Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park is a protected area in the Northern Territory that conserves a long section of the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. The park contains numerous gorges, waterholes and striking quartzite ranges that are regionally significant for landscape and ecology.

The park contains multiple named gorges and waterholes including Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge, each offering short walks, viewpoints and swimming at semi-permanent pools where conditions allow. The area is crossed by walking routes including sections of the long-distance Larapinta Trail and offers camping, birdwatching and scenic drives along an east-west corridor of ranges.

This landscape has long-standing cultural significance for local Aboriginal peoples, particularly Western Arrernte groups, with songlines and traditional uses linking many of the features. European exploration and pastoral use began in the 19th century and the ranges were progressively protected as a series of reserves and a national park to conserve geology, waterholes and native species.

The park runs west from the outskirts of Alice Springs into central Australia’s arid interior, within the Northern Territory. Major access points are along the road network radiating from Alice Springs, with the park forming a linear protected area through the MacDonnell Ranges.

• Visiting season: Best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September when daytime temperatures are milder and waterholes are more accessible for swimming and wildlife viewing.
• Access and trails: Access is primarily by sealed and unsealed roads from Alice Springs; some popular spots have short paved or graded walks while others require 4WD or longer hikes.

What to See #

• Park landscape: A long east-west chain of ranges and gaps that protect rock gorges, waterholes and desert habitats, with multiple short walks and camping areas scattered along the park.
• Standley Chasm: Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) - a narrow quartzite gorge notable for late-afternoon light on the walls and a short walking track and picnic area.
• Simpsons Gap: Simpsons Gap - a prominent gap in the range with a riverine environment and a short accessible walk from the road.
• Ormiston Gorge: Ormiston Gorge - a deeper gorge with a semi-permanent waterhole, a longer walking circuit and opportunities for birdwatching.
• Glen Helen Gorge: Glen Helen Gorge - a river gorge with a station and basic visitor services close to a roadside access point.