4WD Tracks in West MacDonnell Ranges

The West MacDonnell Ranges stretch 160 km west of Alice Springs — ancient quartzite ridges carved by the Finke River into spectacular gorges. Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, and the Ochre Pits are the highlights within West MacDonnell National Park, all accessible via the Namatjira Drive.

The 4WD tracks here are mostly unsealed park access roads — not extreme but proper low-range country in places. The Larapinta Trail parallels many of the vehicle routes. The Redbank Gorge road and the tracks beyond Ormiston give the most remote feel within the main park. Further west, the Haasts Bluff and Papunya community roads extend into more serious country (permit required for community roads).