National park · Australia
MacDonnell Ranges
Base in Alice Springs and drive one side per day: West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) for gorges and swimming holes, East MacDonnell for quieter gorge country and Arltunga; entry is free, so the cost is fuel and time, not tickets.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,600 km² (1,004 sq mi)1,004 sq mi (2,600 km²)
approximate
Established
1967
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 14
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
- Northern Territory ↗Climbing Uluru has been illegal since 2019; fines apply.
- Northern Territory ↗Many Aboriginal communities and some Arnhem Land roads need a permit arranged in advance.
- Northern Territory ↗Carry several litres of water per person on any walk or drive; distances between services are long.
- Red Centre ↗Carry at least 4 litres of water per person per day in the vehicle; fuel and towns can be up to 800 km apart on outback highways.
- Red Centre ↗No drinking alcohol in public places in Alice Springs; licensed premises only. Alcohol restrictions apply in Aboriginal communities.
- Red Centre ↗Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park charges an entry fee per person (2026 estimate A$38, valid 3 days); check whether your tour includes it.
- Red Centre ↗Climbing Uluṟu has been banned since 2019.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 2,600 km² (1,004 sq mi)1,004 sq mi (2,600 km²)
- Rough figure for the national park sections of the ranges; boundaries and names have changed over time and figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1967
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Alice Springs
The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west from Alice Springs, a long ridge of red rock cut by gaps and gorges. The western side, protected as Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, holds the famous stops — Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and the Ochre Pits — and the 223 km Larapinta Trail along the ridge. The eastern side along the Ross Highway is quieter: Emily and Jessie gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, N'Dhala Gorge and the old gold town of Arltunga. Almost all of it is free to enter; you pay for camping, some private gorge access and fuel. Winter (May–October) is the season: dry days, cold nights. Summer runs near 40°C and some swimming holes and walks are closed or dangerous.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1967.
Size and age
2,600 km² (1,004 sq mi)1,004 sq mi (2,600 km²) · national park since 1967
Rough figure for the national park sections of the ranges; boundaries and names have changed over time and figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Alice Springs.
Why go
- Gorges and gaps within an hour of Alice Springs — you can see the best of the west side on a single day drive.
- Free entry at almost every stop; the real cost is a rental car and fuel.
- The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's long walks, and short sections work as day hikes.
- The east side gives the same geology with a fraction of the traffic, plus a gold-mining ghost town.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanAround 40°C (104°F); many walks and swimming holes closed or unsafeAround 104°F (40°C); many walks and swimming holes closed or unsafe
- FebHottest stretch; storms can close roads
- MarStill hot; early mornings only
- AprCooling; good light, quiet
- MayDry, mild days, cold nights
- JunClear and dry; frosty mornings
- JulPeak season; book campsites and tours
- AugWarm days, cold nights, busy
- SepWarming up; still dry
- OctHot by late month; watch fire and heat warnings
- NovHot; walk early or not at all
- DecExtreme heat; closures common
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock-wallabies at Simpsons Gap and Standley ChasmAll year · Most active early morning and late afternoon. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Desert birds and honeyeaters along the gorgesApr–Sep · Waterholes concentrate birds in the dry season. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Wildflowers after winter rainAug–Oct · Depends on the year; the east side is often better. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Feral animals and cattle near waterAll year · Do not feed or approach. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Alice Springs
Rental car west on Larapinta Drive or Namatjira Drive to the west-side gorges; east on the Ross Highway for the east side.
20 min to 1.5 h per stop
Open the page →
From Alice Springs by bike
A shared path runs from town toward Simpsons Gap; the rest of the ranges are road riding with long gaps between water.
1–2 h to Simpsons Gap
Open the page →
From Red Centre road trip
Combine the ranges with Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa and Watarrka on a loop from Alice Springs.
3–7 days
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| West MacDonnell (Tjoritja) National Park | Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. | Sealed road most of the way; free except Standley Chasm and camping. |
| East MacDonnell reserves | Emily and Jessie gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, N'Dhala Gorge and Arltunga Historical Reserve. | Sealed to Trephina; dirt and 4WD beyond, and to Arltunga. |
| Larapinta Trail corridor | The 223 km (139 mi) walking route along the ridge, in sections between trailheads.The 139 mi (223 km) walking route along the ridge, in sections between trailheads. | Walk-in; register for extended walks. |
| Ruby Gap Nature Park | Remote gorge country off the Arltunga road. | 4WD only; rough track (check conditions). |
Sketch map
- 1Alice Springs · Town≈-23.698, 133.881Map ↗
- 2Simpsons Gap · Gate≈-23.681, 133.718Map ↗
- 3Standley Chasm · Cave≈-23.717, 133.467Map ↗
- 4Ellery Creek Big Hole · Beach≈-23.783, 133.067Map ↗
- 5Ormiston Gorge · Trail≈-23.633, 132.733Map ↗
- 6Glen Helen · Sleep≈-23.617, 132.683Map ↗
- 7Emily Gap · Gate≈-23.733, 133.983Map ↗
- 8Trephina Gorge · Trail≈-23.517, 134.317Map ↗
- 9Arltunga Historical Reserve · Village≈-23.433, 134.717Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the ranges from Alice Springs west to Glen Helen and east to Arltunga, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry to Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and the east-side reserves | Free | person | No entry fee at the public gorges and gaps (check current NT Parks notices). |
| Standley Chasm (private, Aboriginal-owned) | AUD 12–20 (≈ US$8–14) | person | 2026 estimate; the only major stop on the west side with a gate fee (check). |
| Camping, NT Parks sites (e.g. Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek) | AUD 6–12 (≈ US$4–8) | person per night | 2026 estimate; fees are paid on site or by self-registration (check). |
| Camping, commercial sites (Glen Helen, Ross River) | AUD 15–45 (≈ US$10–30) | person per night | 2026 estimate; powered sites and cabins cost more. |
| Larapinta Trail walker registration | Free | person | Free registration before an extended walk (check the current scheme). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Larapinta Trail walker registration permit or guide
Camping permit or guide
Standley Chasm permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- A$12–20≈ US$8–14
- A$6–12≈ US$4–8
- A$15–45≈ US$10–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory — Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park before you go.
Park rules
- Swimming holes
- Swim only where signs allow; some waterholes are closed for cultural or safety reasons, and cold water can cause shock (check current notices).check
- Water
- Carry at least 3–4 L per person per walk; tank water at gorge sites is for drinking only where signed.
- Fires
- Total fire bans apply often; use only provided fire pits when allowed.
- Cultural sites
- Do not climb on rock art or enter areas marked closed; the ranges are on Arrernte country.
- Drones
- Not allowed in NT Parks without a permit (check).check
Where to stay
Near the park
Alice Springs
The base for both sides of the ranges; motels, hostels and caravan parks.
In the park
Glen Helen
Resort and campground at the far west end of the sealed road.
In the park
Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek campgrounds
Basic NT Parks sites; self-register and pay, no power.
Near the park
Ross River Resort
East side, on the Ross Highway; rooms and camping.
Safety
Heat high
Remote roads medium
No phone signal medium
Flash floods medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek have short, mostly flat paths from the car park.
- Ormiston Gorge has a viewing area near the car park; the full loop is rough and steep.
- Trephina and Arltunga involve uneven ground and dirt roads.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked tracks; the soil crusts and plants recover slowly.
- Take all rubbish out; bins are rare outside Alice Springs.
- Use a reusable bottle and refill at signed tanks rather than buying cases of plastic water.
- Keep to the speed limit on dirt roads to limit dust and wildlife strikes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter MacDonnell Ranges?
Nothing at the public gorges and gaps — there is no entry fee for Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park or the east-side reserves. You pay for camping (about A$6–12 per person per night at NT Parks sites, 2026 estimate), for Standley Chasm (about A$12–20 per person, 2026 estimate) and for fuel and a rental car.
What are the best hikes in MacDonnell Ranges?
Ormiston Gorge and Pound walk (3–4 h, moderate) is the best half-day. Trephina Gorge on the east side (2–3 h) is the quiet alternative. Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail, Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap (5–7 h, hard), works as a day walk. Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm are short flat walks.
When is the best time to visit MacDonnell Ranges?
May to September: dry, mild days and cold nights. July and August are the busiest, so book campsites and tours. November to March is around 40°C and some walks and swimming holes close; if you go then, walk only early and late.
Do I need a 4WD?
No for the main west-side gorges and the east side as far as Trephina Gorge — sealed road. You do need one for Arltunga after rain, Ruby Gap Nature Park and the dirt tracks beyond, and for the unsealed sections of the Larapinta Trail access roads.
Can I swim in the gorges?
At some sites, yes — Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen are the usual ones, and only where signs allow. Water is cold year-round, there are no lifeguards, and some waterholes close for cultural or safety reasons.
How far are the ranges from Alice Springs?
Simpsons Gap is about 20 min west of town; Standley Chasm about 45 min; Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen about 1.5 h. On the east side, Emily Gap is about 15 min and Trephina Gorge about 1 h.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialParks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory — Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
- officialParks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory — Larapinta Trail
- officialParks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory — Arltunga Historical Reserve
- secondaryWikipedia — MacDonnell Ranges
- secondaryWikivoyage: MacDonnell Ranges, revision 5035240 (CC BY-SA 4.0)