CAMP GUIDE: 8 of the best spots to camp in the Red Centre
EXPLORE: From easy access to off-the-beaten-track locations, here are eight of the best spots to set up camp and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Red Centre
Alice Springs
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WHETHER you’re a local or you’ve travelled from afar, you’re going to want to take advantage of the beautiful natural surrounds Alice Springs and the Red Centre has to offer, especially now national parks previously closed due to the pandemic have started to reopen.
With sweeping desert landscapes, iconic natural attractions, ‘off the beaten track’ locations and mind-blowing night skies, Central Australia is a one-of-a-kind region for a camping holiday.
Here are some of the best spots to set up *camp and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Northern Territory.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park, East MacDonnell Ranges
Trephina Gorge is a gorge in the locality of Hart in the East MacDonnell Ranges, about 85 kilometres east of Alice Springs.
The park is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses.
There are numerous walks around Trephina Gorge, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and around John Hayes Rockhole that has steep narrow rock walls.
Experienced walkers can complete the Trephina Ridgetop Trail to John Hayes Rockhole and take in sweeping views of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
There are waterholes, but if it hasn’t rained in a long time the waterholes may have dried up.
Camp at the Gorge, Bluff or Panorama campgrounds. It is accessible to all vehicles.
Camping fees apply.
Palm Valley, Finke Gorge National Park
Finke Gorge National Park covers an area of 46,000 hectares and includes the impressive Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of plant species, many that are rare and unique to the area.
There are around 3,000 adult palms and thousands of juveniles, which are extremely sensitive to visitor impact.
With its mesmerising landscapes, the park is dissected by the Finke River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world.
The park lies 138 km (about two hours) west of Alice Springs. Turn south off Larapinta Drive just west of Hermannsburg.
Access along the last 16 km of track is limited to high clearance 4WD (four wheel drive) vehicles only.
The national park offers toilet facilities, showers, gas barbecues and drinking water, in addition to walking trails.
Visitors to the park will also need to keep in mind that camping is restricted to designated areas, such as Boggy Hole. Palm Valley and the campground can be accessed by a high clearance four-wheel drive (4WD).
Camping fees apply and are payable on-site.
2 mile camping spot at Glen Helen, MacDonnell Ranges
If you’re after an off-road adventure that will place you in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the banks of the Finke River offers one of the best places to camp.
The 2 mile camping spot located at Glen Helen, 140km west of Alice Springs is a 4wd based camping spot right on the Finke.
It is close by popular attractions including Redbank Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge.
But this is a basic camping area. There are no facilities and the road into the camping area is all sand and very soft. It is best suited to high clearance 4wd vehicles.
The campground also provides access to Section 11 of the Larapinta Trail.
Ormiston Gorge, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a swim with a year-round waterhole.
Located 135km west of Alice Springs in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, it is accessible by sealed roads and is the trailhead for sections nine and 10 of the Larapinta Trail.
There are walking trails, swimming spots, birdwatching opportunities, showers, toilets and bb’s.
You can camp in the designated campsite, though fees do apply.
Ellery Creek Big Hole Campground, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
The waterhole is surrounded by tall red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek.
It is also at the trailhead for Sections 6 and 7 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk.
Camping is permitted (fees apply).
Entry is via a gravel road suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. Amenities include barbecue, caravan / camper trailer / campervan sites / campsites, a carpark, picnic area and toilet.
On Namatjira Drive, 90 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Hugh Gorge Junction
If you’re a seasoned hiker and want to camp somewhere remote, then Hugh Gorge Junction is a scenic challenge.
It’s located on Section 5 of the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Here you’ll see the impressive Black Tea-trees, with their deeply textured bark and creamy white flowers.
Section 5 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as very hard – a rugged track or marked route with frequent steep and long climbs and descents, suitable for fit people with extensive previous bushwalking experience.
Camping is permitted, and there is no vehicle access to Hugh Gorge Junction.
Both Hugh Gorge Trailhead and Birthday Waterhole Trailhead (where the campground is) is accessible by vehicle, but ONLY by high clearance 4WD’s.
Alice Springs to Hugh Gorge Access Track Turn Off is approx. 56 km west of Alice Springs via Larapinta and Namatjira Dve. Hugh Gorge is located 22.3km from the turn-off along a high clearance 4WD-only track.
Serpentine Chalet Bush Camping area
The quiet, out of the way Serpentine Chalet bush camping area, along Namatjira Drive in the Alice Springs region presents an opportunity for simple bush camping and the chance of several walks to visit spectacular sites along the MacDonnell Ranges.
The nearby Serpentine Chalet ruins tell a story of a failed early tourism venture.
An unsealed access track suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles runs to the campsite and ruins. A rough four-wheel drive track continues onto Serpentine Chalet Dam and the Larapinta Trail. This destination is not recommended for buses, caravans, or motor homes.
Redbank Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges
Redbank Gorge is a stunning gorge and chasm that is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species.
It is also a popular stop for travellers following the Red Centre Way.
Take the two kilometre, 1.5-hour return walk from the car park along the creek bed to the gorge to swim in the cold, deep water of the near-permanent waterhole.
Basic camping facilities are available at two different locations – the Woodland and the Ridgetop campgrounds.
Both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables, the Woodland Camping area also has free gas barbecues. Spaces are limited and fees apply.
Access is via the sealed Larapinta and Namatjira drives, 157 kilometres west of Alice Springs. The five kilometre access road is unsealed and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
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* Please note that it is illegal to camp in unstructured sites in the Northern Territory. Please respect the traditional lands of the Red Centre and only camp in the designated areas. You can find more information on camping regulations here.
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