Glen Helen Gorge is a great place to view the West MacDonnell Ranges, take a cool dip, and is an important refuge for local wildlife.
The gorge is located 132 kilometres from Alice Springs, in the western reaches of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The landscape around Glen Helen is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colours with the light.
At Glen Helen Gorge, the ranges part to make way for the Finke River. This permanent waterhole is an important refuge in the hot summer months, for all nine species of fish recorded for the Finke, as well as migrating waterbirds. From here the Finke River makes its way on to the Simpson Desert.
Glen Helen Gorge, has a spiritual and practical significance to the area's traditional owners. The ancestral story linked to the Gorge relates to Itye, a moon ancestor who visited the area while searching for a wife.
Section 10 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk, is an 8.9 kilometre, medium grade one day hike, ending at the Finke River trailhead. This trailhead can be accessed via a 4.5 kilometre walking track from Glen Helen.
Pass information
If you're a visitor to the NT, you need an NT Parks Visitor Pass to visit most national parks and reserves. The pass allows you to visit all parks and reserves managed by the NT Government within your valid dates.
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Price per:
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1-day pass | 3-day pass | 2-week pass | 1-month pass | Annual pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 18 years and over | $10 | $20 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| Child 5 to 17 years | $5 | $10 | $15 | $22 | $30 |
| Family 2 adults and 4 children | $25 | $50 | $75 | $110 | $150 |
| Concession Holders of Australian Government issued Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Card. | $8 | $16 | $24 | $36 | $48 |
NT residents don't need a visitor pass but may be asked to show proof of residency, such as a valid NT driver licence.
Buy your pass online or find out more about passes & permits in the NT.
Opening times
Open daily, 24 hours.
Entry cost
- Indicative Prices tickets from $10 to $60
Park entry fees - NT Parks Visitor Pass applies (NT Residents exempt). - Child tickets from $5 to $30
Park entry fees - NT Parks Visitor Pass applies (NT Residents exempt).
Facilities
- Caravan / camper trailer / campervan sites / campsites
- Carpark
- Coach parking
- Food and refreshments
- Lookouts
- Public toilet
- Restaurant
Activities
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
- Walks
Holiday deals
Take advantage of these travel deals to help your holiday dollars go further in the NT. See all deals & offers
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