West MacDonnell Ranges

Within view of Ooraminna Homestead and a short 9-minute drive west of Alice Springs is Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Referred to as Tjoritja by the Aranda people, this protected land is a wonderous place to explore.

Its scenic gorges are refuges for the region’s unique plants and animals, like the MacDonnell Ranges cycad, the threatened central rock-rat and long-tailed dunnart.

The park stretches for 161km and some of the sites you’ll want to see include:

• Simpsons Gap, several walks with great views
• Ochre Pitts
• Ellery Creek Big Hole, as permanent waterhole
• Ormiston Gorge, great spot to walk and swim
• Glen Helen
• Standley Chasm – privately owned and fees apply

You’ll need a NT Parks Visitor Pass to enter.