Namatjira Drive

Namatjira Drive is a spectacular 140 km scenic loop that snakes through the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering some of the Red Centre’s most dramatic landscapes. Named after the celebrated Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira, whose watercolours captured the region’s fiery gorges and ghost gums, this sealed road is a must-do for self-drivers making a loop from Alice Springs. Allow at least half a day to stop at lookouts, walk into chasms, and soak up the ancient geology.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap – A sheer quartzite cleft that frames the sky; look for black-footed rock wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – A narrow, 3 m-wide chasm with sheer walls that glow fiery orange when the midday sun hits. A short, easy walk leads in.
• Ochre Pits – A cultural site where Arrernte people have mined ochre for thousands of years; the layered colours – white, yellow, red – are stunning.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A permanent waterhole at the base of red cliffs, perfect for a picnic or a dip (check conditions).
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A deep, cool waterhole ringed by red dolomite walls; one of the best swimming spots in the Centre.
• Serpentine Gorge – A quieter gorge with a viewing platform that overlooks a long, narrow waterhole.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend a full day (6–8 hours) driving the entire loop from Alice Springs, stopping at the main gorges and lookouts. If you’re short on time, prioritise Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole – you can cover these highlights in a half-day. For a more immersive experience, camp overnight at Glen Helen or Ormiston Gorge to catch the ranges at sunrise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – Start or end your drive here; visit the Araluen Cultural Precinct to see Albert Namatjira’s original paintings.
• Ormiston Gorge – A stunning gorge with a 7.5 km loop walk and a permanent waterhole; it’s just off the drive.
• Mount Sonder Lookout – A viewpoint near Redbank Gorge that offers panoramic views of the range.
• West MacDonnell Ranges (Larapinta Trail) – If you have extra days, tackle sections of this world-class walking trail.
• Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) – A massive meteorite crater about 40 km west of Glen Helen; a fascinating detour.

Please check official sources for current details.