The Northern Territory’s secret mountain range
Ever heard of the West MacDonnell Ranges? We didn’t think so. Here’s why you need to add it to your travel wishlist.
Where are they?
The MacDonnell Ranges stretch for hundreds of kilometres either side of Alice Springs. As the name suggest, the West MacDonnell Ranges roll out to the west of the town and became part of a national park in 1992. The park is easily accessible by round and can be reached all year round, though it is more comfortable during the cooler months from April to September.
Why are they so special?
The short answer is, they are incredible beautiful. People tend to imagine the centre of Australia is nothing but dry and red. The West MacDonnell Ranges are stunningly beautiful with ochre coloured quartzite peaks, dramatic gorges, permanent waterholes and twisting trees under an endless bright blue sky. It’s a simple, quiet sort of beauty that you will find yourself falling in love with.
The area is the traditional home of the Western Arrernte people, who have been living here for at least 20,000 years. The have a strong connection with the land and their Dreamtime stories tell of the giant caterpillars that became the mountains.
What can I do?
The most famous tourist attraction in the West Macs (as they are known) is the Larapinta Trail. It’s one of the best walking trails in the country, a 223-kilometre ribbon that winds right through the ranges. There are 12 different sections, so you can walk part of it for a day or take on the whole journey over a couple of weeks. The walk runs very close to the main road, so it’s easy to pack a day bag and head out to walk one of the easier sections.
There are lots of other great walking, trekking and cycling trails around the region. You can cool off with a dip in a hidden watering hole, climb to the top of one of the towering peaks or enjoy the shade of a steep gorge. There are many rare and threatened plant species to be found as well as curious wildlife and majestic birds. The area used to be part of Australia’s great inland sea, so there are lots of fossils embedded in the rocks – keep your eyes peeled.
Have you ever been to the West MacDonnell Ranges?