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Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

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Macdonnell RegionTjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park (21) → Arrernte Country | Namatjira | Burt Plain
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Map of bushwalks in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
List of bushwalks in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Found 21 walks

Larapinta Trail, S7: Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge
12 km oneway
4 h to 5 h 30 min
Larapinta Trail, S7: Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge
12 km
Oneway

Walk
4 h to 5 h 30 min

Starting from the Ellery Creek North trailhead shelter, Namatjira, this walk takes you to the Serpentine Gorge Car Park via the new northern alignment of the Larapinta Trail: Section 7. This is the newer seventh section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. Compared to the old route, this new track is much more defined and easy-going, letting you focus on your surroundings. Lift your head up every once in a while to get panoramic views of the vast Alice Valley combined with the West Macdonnell Ranges. You’ll pass through the Heavitree Range on your way to Serpentine Gorge, merging with the old route at West Junction. Speaking of, Serpentine Gorge (known as Ulpma in Western Arrernte language) is a great place to take a break and embrace the scenery, keeping an eye out for the wide variety of animals coming here for water. The new shelter at Ellery Creek North features elevated tent pads, a toilet and a water tank. Although keep in mind that there is no vehicle access to this trailhead. Also, you might need to change up your food dropping plan and resupply at Serpentine Gorge as Ellery Creek South Day Use Area will require a considerable off-track detour. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Views

Environment
Natural

From end
Car


Larapinta Trail, S7 Old: Ellery Creek South to Serpentine Gorge
13 km oneway
6 h to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
13.1 km oneway
5 h to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
13.1 km
Oneway

Walk
5 h to 2 days

Starting from the end of Serpentine Gorge Road, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to the Serpentine Chalet Dam trailhead via the Larapinta Trail (Section 8), visiting Counts Point along the way. This is the eighth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This part of the Larapinta is quite scenic and lets you ride the ridgeline for continuous panoramic views over the surrounding arid land. Although it gets steep and rocky, the steps at the steep parts are well-made to ease the ascent/descent. The vegetation in the area is quite varied, therefore there’s almost always a plant species that is flowering. This helps feed the native animals such as the Common Brushtail Possum. There are two campsites midway that can be used to make this an overnight walk: Counts Point and Oxide Flat. Both have tent pads yet lack other crucial amenities such as water and toilets. Near the end, you’ll have a chance to visit the ruins of the old Serpentine Chalet which operated in the late 50s as well as the dam up north. Keep in mind that the Serpentine Chalet Dam trailhead is only accessible by a 4WD vehicle to a car park 1 km south of the trailhead itself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Ruins
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car

From end
Car


Larapinta Trail, S4: Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole
16 km oneway
8 h 30 min to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S4: Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole
16 km
Oneway

Walk
8 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the kiosk at the end of Standley Chasm Road, Hugh, this walk takes you to the Birthday Watherhole via the Larapinta Trail (Section 4), visiting Bridle Path Lookout and Brinkley Bluff Summit along the way. This is the fourth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. The Brinkley Bluff will surely dazzle you with the breathtakingly picturesque views it offers, and that’s when you’ll know why the Larapinta is amongst the best hikes you can do in the whole world. Besides the eye-candy, the remoteness of the experience coupled with the challenge of steep ridges and the dry environment makes this hike an epic journey. Stuart’s Pass (named after explorer John McDouall Stuart) features a soft and sandy campground that is located on a riverbed, yet you may want to consider camping at Brinkley Bluff just for the views and the general experience. Customize your journey and plan well to not be beaten by the quartzite ridges of Chewings Range. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to access the Birthday Waterhole trailhead. For your information, the actual Birthday Waterhole is 900 metres down south of the said trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car

From end
Car


Larapinta Trail, S1: Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap
24.5 km oneway
8 h to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S1: Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap
24.5 km
Oneway

Walk
8 h to 2 days

Starting from Herbert Heritage Drive, Stuart, this walk takes you to Simpsons Gap via the Larapinta Trail (Section 1), visiting Hat Hill Saddle and Wallaby Gap along the way. This is the first section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. Embark on a scenic journey in the arid land of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and feel like you’re back in the wild west. A chance to scorpions, creek crossings, picturesque rock formations and views for a lifetime await you on this journey. The Euro Ridge offers you great views of Alice Springs which become increasingly beautiful as the sun goes down/up. If you’re lucky, you can see a train making its way on the railway line as well. There are multiple campsites (official/unofficial) that offer you great views in lovely settings, so don’t hesitate on making this an overnight walk if you’re thinking about it. Both ends of the journey are accessible by vehicles and don’t require 4WD drive. Keep in mind that the Telegraph Station Car Park is open from 8AM to 9PM. Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or a SAT Phone (especially if you’re tackling the whole Larapinta) instead of emergencies. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car

From end
Car


Larapinta Trail, S6: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek North
28.1 km oneway
10 h 30 min to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S6: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek North
28.1 km
Oneway

Walk
10 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the designated campground along Hugh Gorge, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to Ellery Creek North, exploring the vast Alice Valley along the way. This is the newer sixth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail, starting/finishing at the Ellery Creek North trailhead shelter. This new part of Larapinta differs from the old section only in the last ten percent of the route, meaning you’ll get to see most of the features and highlights on the older route. The relatively undulating nature of this section is a welcome change after a jagged and rough hike, but its length still makes this part somewhat demanding. Rocky Gully and Ghost Gum Flat campsites both offer you a peaceful night in the desert, but remember that only the Rocky Gully has water tanks. You’re in luck if you’re into birdwatching as this part of the Larapinta lets you spot some interesting bird species such as the Spinifex Pigeon. Finally, the new trailhead shelter is relatively secluded and features elevated tent pads, a water tank and a toilet. Keep in mind that you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the Hugh Gorge trailhead, and the Ellery Creek North trailhead is inaccessible by a vehicle. Also, you might need to change up your food dropping plan and resupply at Serpentine Gorge as Ellery Creek South Day Use Area will require a considerable off-track detour. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car


Larapinta Trail, S6 Old: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek South
29.3 km oneway
11 h 30 min to 2 days
Larapinta Trail, S6 Old: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek South
29.3 km
Oneway

Walk
11 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the designated campground along Hugh Gorge, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to Ellery Creek South, exploring the vast Alice Valley along the way. This is the former sixth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail, starting/finishing at the Ellery Creek South Day Use Area. A relatively undulating part of Larapinta, this section is known for its long straightforward valley tracks and interesting birdlife. The birds you might come across vary from spinifex pigeons to wedge-tailed eagles. Try to be sneaky and keep an eye out especially during the early mornings and late afternoons to increase your chance of seeing them. This section is one of the longest ones, yet the relatively forgiving gradient makes it bearable. You can camp at Rocky Gully or Ghost Gum Flat along the way, but keep in mind that the Ghost Gum Flat campsite doesn’t have a water tank. The Big Hole (Udepata) along Ellery Creek is an exceptional spot to take a break. Cool off in this ancient waterhole and make camp if you’d like to. Keep in mind that you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the Hugh Gorge trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Highlights
Swim
Views

Environment
Natural

Transport options
To start
Car

From end
Car




Found 21 walks