on the key highlights.
Must-see highlights include Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Standley Chasm, Glen Helen Gorge, and the beautiful waterholes like Ellery Creek Big Hole. The Finke River and the Larapinta Trail are also popular for hiking enthusiasts.
Guided tours are available from Alice Springs and can be booked in advance. Tours are typically conducted in English, but some operators may provide tours in other languages upon request.
Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm are excellent spots for photography, especially during the golden hour. The cliffs and rock formations in Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge are also popular for capturing stunning landscapes.
Start with Simpson's Gap, then head to Standley Chasm. Next, visit Ormiston Gorge, and take a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole. You can also hike part of the Larapinta Trail for panoramic views of the ranges.
There are no special light shows or night visits, but stargazing is a popular activity in the park due to its clear skies and low light pollution. Some tour operators offer night tours for stargazing.
The park is busiest during the cooler months (May to September) and during holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and try to plan your visit during weekdays, especially in the shoulder seasons (March or October).
Basic facilities such as toilets, picnic areas, and rest stops are available at most major sites. Food and water are limited, so it’s important to bring your own supplies, especially if you plan to hike or visit remote areas.
The park has some accessible paths and viewing areas suitable for elderly or disabled visitors, such as the short walks at Simpsons Gap. However, more strenuous hikes may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted for fees, but mobile payments (like credit cards and apps) are widely accepted in Alice Springs and at major visitor centers. It’s best to carry cash if traveling to remote areas.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the park. However, nearby Alice Springs offers various dining options, including cafes and restaurants offering Australian and international cuisine.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available in Alice Springs, where a variety of cafes and restaurants cater to different dietary preferences. Options may be limited in more remote areas.
Accommodations near the park include camping grounds within the park, as well as hotels and motels in Alice Springs, such as the Desert Palms and the Crowne Plaza.
Nearby attractions include the Alice Springs Desert Park, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. These can be easily visited on a day trip from the park.
There are souvenir shops in Alice Springs where you can buy Aboriginal art, boomerangs, jewelry, and locally made crafts. Some of the remote visitor centers also sell small souvenirs related to the park.
After visiting, you can continue your trip by car, with rental cars available in Alice Springs. Alternatively, some guided tours provide transportation to nearby attractions.
