Starting from Palm Valley Campground, Namatjira, this circuit walk takes you to the Kalarranga Lookout and back, exploring the sandstone formations of Finke Gorge National Park along the way. The lookout provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the natural amphitheatre and surrounding arid land. You’ll probably be by yourself, and that fact will add more to the remote feel of the desert. Take in the views of the rugged cliffs and kilometres of red hills as you make your way up & down the lookout. Try to time your walk and experience an exceptional sunset at Kalparranga. Keep in mind that there’s very little shade along the track. A 4WD vehicle with good clearance is required to get to the starting point. The road/track may be inaccessible after heavy rainfall, so check road conditions beforehand. You can use the commercial tours to come from Alice Springs if you don’t own a 4WD vehicle. The track can be started from Kalarranga Lookout carpark as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Western Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Car (A 4WD vehicle with good clearance is required to get to the starting point. The road/track may be inaccessible after heavy rainfall, so check road conditions beforehand.)
Directions
From Telegraph Terrace, 87
Turn on to 6 then drive for 25 m
Continue onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 850 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 880 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 124.8 km
Turn left onto Palm Valley Track and drive for another 12.7 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Palm Valley Campground (12.60km south of Larapinta Drive), head southwest towards a circular shelter along the dirt campground, moving between the creek bed (to the left) and the 4WD road/track (to the right). Follow the said track and cross the road as you come to the Kalarranga Lookout carpark. Head towards the shelter along the said carpark, then veer right at the fork to continue along Kalarranga Lookout Circuit Track (clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 60 m back from the start).
Palm Valley Campground (about 40 m back from the start).
This campsite has showers.
After 510 m cross the ford.
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Kalarranga Lookout & Palm Valley Track) turn left, to head along Palm Valley Track (a vehicle track).
After another 75 m to find the shelter.
At the intersection of Kalarranga Lookout & Mpaara Track veer right, to head along Kalarranga Lookout.
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Mpaara Track & Kalarranga Lookout) turn right, to head along Kalarranga Lookout.
After another 230 m come to the "Kalarranga Lookout" (15 m on your right).
Veer left, to head along Kalarranga Lookout.
After another 150 m come to the viewpoint (8 m on your right).
After another 810 m (at the intersection of Palm Valley Track & Kalarranga Lookout) turn left.
After another 740 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Kalarranga Lookout Circuit
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
2.8 km
Time
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one -41 m back from the start.