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Known locally as the 'West Macs', the
West MacDonnell Range extends west of
Alice Springs over 160 km. This vast, ancient and spectacular section of the
MacDonnell Ranges, encompasses the
West MacDonnell National Park, and provides
some wonderful gorges and natural refuges for the plants and animals that are
found living side by side with relics descended from ancient tropical forests.
Spectacular views, magnificent landforms, greet the traveller as you follow the
sealed road westward out of Alice Springs. Sunrise and sunset are also wonderful
times to take a scenic drive, although care should be taken of wildlife such as
kangaroos, wild horses, camels, donkeys and cattle.
The drive takes you along Larapinta Drive, then take the right into Namatjira
Drive where the sealed road takes you all the way to Glen Helen Gorge, passing
numerous attractions including
Simpsons Gap,
Standley Chasm,
Ellery Creek Bighole, Serpentine Gorge,
Ochre Pits,
Ormiston Gorge and
Glen Helen Gorge. At the end of the scenic drive you can enjoy the panoramic
view from the
Mount Sonder Lookout or continue on to
Redbank Gorge. |
