Serpentine Chalet Campground

Hidden in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Serpentine Chalet Campground is a rugged, off-grid gem that rewards self-sufficient travellers with profound solitude and star-filled nights. This former homestead site offers a handful of unpowered sites shaded by river red gums, with the ochre cliffs of the range rising dramatically behind. It’s the kind of place where the only sounds are bird calls and the crackle of your campfire—a true outback escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Serpentine Gorge Walk – A short 1.2 km return trail leads to a lookout over the gorge’s permanent waterhole; early morning light paints the quartzite walls in fiery hues.
• Serpentine Chalet Ruins – Wander the remains of the 1930s tourist chalet, a poignant relic of early outback tourism.
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the Milky Way arches overhead; bring a red torch and lie back on a swag.
• Birdwatching – Spot zebra finches, spinifex pigeons and the elusive painted finch around the waterhole.
• Gap Walk – A more challenging 8 km return hike through the gorge’s narrow cleft, requiring scrambling and offering solitude.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow one full day and an overnight stay to truly absorb the stillness. Arrive early to secure a site (no bookings), spend the afternoon exploring the gorge and ruins, then settle in for a campfire dinner and a night under the stars. If you’re not camping, a 2–3 hour visit is enough for the short walk and ruins.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge – A 30-minute drive west, with a permanent waterhole, swimming and the popular Ormiston Pound Walk.
• Glen Helen Gorge – Another 15 minutes west, offering a stunning gorge walk and a basic roadhouse for supplies.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A favourite swimming hole 20 minutes east, with a short walk to the waterhole.
• Alice Springs Desert Park – Back in town, this excellent wildlife park showcases desert ecosystems and nocturnal creatures.
• Standley Chasm – A narrow chasm best visited at midday when sunlight floods the walls; located 40 minutes east.

Please check official sources for current details.