West Macdonnells

Rising sharply out of the surrounding plains, broken by the cool, deep gorges which hide the life giving oases, the West Macdonnells dominate the Central Australian landscape that Albert Namatjira and the other Arrente painters have made famous throughout the world.

Most of those who visit the area content themselves with short walks to scenic spots like Standley Chasm, Simpson's Gap, Ellery Big Hole, Ormiston Pound, etc. Most of those who want an overnight hike do all or part of the 220 km Larapinta Trail. This is one of Australia's best bushwalking trails. Hiking all or part of the Larapinta Trail is a wonderful experience. You can do it on your own or with a tour, fully supported or carrying your own pack. If you want a guide and are content to stick to the trails, we recommend you find another company. Tourism Central Australia can give you suggestions.

We take you beyond the Larapinta. On our trips, you hike to the tops of peaks like Brinkley Bluff and Mt Giles. You explore the cool depths of hidden gorges, many of which remain unnamed and unknown, even to local bushwalkers. You enjoy secluded camp sites where you can relax near a pool and watch the setting sun light up the ranges around you.

If that sounds appealing, you owe it to yourself to check out our two week West Macdonnells trip. It consists of two treks, either of which can be done on its own.

Here are some useful links.

• NT Parks has an informative website The West Macs. It doesn't have a lot of information about bushwalking but it does have a wealth of information about almost anything you might want to know. If you are planning a trip to the Centre, whether or not it is with Willis's Walkabouts, I recommend that you have a good look at this site before you go.
• Travel Outback has a number of good pages. Here are two.
  • Simpsons Gap
  Ellery Creek Big Hole
• Standley Chasm. This website belongs to the local Aboriginal people.
• Glen Helen Resort. This is the only accommodation in the West Macdonnells.