West Macdonnell National Park - NT

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches 161km west of Alice Springs and will draw you in with its majestic beauty.

Known as Tjoritja by the Traditional Owners, the continuation of cultural practices and a connection to the land is highly significant for local Aranda Aboriginal culture.

Cool scenic gorges are important refuges for plants and animals, many are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests.

Some of the sites you shouldn't miss on a journey here include Simpsons Gap, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm (privately operated) and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

When you visit the park, allow a few days to see the many surprises here steeped in Aboriginal culture.

Take the time to witness an outback sunrise, sunset and starry night sky.

Avid and experienced walkers can trek the West Macs on the Larapinta Trail.

The trail is broken into 12 sections and can be completed in stages or all at once.

For accommodation there is the Ormiston Gorge Campground (see listing for more information).