Redcentre drive guide - Tourism Central Australia
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red
centre
drive routes
drive
All the best 2WD
and 4WD routes
guide
secret spots
Locals let you in
on their favourite
Discover hidden gems
our favourite camping
routes, campsites Magic under the
and adventures stars either
glamping or in
a swag
off the beaten track
ESSENTIAL INFO TO
GET YOU OUT AND
BACK SAFELY
discovercentralaustralia.com
Exploring the Ochre Pits
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Werte! G’day! Welcome to the Red
Centre. I have lived around the world,
worked on cruise ships and seen the
great tourism attractions
of the world, but nothing beats Central
Australia. From Uluru, the West
MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs,
and up to The Barkly, there really is
11 so much to see and experience. The
region has something for everyone,
amazing adventures, stunning sunsets,
unique events, breathtaking scenery,
32 heritage, art and culture, nature, and
food of course! Even after living here
for 16 years, Central Australia never
ceases to surprise or amaze me.
It is hard to know where to start, and I
guess that depends on where you are
coming from. I first came to the NT in
1983 and spent three years living at
Uluru. It is still very special to
Susan Silvester
Team Leader Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre
MANAGING EDITOR
Tyler Jefferson
DEPUTY EDITORS
Sinead Reilly me. Uluru is one of the main reasons the heart of the West MacDonnell
Charlotte Long so many people head to the Red Ranges National Park — 2,500 square
Robyn Pitman-Williams Centre and there are so kilometres of ancient rock cliffs,
Looking out the car window at Kata Tjuta | Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Salty Aura 28 Karrke Aboriginal Tourism
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino Courtney Cunningham many ways to experience this gorges, and waterholes that provide a
DESIGN MANAGER incredible place. You can explore it tranquil sanctuary for native flora and
Danielle Beadman on a bike or segway, from a helicopter fauna. While walking is a great way
DESIGNERS or the back of a camel (my favourite). to explore, particularly in the cooler
Nicholas Ramsamy Old fashioned walking gives you time months, there are so many incredible
essential info wider region map 18 Rainbow Valley Swathi Sankaran to connect with the landscape, and places easily accessible in a regular
This precious nature reserve is usually Angus Greaves a guided walk with an Anangu guide car. My personal favourite is Standley
4 How to use this guide 32 Essentials Checklist & Map an easy journey from Alice Springs —
PARTNERSHIPS provides the best opportunity to learn Chasm, an easy 40-minute drive from
Get an overview of the whole region, and tick depending on the conditions.
and the itineraries Serena Prasad about the history, culture, and spiritual Alice Springs. A four-wheel drive
off iconic experiences as you go
An overview of this guide and CARTOGRAPHY significance of Uluru. and suitable driving experience (and
how to get the most out of it on 19 Chambers Pillar Pierre Kurth If you are visiting Uluru, make sure appropriate safety equipment) will get
your Red Centre adventure itineraries See ancient rock engravings, striking Amelie Serplet you allow extra time to visit Kata Tjuta. you to some remarkable places that
landscapes and holy sites along this part-
24 4WD safety 6 Red Centre Way sealed, part-4WD route
Only 50 kilometres by road from Uluru, many locals never see.
See some of the outback’s most iconic COPYRIGHT the 36 towering domes of Kata Tjuta The best thing about my job is seeing
A 4WD adventure is one of the best ways Copyright Tourism Central Australia
landmarks, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings are best explored on foot. The ‘Valley the wonder in the eyes of people
to explore the Red Centre, so here we
Canyon, Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm
20 EAst MACDONNELL Ranges All rights reserved. Except as permitted
of the Winds’ and ‘Walpa Gorge’ walks seeing the Red Centre for the first
present some vital tips to do it responsibly Explore this lesser-known gem of the under the Australian Copyright Act
and safely along the Red Centre Way allow you to meander through deep time, so make sure to pop into the
region, including dozens of culturally 1968, no part of this book may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval crevices between the rock formations. Visitor Information Centre in Alice
28 local services 10 West MACDONNELL Ranges - significant sites
system, communicated or transmitted This is another deeply spiritual Springs and say “G’Day.”
All the must-have local contacts Larapinta & namatjira Drives in any form or by any means without experience. As well as helping you book your
These two routes provide a 2WD and 4WD 22 Alice to Uluru 2WD prior written permission of the
I now live and work in Alice Springs accommodation, tours and car hire
publisher or copyright holders.
35 camping route through the West Macs, with walking Possibly the single most iconic place in
and it is a truly incredible place from (with unlimited kilometres), I might
trails, iconic scenery and more Australia, reached without ever going
Everything you need to know for a magical which to explore Central Australia. share a few more local secrets.
offroad
experience out under the stars DISCLAIMER The Larapinta Trail is recognised Alternatively, call 1800 645 199, email
12 Finke Gorge NP - This book may contain the names and
TIPS FROM THE LOCALS as one of the world’s best multi-day info@discoverca.com.au or go online
FEATURE Palm Valley & Boggy Hole images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
hikes. It runs east-west through at discovercentralaustralia.com.
Two adventurous 4WD routes with historic Islanders who have passed away.
25 TOP Five CAMPSITES sites, amazing views and top tier food 36 Beyond the Everyday
Three 4WD tour operators discuss some of
Some of our favourite spots to park an RV
14 Tennant Creek their favourite Red Centre adventures
Red Centre
or pitch a tent around the Red Centre
to Alice Springs 38 Love the Nightlife
29 Timeless Trephina 4WD
This beautiful spot has so much to offer,
From a unique outback community like no
other to the art and culture of Alice Springs Get close to nocturnal wildlife and the
magic of the night sky with after-dark
powered by
Roadtrip Playlist
with hidden swimming holes, unique 3+ hours of road trip music selected
landscapes to explore, and challenging 16 Binns Track experiences by the staff at Tourism Central Australia
4WD tracks This seven day drive is one of Australia's
best-known 4WD challenges
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find 11 itineraries, laying out number of feature articles the magical experiences gems from locals, like ir e
unt D enison
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suggested driving routes to help you get to know you can have in the Red below, that will add a little Mo
Yuendumu
that we think highlight the region and highlight Centre, and don’t be afraid extra to your journey. Yalpirakinu Ro a
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some of the best places to some more experiences to plan your own route with Armed with the hw
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explore and adventures to that you shouldn’t miss. the experiences you’re most information in these pages, Alkwert
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experience throughout the Explore timeless Trephina eager to have. you’ll be ready to plan your Pvt. NR A
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Each itinerary includes a it has to offer adventurous throughout the guide you'll you’ll never forget. n R Range
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Gary Ga
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route map, information on four-wheel drivers, or get up ui
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Northern Territory
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wheel drive accessibility nocturnal wildlife, and with Dr ! Ringwo
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route, an estimate of sky on unique nocturnal Hermannsburg/
5
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the time it will take, and experiences. You’ll find a
Tra
6 11
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southwest of Alice Springs.
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suggestions for some of our rundown of some of the Nyente
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Offering panoramic views of
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favourite things to see and best camping spots, perfect
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do along the way. for caravanners looking to the West MacDonnell Ranges Blo Permit Req uire
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on your way. You’ll find a favourite Red Centre must- !
Lass e te r High w ay
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rundown of essential safety see spots, complete with a
rm
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info for four-wheel driving handy map so you can tick with waterholes, gorges, and Finke/Aputula
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in the Red Centre to ensure them off as you go. wildlife. Pro tip: Finke River
Tra
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Finke R oa
ck
you make it back safely, a Our itineraries are useful
ed
local tips Adventures offers an ATV M
Northern Territory
guide to local services, and suggested routes for a great BY EMILY ILGEN
a n n Rang e
s Permit South Australia Req. Line
a handy distance grid on the experience, but your Red
driving experience for the Permit
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drives. your own. So read this guide W d
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Trip Planner
A couple enjoying the sunset at Anzac Hill | Photo Credit: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo
centre
1
RED
drive find your next
adventure
guide
CENTRE WAY
Explore some of the outback’s most People at Desert Mob Exhibition
Photo Credit: Tourism Australia
iconic landmarks, including Uluru, Kata
Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Simpsons Gap
and Standley Chasm on a road trip
along the Red Centre Way.
Allow at least five days to see
everything along this incredible
journey. You’ll learn firsthand about
the world’s oldest living culture from
traditional Aboriginal landowners, trek
red desert sands, lush valleys, mulga
forests and towering gorges. kangaroo and emu farm will allow you
Beginning in Alice Springs, head to get up close with these fascinating
south along the Stuart Highway. If you animals and their elevated sunset
have a four-wheel drive, you’ll want viewing platform is the perfect spot to
to allow time to see Rainbow Valley’s see a breathtaking Northern Territory
sandstone cliffs and bluffs. These are sunset or sunrise.
especially beautiful when the early Turning down the Lasseter Highway,
morning or late afternoon sun picks out you can visit Curtin Springs, a working
the rainbow bands. cattle station and roadhouse. We
Erldunda Roadhouse sits at the suggest stopping in here either on your
intersection of the Stuart and Lasseter way to Uluru or when you head back to
Highways, and with accommodation Kings Canyon. There are guided walks
ranging from luxury rooms to powered of the nearby salt lakes, and striking
or unpowered caravan spots, it is a views of Mt Conner (you will spot
great place to spend a night. Their Mt Conner to the left some distance
before reaching Curtin Springs).
Plan for at least a day exploring Uluru
Couple at Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve and Kata Tjuta, or longer if you have
Photo Credit:Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle
the time — we promise it’s worth it!
Explore the icons at sunset or sunrise,
on foot, camel back or bicycle. Explore
Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds
walk, see Uluru up close with the Base
Walk, and hear stories connected to
Tjukurpa.
From Uluru head next to Kings
Canyon within Watarrka National Park.
Kings Canyon offers walking and hiking
options suitable for all levels. The
Rim Walk is a three-hour experience
6 7
red
Trip Planner
centre Staying at Kings Creek Station
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Christopher Pollitt
drive
guide
Rock Wallabies and Thai
at Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Hidden Gems
This is almost certainly the closest
you will get to rock wallabies. You'll
see them as you enjoy some of the
finest Thai cuisine for 1500km in
any direction. Please don't feed the
wallabies!
Curtin Springs tour to
check out the salt lakes
Four different salt lakes, each with
a different surface, everchanging
light, and Mount Conner appearing
and disappearing on the horizon
Camel Burger at Kings
Creek Station
Everyday is hump day at
Kings Creek Station!
Walking at the base of Uluru | Photo Credit: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers
116
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19
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equally breathtaking views. and the gorge is a stunning chasm Red Centre Way, through Tjoritja/
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'Maryvale' 8
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ALT r sealed unsealed
Roa d
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to Alice Springs will take you on the acts as a refuge for many threatened spectacular area includes chasms, Lake Amadeus
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'Palmer Valley' 8sealed unsealed
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See Finke River Track Map
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130km of unsealed, often heavily access this spot, and there are basic Stop at Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Downs Historical Reserve
Luritja
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Stuart
IPA
corrugated road. Definitely worth it camping facilities, moderately difficult Big Hole, Glen Helen, Standley Chasm Pillar
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National Park Reserve
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an eye out for camels, wild horses waterholes — be aware, the water is swimming spots and unique wildlife. Mt Ebenezer 8C :8
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Tjuta NP
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To Mulga Park To Kulgera Roadhouse
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Trip Planner
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find your next find your next
centre adventure adventure
drive Larapinta Drive namatjira Drive local tips
guide - West MacDonnell Ranges - west MacDonnell Ranges BY DANIAL ROCHFORD
Tourism Central Australia
“When driving through the West
Much like the Larapinta Drive (Rungutjirpa), Standley Chasm MacDonnell Ranges on Namatjira Drive,
township. Situated on 1300 hectares, (see page 14), the Namatjira Drive (Angkerle Atwatye), Neil Hargrave take some time to stop at each of the
Inarlanga Pass
Hidden Gems
you can get up close and personal also runs west from Alice Springs. Lookout, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston 'Lookout' Rest Areas: Point Howard,
A short 1 hour hike in from the Neil Hargrave, Mount Sonder and
with endemic wildlife and flora, as well Ochre Pits in the West Macs, this is Namatjira Drive makes for a great Gorge (Kwartatuma) and Mt Sonder
as learn all about the culture of the an approachable and enjoyable way companion drive to the Larapinta Lookout are all sealed and accessible Tylers Pass. It is not by chance that
local Arrernte people. On the way to to get a taste of the Larapinta Trail. Drive, intersecting with an even greater via 2WD. they each have spectacular views.”
This is an in and out hike.
the Desert Park, keep an eye out for number of Central Australia essentials. The turnoffs to Point Howard
stunning Mount Gillen on the left. Roma Gorge Customise your Namatjira Drive Lookout, Ellery Creek Big Hole
Probably the least visited gorge in
You’ll then have a chance to stop the West Macs. A high-clearance
itinerary by doing some research on (Udepata) and Glen Helen are
by Simpsons Gap (Rungutjirpa) and 4WD is definitely required. what you can see and do along the way corrugated dirt roads but are still as campsites, a restaurant/bar, a
Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), — unless, of course, you want to try to accessible via 2WD. The turnoffs to swimming pool and an outdoor terrace
Sunrise from Mt Sonder
both geological marvels that will instil A 14 kilometre return walk from fit everything in! Serpentine Gorge, Redbank Gorge overlooking the stunning Glen Helen
you with a sense of just how unique the Redbank Gorge carpark - start at Named after famed Indigenous artist (Rwetyepme), and Roma Gorge cliffs.
Red Centre really is. 3am to catch the sunrise. Albert Namatjira, this drive consists of Lookout (with a great view towards Many people just go as far as Glen
Up next is Owen Springs Reserve; a sealed roads, meaning you won’t need Gosse Bluff) are recommended for high Helen, but you can continue on, past
beautiful reserve with rocky gorges, a high clearance 4WD unless you plan clearance 4WDs only. Gosse Bluff and loop back to Alice
waterholes, and red sands emblematic on visiting certain spots en route. Picturesque camping options include Springs via the Larapinta Drive. The
of the Red Centre. Note that this road The drive starts from Alice Springs on Ormiston Gorge Campground, with hot total round trip from Alice Springs via
is only accessible via high clearance the Larapinta Drive where you can visit showers and a handy kiosk, and Ellery the Namatjira and Larapinta Drives
4WD vehicles. If you feel like breaking Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm Creek Campxground, featuring the back to Alice Springs is 354km. To see
up the drive overnight, Camping is before turning right onto Namatjira site’s spectacular waterhole. everything that this drive has to offer
Couple at Simpsons Gap permitted within Lawrence Gorge and Drive. Glen Helen Discovery Park has we suggest taking at least two days out
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle
near Redbank Waterhole. No facilities The turnoffs to Simpsons Gap comfortable motel rooms as well of your itinerary.
are provided.
When you reach Hermannsburg, 87 39
32
19
Running west from Alice Springs enhance your knowledge of Indigenous To Tilmouth Well Roadhouse
L
To Plenty Hwy
(Mpartnwe) to Hermannsburg (Ntaria), art by checking out the Albert
the Larapinta Drive interconnects a Namatjira Memorial and spending en
Private
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Pr
Private
number of incredible must-sees in the some time at Hermannsburg Potters 'Narwietooma'
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Anga Tea Room.
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sealed unsealed
Access requires a high-clearance house
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sa
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Palm Valley Ewaninga Rock
4WD. Take the Hugh River/Birthday Kricha
sealed unsealed
L 89
ad
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Local Road
GLEN HELEN FOR LUNCH WITH A SPECTACULAR
!
Waterhole track roughly 10km along
!
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!
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sealed unsealed
Ro
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Areyonga/Utju MV
"
Intjarrtnama Track
Namatjira Drive off Larapinta Drive. Reserve
ad
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VIEW. Continue on through Tylers pass 4WD Track private
"
Intyamangama Wallace MVO River, State Border
rt
with views of Gosse Bluff stopping at Rockhole
ua
Mt Zeil e r
Riv
National Park Reserve
St
Finke Gorge
Hermannsburg to visit the historical The highest point in the Northern 8C
(Old
h
National Park ug
precinct AND enjoy world famous strudel Territory. Approach from Mt Zeil JAMES RANGE
Accredited Visitor Centre
i
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local tips
Il l
Wilderness Park. Recommended S :
F i nk e
Ra inbo 24 hrs Fuel
ar
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Urrampinyi
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in the tea rooms, a big day all on sealed wV
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BY STEVE SHEARER that only those who are well Iltjiltjarri ALT Pa
all
Unleaded & Diesel, Diesel
85
h
roads. enjoy the drive!” prepared and fit enough attempt the sto
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Thrifty car rental Illamurta ral
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climb as it traverses over rugged Ilpurla 8C Rd Caravan Park
CL
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terrain, harsh spinifex and steep Wal k e r C re W
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Rainbow Valley
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Aboriginal Community
Valley
LA
69
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Mc Mi
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Homestead/ Outstation
" L
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10 To Erldunda Roadhouse
1111
red
Trip Planner
centre 6
find your next
adventure
drive
guide Finke Gorge
National Park
- BOGGY HOLE
The Finke Gorge National Park is a popular tourist
destination just south of Hermannsburg. Central to the
appeal of the Finke Gorge National Park is the Finke River,
which is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the
world. The Hermannsburg to Ilpurla route encompasses
the Finke Gorge National Park. While the road from Alice
Springs to Hermannsburg can be undertaken by 2WD,
the tracks in the National Park require a high-clearance
4WD. For those without a 4WD, the park can be accessed
via tours based in Alice Springs.
Spectacular views across Palm Paddock | Photo Credit: 4wdAdventureOz/Glenn Marshall Accessible all year round, except when the Finke
River is in flood, Boggy Hole (and the Boggy Hole track)
also require 4WDs to access. Boggy Hole is a stunning
permanent waterhole just a few hours’ drive from
5 Hermannsburg and located across from a historic police
find your next camp. When it closed between 1893 and 1912 it became Finke River Gorge Track | Photo Credit: Matt Williams
adventure
Overview of Palm Valley | Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Steve Strike
an administration centre that distributed rations to 35 14
41 L
Aboriginal people.
Finke Gorge
!
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! !
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Finke Gorge National Park is considered a place To Gosses Bluff
of Indigenous cultural significance, due to the many
A
To Alice Springs
Aboriginal sites contained within it. Why not traverse Tnorala 2
To Kings Canyon
National Park
(Gosse Bluff) L ta Driv
To Namatjira Drive
A
A
6
Rutjingka one of the many walking tracks in the 46,000-hectare CR A
6 L ar a pin e 8C
F in
41
ss
La Hermannsburg/
National Park? Palm Valley is also nestled within the park.
ke
quired
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rap
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To Alice Springs
in erm Lyiltjara "
ta The rare Red Cabbage Palm can only be found within P 14
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Hermannsburg
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ant Rd Potters Finke Gorge National Park, making it another popular
13
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Hermannsburg Mpakaputa
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Palm Valley
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Looking for a new 4WD adventure? The Finke River adventurous, experienced and well-prepared, this is a
2WD 4WD !
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sealed unsealed Intyamangama
National Park drive to Palm Valley is a fantastic route to one Ri
great way to get to Kings Canyon and/or Uluru. Make
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sealed unsealed r
To Red Sandhill
0 6 12
of the most impressive places in Central Australia. Driving sure you have plenty of fresh drinking water and a
Riv
Sub-arterial Road Tr !
er
km
!
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k Boggy
alongside the oldest river in the world, Palm Valley is a maze Local Road
sealed unsealed F i n ke satellite phone. © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2022 J A
ME Hole
Track www.hemamaps.com S
of sandstone amphitheatres, pinnacles and gorges, as well RANGES
80
4WD Track private
r
Riv e
on ly
as home to its namessake, the Red Cabbage Palm. The River, State Border
Finke Gorge
National Park Reserve National Park
surrounding areas are also of great cultural significance to Hermannsburg Heritage Precinct | Photo Credit: Tourism NT Illamurta
8 V Urrampinyi
Unleaded & Diesel Fuel
the Western Arrernte people, so it’s a great place to visit, go
ath e r
Springs CR
Iltjiltjarri ALT
on a walk and set up camp for the night. Caravan Park, Picnic Area
Cp Illamurta
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Road
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An easy 127km, two-hour drive on the bitumen of Larapinta Camping area with facilities
c km 'Tempe
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Running
Waters
k
© Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2022 Downs'
Drive gets you to Hermannsburg. Take some time to explore Point of Interest !
! Palm Valley
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McM
Aboriginal Community in n
this incredible Historic Precinct and have a coffee and apple
River
P e t e r ma Tem Cr eek
Valley
Homestead/ Outstation nn 62 pe
C re ek
"
strudel at the Kata Anga Tea Rooms — the back deck looks
uire d
Pa l m
out over the Finke River. Back on the road, cross the Finke Akanta Bush
Req
gki Palm Palm Valley
lun nya Palm Valley Valley Camping Campground
River, and turn left. The last 16km of this road is along the
er
To Stuart Highway
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Though predominantly dry, there are some deep and sandy
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sections to cross. Further, heavy rains in this region can
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cause this section to be impassable, so check before you MVO
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head out — otherwise, Palm Valley is accessible year-round, ke
Ri v e r
Itinerary
2WD 4WD
Unleaded & Diesel Fuel
8
L
and is a class 1 campsite with showers — charges as per "
Intyamangama
Highway
sealed unsealed
Caravan Park, Lookout
C]
Road
Parks and Wildlife NT. There’s a 4.5km track down to the Finke Gorge Arterial Road
National Park Angas Sub-arterial Road
sealed unsealed Rest Area overnight with no toilet
j
Palm Valley Park area from the campsite, passing Cycad Downs IPA sealed unsealed Camping area with facilities
c
Gorge, which is great for beginner 4WDers. A
3 Local Road
sealed unsealed
Point of Interest Palm Valley !
!
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Salt Creek
!
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Track
4WD Track private Aboriginal Community
National Park Reserve Homestead/ Outstation
Rest Area "
12 To Ilpurla To Uluru
13
red
Couple exploring Devils Marble | Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Helen Orr
Trip Planner
centre
drive
guide
8
find your next
nteure
veur
adnt
adve
Tennant
Creek
to
ASP
Tennant Creek is a wonderful place
in which plenty of things will catch
Alice Springs Street Art | Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Elise Derwin
your eye. Community-minded and To Renner Springs To Cape Crawford
self-reliant, the town is certainly worth UFOs at Wycliffe Well
Hidden Gems
The UFO Capital of Australia.
a visit. With perfect weather and an Wis Sh Warumungu
Hwy
o r t R 87 Ba
a
Per o A rk l
intriguing history, Tennant Creek has Davenport Ranges mit Road L A
66 y
186
l ands
Req Hi
something for everyone. 1,120 square kilometre National u ired gh
Park. Great for four-wheel driving. L 24 wa
V
Karlantijpa y
ble
Tennant Creek has many seasonal Includes Old Police Station Tennant
Ta
North L
!
Creek 'Barkly
"
activities and festivals. The Desert Waterhole. 0
km
30 60
Homestead
Harmony Festival celebrates artists © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2022 i,:C Roadhouse' A
66
from the Barkly region and is held www.hemamaps.com
Highw ay
8C
To Camooweal
on the NT Picnic Day Long Weekend 114
History of the RFDS Tanami
annually the beginning of August. Located on Stuart Highway, Tennant Ranges, why not take a camel ride at Photo Credit: Tourism NT/ j
Shaana McNaught Desert Bonney Well !
!
Located on the edge of the Barkly Creek is also an ideal place to begin sunset and see this landscape at the Itinerary
2WD 4WD
Tableland, a vast area of grassland the iconic trip to Alice Springs. Along peak of its natural glory? 8C0 Wauchope L Highway
Arterial Road
sealed unsealed
'Wycliffe
dominated by large cattlestations, the way, why not stop and explore the Art enthusiasts will find loads to be "
Well' Sub-arterial Road
Anurrete
sealed unsealed
Tennant Creek can act as a base to towns scattered along the way? The excited about — from the Alice Springs 109 Local Road
sealed unsealed
sealed unsealed
visit many different places. You can trip takes you through Wauchope, Telegraph Station, School of the Air, Ali Track ow a private
Tk
visit Karlu Karlu, the Devils Marbles. Wycliffe Well, Barrow Creek, Ti Tree, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Womens R Taylor Creek
!
!
Curung/ River, State Border
4WD Track
Warrabri National Park Reserve
These ancient granite marbles seem and Aileron, and there are numerous Museum of Australia, and the National 8C Barrow
rt
W
ua
Creek
illo
St
to defy gravity and are a must-see. The points of interest en route — Bonney Road Transport Hall of Fame plus :8
Pe
24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel
wr
L
rm
a
;5
it
Davenport Ranges, which is a 4WD Well, the Teamster Memorial, Ryan more, there’s something exciting for ad Opal, Diesel
Ro .
A
Re
Teamster 87
paradise, or the Battery Hill Mining Well, Connor Well, and the Peter everyone.
q
Memorial
!
88 Caravan Park, Airport C,
Centre, the site of Australia’s last gold Egerton-Warburton Memorial, among The Olive Pink Botanic Gardens are
!
;5Cc
!
! Accredited Visitor Centre
i
y
Mt Stuart
Hw
rush, are also worthy of a visit. Nyinkka many others. The Stuart Highway is another lovely way to spend some Ti Tree L Reserve j Rest area overnight with toilet
R
Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre is a sealed, so a 4WD is only required if time — meander through the scenic
Mt
De Rest area overnight with no toilet
ay
ni
s on Woodgreen
!
!
j
Highw
R
great place to view and buy the art of you’re planning to take a detour to the gardens and finish the trip with a coffee
To Jervois
oad
er
Camping area with facilities
CR c
ov
nd
the local Warumungu people. Davenport Ranges. and bite to eat from the cafe. Prowse Gap Aboriginal Community
Sa
!
!
'Aileron' 124 R
Alice Springs perfectly encapsulates Alice Springs is also known for its Homestead/ Outstation
"
Alkwert
"
!
!
the spirit of the outback and will fill challenging golf course. Equipped with Ryan Well His. Res.
y Hig hway
Native Gap P lent
Tjanpi Desert Weavers your itinerary with a brilliant mixture of motorised buggies, the course caters Connors Well
!
!
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Elise Derwin
natural and cultural must-sees. to tourists and residents alike. j Warburton
Memorial
Atitjere/Harts
Range
L
An excellent base from which to Another way to see the town is by hot
!
R
!
explore the East and West MacDonnell air balloon during sunrise, a helicopter
T an
am
i Tropic Of i:C ;5
Capricorn Ruby Gap
Alice
!
!
Ranges and other scenic beauties, flight, or by glider. These are popular Road Nature Park
such as Alice Springs Desert Park. activities among tourists and an
Na m Tyurretye 68 Springs Arletherre
Atnetye
L 43
a tjir
a
Drive L !!
Alice is fringed by the MacDonnell incredible sight to behold. L ara pint e ,
!
Ring w d
oo
a D r iv
69 8 Simpson
ToUluru
Hermannsburg Santa Teresa/
Desert
rt
/Ntaria L Ltyentye Apurte
ua
8C
St
14 To Stuarts Well 1515
Roadhouse
red
Old Ghan Finke Track, Binns Tr
Trip Planner
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Steve Strike
centre
drive
guide
9
find your next
adnt
adve nteure
veur
binns
track
Plan an adventure through the fossick for semi-precious stones.
foreign yet spectacular scenery of the Gemtree to Davenport Ranges on day 4 To Katherine
Binns Track, one of Australia’s best will require your offroading skills as you
4WD tracks. Named after Bill Binns, travel through outback cattle stations ! L
A 8C
H i gh w a y
a ranger who worked with NT Parks 94km east along the Plenty Highway. 1 B
To Doon Doon
Timber h a na Daly Waters
uc
and Wildlife for 32 years, this 2,191km Then, head north to Old Police Station Ca r pen
A
Roadhouse
Creek A
80 n
L t a ria H
adventure road trip from Mt Dare to Waterhole via Hatches Creek and the 213 i g hw ay A
1
:C "
Hwy
L Dunmarra
Timber Creek shows you what driving Frew River Loop. Judbarra / Gregory NP 'Top
T a ble l ands
Kalkarindji/Wave Springs' 182 101 'Newcastle
through Central Australia has to offer. On day 5 you’ll encounter a Hill
The challenging track is quite remote, challenge in the form of steep climbs :C ;5C Waters' "
A
96
8C Elliott
L
so make sure you come prepared, up loose surfaces 9km along the
ine
especially with road conditions always Frew River Loop to the main access Bu n t ert R
d
Calv
changing. Access is often limited from road to Epenarra. Then drive 81km to Lajamanu : Ra
S tu
nk
To Halls Creek
Karlantijpa 232 en
December through May. Whistleduck Creek, the track for which Itinerary
ar t
2WD 4WD North Three Ways
Rd
Highway
After a stunning sunrise at Mt Dare, continues 90km west to the Stuart Arterial Road
sealed unsealed Pe
rmit
Roadhouse
Hwy
it’s 421km along Old Andado Track Highway, right near the Devils Marbles Sub-arterial Road
sealed unsealed Wiso Req.
R oad
A
66
Ba
L ! Tennant rkly
"
sealed unsealed
to Alice Springs, driving through where you can set up camp and
destinations like the Finke River explore the reserve. On day six, after
Local Road
Track
sealed unsealed
4WD Track private
V 114 Creek Hwy
0 50 100
flood-out, Molly Clark’s Old Andado a photoshoot with the Marbles, drive
River, State Border
km i,:C
Camooweal
To
National Park Reserve © Hema Maps Pty
Homestead and Santa Teresa — an 90km north to explore Tennant Creek Ltd 2022 L
artistic Aboriginal community. The and its music and Indigenous culture.
24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel :8 www.hemamaps.com
0
37
amount of dust here can make it The Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture
Opal, Diesel
;5
difficult to drive. You’ll visit N’Dhala Centre is a great place to learn about
Caravan Park, Airport
C,: A
87 y
H
w
Accredited Visitor Centre
Gorge on day two, and this 97km route the Warumungu people’s connection to i L
Ampilatwatja
Aboriginal Community
ve
r
crosses the Ross River multiple times the land. an
do
Homestead/ Outstation "
389
180
which is impassable after heavy rain. On day 7 you'll pass Threeways
S
y
Experience the gold rush at Arltunga Roadhouse before driving another Hw
To Tobermorey
Pl e nty
WA
NT
;5 L 89 L
Historical Reserve, then slowly drive 255km on the Stuart Highway to Papunya
Hw
Gary J Ta
103
d
u nc tion Roa n am L Atitjere/Harts
y
2.5 hours east, 38km, to Ruby Gap Newcastle Waters — a deserted ghost Kintore/ Pe rm it
Req. i Rd Range
;5
L
92
Nature Park. town — and heading 78km north to Haasts
Walungurru Bluff L
198 !
!
!
Atnetye
Head for Gemtree on day 3 along Dunmarra Wayside Inn, your campsite. ;5 L a r a p i nta 164 Dr
Pinnacles Track, offering fantastic The Red Centre region ends here, but if , 331
Pe
views of the Harts Ranges. Gemtree interested, continue exploring for a few Hermannsburg/ 316
Alice
rmi t
186
Caravan Park is your campsite, 95km more days up to Timber Creek.
Ntaria Springs
Co
Yulara A
87
ls
L L
;5 i:CL
107
on
from Arltunga, and here you can
Re
134
Lassete
To Warburton
L! Hwy
q.
r
Tra
Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP 92 Finke/ 8C
ck
Petermann Aputula Mount Dare
L
91
NT
16 SA
"
L 1717
WA
SA
To Marla
The lone pillar is unmissable | Photo Credit: Matt Williams
red
Trip Planner
centre
11
drive find your next
adventure
guide
10
find your next
chambers pillar
adventure
Rainbow Valley is a must-see | Photo Credit: Getty/TonyFeder
rainbow valley
The Rainbow Valley early morning or after rain, base of this amazing rock ancient petroglyphs (rock
Conservation Reserve is when pools of water reflect formation, named for its engravings) and other forms
known for its beautifully the unique coloured rock unusual appearance caused of rock art. Cultural tours of
coloured sandstone bluffs landscape. by millions of years of wind the area are offered, leaving
and cliffs as well as its From Alice Springs, drive and erosion. The walk is from Alice Springs.
biodiversity with hundreds 75km south along the Stuart particularly scenic during The Reserve features
of plant species and a wide Highway. From this turnoff wildflower season in spring. picnic facilities, toilets, gas
variety of animal and bird point there is a further 22km This region has significant barbecues and camping
life. Part of the James Range, of unsealed road to travel, cultural significance and the options. Fire pits are also
Rainbow Valley is 97km south best suited to 4WDs. area is strongly connected provided, however collecting
of Alice Springs making it Once at the Reserve, to the Southern Arrernte wood from the Reserve is not
an easy day trip. This spot is check out Mushroom Rock people, known to them as permitted so you’ll need to
particularly beautiful in the and enjoy a walk around the Wurre. The rocks feature bring your own. chamber pillar | Photo Credit: Matt Williams
To Alice Springs To Tennant Creek
Spend the night at one Napwerte/Ewanings Rock
of the two campgrounds Carvings Reservation
To Ross River
c c Gap c ] Alice i:C
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87
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To Uluru
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18 To Kulgera Roadhouse
19red
Trephina Gorge Nature Park
Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Trip Planner
centre
drive
guide
4
find your next
east
adventure
MacDonnell
Ranges
Hidden Gems
John Hayes Rockhole
A nine kilometre 4WD track leads
to this hidden waterhole with steep
rock walls. John Hayes is a popular
swimming location during warmer
months.
t
Irrerlirre
W 37
y
Chain of Ponds Walk at John Hayes Rockhole
Photo Credit: Getty/Karel Stipek To Engawala
To Arlparra
If the West MacDonnell Ranges John Hayes Rockhole is worth the 9km
are the jewel in the Central Australian detour.
To Jervois
L
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Alkwert ALT R
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'Bushy Park' ns
Itinerary
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Accredited Visitor Centre
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Gemtree 2WD 4WD
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Caravan Park :8 L
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24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel
Ranges are the hidden gem. Sights an important part of the Dreaming for sealed unsealed
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Pr
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ri v
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to see within the East MacDonnell Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people, P sealed unsealed
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Range
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Fossicking
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rock art and white lime paintings. culture that make these formations Camping area with facilities
c
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Riddoch' c p
Trephina Gorge is also part of the East so meaningful. The East MacDonnell Resort can be found 83km east-north- Private
National Park Reserve Picnic Area
.
MacDonnell Ranges. Marvel at the Ranges also has historical meaning — east of Alice Springs by sealed road Pvt Emily Gap
32
Point of Interest !
!
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L 'Yambah' Aboriginal
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300-year-old ghost gum on the banks Arltunga was the site of early European and offers a variety of accommodation "
a an
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of the gorge and make use of the five gold mining and is considered to be the options including camping and rustic
Pu b
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walking tracks around the gorge. If first town in the Northern Territory. cabins — there’s even a swimming pool Ac
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you have a high clearance 4WD the Need a place to stay? Ross River so you can cool off after your drive. Memorial G ar d
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Wind a little further through the ranges, Private
L T he
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See Ruby Gap Map
P
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up the Binns Track 115km north east Narbib 'The Garden'
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Private
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caravans aren’t your style. You can loop Gorges
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back to Alice Springs via ‘The Gardens Rest Area
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If exploring the East MacDonnell L
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Tjoritja / West 19 Junction
gh
wa
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Corroboree N’Dhala Gorge
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from the air. Helicopter tours of the
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East MacDonnell Ranges are ripe for
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20 To Stuarts Well Roadhouse To Todd River Downs 2121You can also read
