West MacDonnell National Park

Fact Sheet

This vast and spectacular section What to do Safety and Comfort of the MacDonnell Ranges is an Camping - Ellery Creek • Observe park safety signs. outstanding example of an ancient Big-hole and Redbank • Carry and drink plenty of landscape sculptured over time Gorge provide basic facilities. water. • Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect by climatic elements. The West Serpentine Chalet and 2-Mile repellent, suitable clothing and MacDonnell National Park (4WD only) provide camping footwear. stretches for 161kms west of Alice sites with no facilities. Ormiston • Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day. Springs. Cool scenic gorges are Gorge provides camping facilities • Consider your health and important refuges for plants and including showers and flush fitness when choosing a walk. animals, many of which are found toilets. Camping fees apply and • Swim only where only here and some are relicts of a are payable at each camping area. recommended. bygone era of tropical forests. Fireplaces are provided at some Please Remember There are many opportunities for sites, however most sites offer • Keep to designated roads and visitors to explore and appreciate free gas BBQs to replace open tracks. the scenic beauty and history of fireplaces (refer to map). At • All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected. the area. Features of the Serpentine Gorge all fires are • Use the gas barbecues landscape are significant in the prohibited in this special zone. provided and fuel stoves stories of Arrernte Aboriginal Commercial facilities are available where possible. • Put your rubbish in the bins culture, and have existed for many at Glen Helen Resort, including provided or take it with you. thousands of years. caravan sites and motel • Pets are not permitted in this Access accommodation. park. From vehicle access Swimming - The Park to the Park is via Larapinta Drive has a number of permanent Information about the natural and and . From water holes ideal for swimming cultural environment of the NT is (Kings during summer. The larger water available at each site. Canyon) the unsealed Mereenie holes include Ellery Creek Big- Sections of the Larapinta Loop Road (4WD recommended) hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Trail stretch through the connects with the West Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Park and offer extended and MacDonnell National Park . Swimmers should be aware that overnight bushwalks. Simpsons Gap is also accessible most swimming holes are Walkers planning extended and via a 17 km sealed bicycle track extremely cold. Prolonged overnight walks are strongly which starts opposite Flynn’s exposure, even during summer, advised to register with the Grave, 7 km from Alice Springs can result in hypothermia. Beware Walker Registration Scheme along Larapinta Drive. of submerged logs and rocks. Do (Phone: 1300 650 730). When to visit not jump or dive into the water. The Park is accessible all year Walking - A good way round. The cooler months (April to experience the to September) are the most spectacular views in this Park is pleasant. All roads can be by walking. There are numerous Mount Sonder is a landmark and icon impassible for short periods after marked tracks ranging from for the West MacDonnell Ranges heavy rain. leisurely to adventurous.

Parks & Wildlife Service of the Regional Office - Arid Zone Research Institute, Tom Hare Building South ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870 PO Box 2130 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 Ph: (08) 8951 8211 Fax: (08) 8951 8290 West MacDonnell National Park Fact Sheet

A/6/2005PWSNT For more information see our website: www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/ or contact Central Australian Tourism (08) 8952 5800