West Macdonnell Ranges

Better known, and more popular than the East Macs, the West Macdonnell ranges lie north and east of Uluru.  They contain a number of scenic gorges (both public and private) as well as some other unique sights. 

Where gaps form in the ranges, watercourses erode their way through.  These gaps often have permanent waterholes, a rare and vital commodity in this desert. 

Debris and fallen trees bear witness to the raging torrents that form when rain touches this parched land. 

The water draws lots of wildlife in from surrounding areas. Here a flock of zebra finches arrive for a drink.




In several of these gorges Cycads can be found.  These truly ancient species are relics from the age of the dinosaurs when Australia was a wet and fertile continent. Only these descendants remain, having adapted to a  dryer climate.  Even so they are only found in a few small ranges, thousands of kilometers apart.

Ormiston Gorge offers several excellent walks, with great views from the gorge floor.