What to do in Macdonnell Region

Rising from the desert in the Northern Territory, the red sandstone monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) has been a place of great spiritual importance to the Anangu Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Be awed by the sight of the rock changing colours at sunset, its deep crevices turning from bright orange to an intense purple hue.

Home to the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the world-famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park also has many other wonders to discover, from indigenous cultural heritage to an astounding variety of birdlife. The park is both UNESCO and World Heritage listed for its cultural and natural significance.

The West MacDonnell Ranges are home to an incredible array of desert plants and animals. This group of ranges in the Northern Territory is affectionately known as the West Macs and its isolated beauty is captured in the artworks of its most famous past resident, indigenous painter Albert Namatjira. Hike the ranges on the Larapinta Trail. Cool off in waterholes in deep gorges or take the scenic bike trail from Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap.

Float on your back in the Ormiston Gorge waterhole to take in the beauty of the red cliffs and the timelessness of this wild place. Bring your camera to capture the reflection of the cliffs and trees in the tranquil water. The gorge is an important habitat for native wildlife, including reptiles, dingoes, rock-wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles and populations of two marsupials thought to have disappeared from Central Australia.

The Glen Helen Gorge attracts wildlife and visitors who come to swim. A permanent waterhole in the gorge is fed by the Finke River and is one of the West MacDonnell Ranges’ most beautiful waterholes. Take a swim in the refreshing waters surrounded by birds and fish. Watch the rocky slopes above the water for black-footed rock-wallabies.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a waterhole oasis in the desert fed by the fresh water of Ellery Creek. The natural pool is surrounded by lush plants and provides a life source for much wildlife.