Finke Gorge National Park And Palm Valley

Finke Gorge National Park covers an area of 46,000 hectares including the impressive Palm Valley. Palm Valley is home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area, including the Red Cabbage Palm. The Park and nearby areas hold cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people evidence of early European settlement of Central Australia.

Access

The Park lies 138 km (about 2 hrs) west of Alice Springs. Turn south off Larapinta Drive just west of Hermannsburg. Access along the last 16 km of road which follows the sandy bed of the Finke River is limited to 4WD vehicles only. Heavy rains may cause this section of the road to be impassable.

A 4WD track to Boggy Hole and on through to the Ernest Giles Road and Watarrka is suitable for experienced drivers only. Travelling time from Palm Valley to Watarrka National Park is about 7 hours. Bush camping is permitted in the Finke River on this route with the best camping (no facilities) at Boggy Hole, a large waterhole, which is about 2.5 hours from Palm Valley.

Traffic along this route is infrequent so it is wise to travel with another vehicle (especially in Summer). Always seek the latest advice from rangers at Finke Gorge National Park or Watarrka National Park before attempting this spectacular, but adventurous, route.

Commercial tour operators regularly visit the Park from Alice Springs.

When To Visit

The Park is accessible all year round except when the Finke River is in flood. The cooler months (April to September) are the best time of the year to visit.

What To Do

• Camping: A campground with toilets, wood barbecues and picnic areas are available. Basic supplies are available from Hermannsburg Mission.
• Walks: A number of walking possibilities exist within the Park.
• Kalaranga Lookout: An easy 20 minute climb (1.5 km, 45 min return) with spectacular views of the rock amphitheatre encircled by rugged cliffs.
• The Mpaara Walk: A 5 km (2 hrs return) walk that introduces the mythology of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture.
• In Palm Valley: The Arankala Walk (2 km, 1 hr) and the longer Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hrs return) meander among a lush oasis of slender palms and return to the carpark across the plateau.
  

Protect Your Park

• All natural and cultural resources in the Park are protected.
• Take care with fire. Light fires only in fire places provided.
• Collect firewood outside of the Park.
• Protect water quality. Do not introduce sunscreen, soaps or food scraps to any waterway.
• Drive only on formed roads.
• Camping is only permitted in designated camping grounds.
• Pets are not permitted in the Park.
• Guns and traps are prohibited.
  

Safety

• Walking: Prepare well when walking. Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, loose clothing and plenty of drinking water are recommended. Avoid walking alone and minimise physical activity during the hottest part of day, particularly in summer.
• Walkers planning extended and overnight walks are strongly advised to notify a Ranger, friend or reliable person of your intended route and plans. Please do not forget to advise of your return.

More Information

Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Alice Springs Office
Arid Zone Research Institute, Tom Hare Building
South Stuart Highway, Alice Springs NT 0870
PO Box 1046 Alice Springs NT 0871
Ph: (08) 8951 8211
Fax: (08) 8951 8268