Le alture dei MacDonnell Ranges si snodano per centinaia di chilometri a ovest e a est di Alice Springs. Perfetti per veri e propri trekking, per avventure in fuoristrada, per fare un bel bagno in specchi d’acqua fresca e per campeggiare sotto le stelle.
Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes. The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
There are numerous marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers.
The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments.
There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.
Cose da fare e da vedere presso Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges)
Travellers’ stories
Domande frequenti
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The West Macs are a perfect day trip from Alice Springs. Try a drive to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge, stopping at Glen Helen for lunch. Hermannsburg and the inner Mereenie Loop make another perfect short trip.
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No permits are required in the West MacDonnell Ranges. A small number of attractions have an entry fee.
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The West MacDonnell Ranges are famous for their wide-open beauty and stunning landscapes. You'll need your own car or to join a guided tour to get around. Some locations are only accessible via 4WD, so it's best to plan ahead. Another way to experience the West Macs is to hike a section of the 223km Larapinta Trail.
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The West MacDonnell Ranges begin just outside of Alice Springs, and the major attractions range from 15 minutes to approximately 2 hours drive away. It's easy to make a day trip that takes in a range of natural gorges, waterholes and lunch spots. Hire a car to drive yourself, or take a tour from Alice Springs.
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The start of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is only 15 minutes' drive from Alice Springs. Most of the attractions are no more than 3 hours' drive.
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The West MacDonnell Ranges are home to the towering red cliffs of Simpsons Gap, the sharp crevasses of Standley Chasm and the natural oasis which is Ormiston Gorge. Popular swimming spots are the waterholes at Ellery Creek and Glen Helen.
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Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, a first aid kit, comfortable walking shoes, and swimming gear to take a dip in the natural waterholes. Always be sure to carry plenty of drinking water with you. If hiking the Larapinta Trail, carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon and ensure you let friends or park rangers know where you're going.
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The most popular time to visit is during the cooler months of April-September. The West Macs are open year-round, but take plenty of water in the summer months. If you're camping in winter, be sure to bring some warm clothing for the evenings.
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From the West MacDonnell Ranges, continue west to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon, south to Rainbow Valley or east back to Alice Springs. Further to the east lie the East MacDonnell Ranges, which are home to many interesting stops as well. To the south west lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
