Travel through red desert sands, lush valleys, towering gorges and a number of waterholes, on this iconic journey. 23% stayed for 6-14 … Ask one of our reception staff about touring the West MacDonnell Ranges, either with one of our local touring companies or take a self-drive tour to discover the many and varied gorges and swimming holes. West MacDonnell Ranges. Welcome to the East MacDonnell Ranges. This section of the journey is on sealed roads (with the exception of access roads into several gorges along the way). • The East and West MacDonnell Ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometres on both sides of Alice Springs. So for the ultimate experience, pick up your campervan hire at Alice Springs and strike out to experience the West MacDonnell Ranges. The West MacDonnell Ranges have been justifiably described as the jewel in the crown of Central Australia. Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. On the Red Centre Way, a self-drive route that links Alice Springs, Yulara, Kings Canyon and the Namatjira Way back to Alice, I make an unforgettable journey through all the colours and experiences of Central Australia. Because of this many people opt to base themselves there and do a trip to the ranges for a day. Standley Chasm, 50 km west of Alice Springs, is the only privately owned gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, and that means there is an entry fee to cover the maintenance of the facilities.. The Ranges are located right along Highway 6 (Larapinta Drive) and Highway 2 (Namatjira Drive) when travelling west of Alice Springs. Known as Tjoritja by the Traditional Owners, the East and West MacDonnell Ranges continues to have a deep significance for the local Arrernte Aboriginal culture. The 1,135-kilometre (705-mile) Red Centre Way road trip is one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic journeys, beginning in Alice Springs, then making its way to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tju ta National Park. West MacDonnell Ranges This self-drive audio tour will take you from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Gorge along Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive. Self-drive is certainly one of the most popular ways to get to the West MacDonnell National Park. “The West MacDonnell Ranges has been nominated by the Northern Territory Government for World Heritage listing, ... Our touring products range from budget to luxury tours, specialised and award-winning Disability Camping Tours and self-drive Adventure Rentals. Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges NP Tanami Desert Ru by Gap Nature Park Arltunga Historical Rese rv e Tr ephina Gorge Nature Park Rainbow Valley Rese rv e Owen Springs Reser ve ... are self-drive leisure visitors. Glen Helen Lodge- The only accommodation within the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Central Australia. 2) West MacDonnell Ranges Map. 64% stayed for 3 or less nights. Simpsons Gap. Let an Aboriginal guide lead you through the round rock domes of Kata Tju t a and share with you a different perspective of the surrounding lands. The nearest major town to the West MacDonnell Ranges is Alice Springs. If you've only time for one stop in the West MacDonnell Ranges, make it here. THE West MacDonnell Ranges is written off by a lot of hardcore four-wheel drivers as too pedestrian to bother with. Our park is the great base to set up camp or stay in one of our many self-contained cabins, to then explore the Red Centre. To the west, this dramatic formation is protected in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Here are some day-trip ideas within two hours of Alice Springs. Or, would I be better off arranging a tour through one of the tour company's? The traditional owners of the Alice Springs area, the Arrernte people, believe giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye became the Ranges - they entered this world through one of the dramatic gaps in the escarpments of the area. At lunch time, when the sun is right above it, the steep walls light up in orange and the bottom of the chasm fills up with tourists. Explore unique waterholes and river systems against a backdrop of imposing mountain peaks while learning more about the natural history and local heritage of the Ranges. Here are some easy adventures to try in the West MacDonnell Ranges, all within a two-hour drive of the town centre. Sure, there are quality tarmac roads linking most of the major waypoints, but this is a place of breathtakingly rugged beauty that needs to be experienced by every outback traveller worth their salt. Their colours change with the time of day – black, dusky-orange, red, purple, black again. The ancient landscape, sculptured over time by climatic change and made famous by the art of Western Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira is on display in the West MacDonnell Ranges. On the way, there is the Alice Springs Desert Park which is well worth a visit. Set off in any direction from the town centre and it won’t be long before you wander into some spectacular, unspoiled wilderness. But rush past this frontier town on the edge of the MacDonnell Ranges and you’ll miss out. Bike. Turning right at the intersection is where we want to go: it will take you on the ‘outer’ loop of the Red Centre Way along Namatjira Drive. Getting there. The narrow chasm is truly spectacular. We tour through these amazing ranges all day and stop at beautiful gorges and waterholes, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months. Don’t forget your camera! Macdonnell Ranges, Hugh NT, Australia An ever-present backdrop to Alice Springs, the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges stretch for more than 100 kilometres to both the west and east of the town. The West MacDonnell National Park was established in 1984 to protect the numerous parks and reserves of the range. “I am thrilled that the completion of the paving of the Inner Loop will give a real boost to self-drive tourism and guided tours alike in the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges.” There has been a recent increase in tourists taking self-guided tours on the road, with 161,000 people visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges … Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka National Park (home to Kings Canyon) are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook the dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges). Then there are the icons – Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the West MacDonnell Ranges. You may choose to complete the inner loop and travel on to Hermannsburg or continue on through to Palm Valley or Kings Canyon. Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park is a majestic landscape featuring ancient mountain ranges, gorges and chasms, permanent waterholes, unique plants and animals and incredible mountain scapes. “The West MacDonnell Ranges has been nominated by the Northern Territory Government for World Heritage listing, ... Our touring products range from budget to luxury tours, specialised and award-winning Disability Camping Tours and self-drive Adventure Rentals. Ayers Rock is probably the most popular option for campervan tourists coming to this region, but an alternative that is closer to Alice and every bit as rewarding for a self drive excursion is the West Macdonnell National Park. The East MacDonnell Ranges, not as well known as the West MacDonnell Ranges, provide incredibly beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving. The 1135 kilometre Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs makes its way through Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This will take you through the stunning scenery of the West MacDonnell National Park. Self Drive Australia offering holiday itineraries for campervans and motorhome hire also 4wd camper rental self-drive route scenic itineraries around Australia from Broome, ... Itinerary self drive suggestions East MacDonnell Ranges and West MacDonnell Ranges. DIY Tourguide's GPS triggered, Self-drive Audio Travel Guide along the West MacDonnell Ranges (departing from Alice Springs) is designed for the independent, self-drive traveller. The first attraction in the park, Simpsons Gap, is located around 24 kilometres from Alice Springs, with the drive taking less than 30 minutes. Departing Alice Springs, this full day tour takes you to a number of the region's best destinations and sites for the whole day aboard a comfortable coach. Here, stunning natural surrounds mix with a growing and forward-thinking community, and pioneering history foreshadows an arts culture known for its character and quirkiness. West MacDonnell Ranges. The Red Centre Way journey is recommended to be done over a minimum 6 days via four-wheel drive or spare some extra time to complete the completely sealed 1750 kilometre loop if travelling by two-wheel drive. Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the desert sun as you drive along the ranges. A return trip from Alice of under 120 km makes this another good day out. The East MacDonnell Ranges can be found for 150km just east of Alice Springs. MacDonnell Ranges: Self drive - See 421 traveller reviews, 256 candid photos, and great deals for West MacDonnell National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The East MacDonnell Ranges, while not as well known as the West MacDonnell Ranges, do provide beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving. Part of the West MacDonnell National Park is … 138km west of Alice Springs, a spectacular gorge and the location of Palm Valley where 3,000 palm trees dot the landscape. Standley Chasm. of the MacDonnell Ranges is an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements. Read more… Finke Gorge National Park. It also facilitated the development of the walking track, the Larapinta Trail. Planted right at the foot of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is a place of contrasts. The Park is one of Australia’s premier national parks, covering over 2000km2 stretching westwards from the township of Alice Springs for 160kms. Answer 1 of 3: Would a self drive tour of the MacDonnell Ranges (I hope I spelled that right) be sufficient? In a nutshell, it’s a town that never fails to intrigue. 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