To the west, this dramatic formation is protected in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Turning right at the intersection is where we want to go: it will take you on the ‘outer’ loop of the Red Centre Way along Namatjira Drive. Self Drive Australia offering holiday itineraries for campervans and motorhome hire also 4wd camper rental self-drive route scenic itineraries around Australia from Broome, ... Itinerary self drive suggestions East MacDonnell Ranges and West MacDonnell Ranges. Departing Alice Springs, this full day tour takes you to a number of the region's best destinations and sites for the whole day aboard a comfortable coach. “I am thrilled that the completion of the paving of the Inner Loop will give a real boost to self-drive tourism and guided tours alike in the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges.” There has been a recent increase in tourists taking self-guided tours on the road, with 161,000 people visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges … We tour through these amazing ranges all day and stop at beautiful gorges and waterholes, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months. THE West MacDonnell Ranges is written off by a lot of hardcore four-wheel drivers as too pedestrian to bother with. In a nutshell, it’s a town that never fails to intrigue. On the Red Centre Way, a self-drive route that links Alice Springs, Yulara, Kings Canyon and the Namatjira Way back to Alice, I make an unforgettable journey through all the colours and experiences of Central Australia. 64% stayed for 3 or less nights. Welcome to the East MacDonnell Ranges. • The East and West MacDonnell Ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometres on both sides of Alice Springs. A return trip from Alice of under 120 km makes this another good day out. 23% stayed for 6-14 … Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka National Park (home to Kings Canyon) are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook the dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges). Visit Arltunga, a ghost town that was the site of a gold rush in the 1930's. The Red Centre Way journey is recommended to be done over a minimum 6 days via four-wheel drive or spare some extra time to complete the completely sealed 1750 kilometre loop if travelling by two-wheel drive. Self-drive is certainly one of the most popular ways to get to the West MacDonnell National Park. Because of this many people opt to base themselves there and do a trip to the ranges for a day. Or, would I be better off arranging a tour through one of the tour company's? Sure, there are quality tarmac roads linking most of the major waypoints, but this is a place of breathtakingly rugged beauty that needs to be experienced by every outback traveller worth their salt. The East MacDonnell Ranges can be found for 150km just east of Alice Springs. West MacDonnell Ranges. The West MacDonnell Ranges have been justifiably described as the jewel in the crown of Central Australia. The nearest major town to the West MacDonnell Ranges is Alice Springs. MacDonnell Ranges: Self drive - See 421 traveller reviews, 256 candid photos, and great deals for West MacDonnell National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The 1135 kilometre Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs makes its way through Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Ask one of our reception staff about touring the West MacDonnell Ranges, either with one of our local touring companies or take a self-drive tour to discover the many and varied gorges and swimming holes. Macdonnell Ranges, Hugh NT, Australia An ever-present backdrop to Alice Springs, the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges stretch for more than 100 kilometres to both the west and east of the town. Glen Helen Lodge- The only accommodation within the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Central Australia. Here are some easy adventures to try in the West MacDonnell Ranges, all within a two-hour drive of the town centre. Ayers Rock is probably the most popular option for campervan tourists coming to this region, but an alternative that is closer to Alice and every bit as rewarding for a self drive excursion is the West Macdonnell National Park. This section of the journey is on sealed roads (with the exception of access roads into several gorges along the way). The East MacDonnell Ranges, while not as well known as the West MacDonnell Ranges, do provide beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving. On the way, there is the Alice Springs Desert Park which is well worth a visit. Standley Chasm. But rush past this frontier town on the edge of the MacDonnell Ranges and you’ll miss out. Explore unique waterholes and river systems against a backdrop of imposing mountain peaks while learning more about the natural history and local heritage of the Ranges. The West MacDonnell National Park was established in 1984 to protect the numerous parks and reserves of the range. Our park is the great base to set up camp or stay in one of our many self-contained cabins, to then explore the Red Centre. Travel through red desert sands, lush valleys, towering gorges and a number of waterholes, on this iconic journey. “The West MacDonnell Ranges has been nominated by the Northern Territory Government for World Heritage listing, ... Our touring products range from budget to luxury tours, specialised and award-winning Disability Camping Tours and self-drive Adventure Rentals. The ancient landscape, sculptured over time by climatic change and made famous by the art of Western Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira is on display in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Then there are the icons – Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the West MacDonnell Ranges. West MacDonnell Ranges This self-drive audio tour will take you from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Gorge along Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive. The Park is one of Australia’s premier national parks, covering over 2000km2 stretching westwards from the township of Alice Springs for 160kms. Simpsons Gap is in the West MacDonnell Ranges and only 18 kilometres from Alice Springs. Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 km west of Alice Springs. “The West MacDonnell Ranges has been nominated by the Northern Territory Government for World Heritage listing, ... Our touring products range from budget to luxury tours, specialised and award-winning Disability Camping Tours and self-drive Adventure Rentals. At lunch time, when the sun is right above it, the steep walls light up in orange and the bottom of the chasm fills up with tourists. The first attraction in the park, Simpsons Gap, is located around 24 kilometres from Alice Springs, with the drive taking less than 30 minutes. Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. 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