West MacDonnell Range - Northern Territory
West MacDonnell National Park is a spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges, located west of Alice Springs, once higher than the Himalayas and was formed over 800 million years ago.
Over time the ancient peaks have been considerably eroded so that what remains is an impressive environment of rugged gorges, hidden waterholes, remnant rainforest and a large number of animal specials and flora.
Ormiston George, considered the ‘jewel of the MacDonnell Ranges’ is one of the most beautiful gorges in the country, has basic camping facilities including showers and toilets. The Ochre Pits are a natural quarry once mined by the Aboriginal people for ochre, used in rock art, painting and ceremonial decoration.
Campsites with breathtaking scenery at Redbank Gorge and Ellery Creek Big-Hole, a large waterhole with high red cliffs and a sandy creek fringed with river red gums, provide basic facilities for camping. Serpentine Gorge, which runs snake-like through the Heavitree Range and 2-Mile (4WD only); provide camping sites with no facilities. At Serpentine Gorge all fires are prohibited in this special zone. Fireplaces are provided at most sites, however at some sites free gas barbecues have been installed to replace open fireplaces.
Camping fees apply and are payable at each camping area, fees vary according to the standard of the campground facilities. These fees are payable at Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory.
(all photo's courtesy of Tourism NT)
