MacDonnell Ranges

All you want to know about MacDonnell Ranges

This Landsat image shows how the northern and southern parts of Alice Springs are connected by Heavitree Gap that passes through the MacDonnell Ranges.

The MacDonnell Ranges of the Northern Territory, are a 644 km (400 mile) long series of mountain ranges located in the centre of Australia (23°42′S 132°30′E / -23.7, 132.5), and consist of parallel ridges running to the east and west of Alice Springs. The ranges are composed of many rock types, but are most famous for their red quartzite peaks and gorges. The highest peaks are Mount Zeil (1,531 m AHD/ 5,023 ft) and Mount Sonder (1,380 m / 4,528 ft).

The ranges was named after Sir Richard MacDonnell (the Governor of South Australia at the time) by John McDouall Stuart, whose 1860 expedition reached them in April of that year.

Tourist attractions

Simpsons Gap

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ochre Pits

To the East of Alice Springs, within an hours drive, sites important to the local Arrernte people, many of which contain examples of Aboriginal rock art
- Emily Gap
- Jessie Gap
- Trephina Gorge
- N’Dhala Gorge
To the West of Alice Springs
- The Larapinta Trail is a long distance walking trail that runs 223 kilometres through the West MacDonnell National Park.
- Simpsons Gap
- Standley Chasm
- Ellery Creek Bighole
- Serpentine Gorge
- Ochre Pits
- Ormiston Pound
- Redbank Gorge
- Glen Helen Gorge
- Tnorala Gosse Bluff
- Palm Valley
- Mount Sonder
- Mount Zeil