Things to do in Hale

The West MacDonnell Ranges are home to an incredible array of desert plants and animals. This group of ranges in the Northern Territory is affectionately known as the West Macs and its isolated beauty is captured in the artworks of its most famous past resident, indigenous painter Albert Namatjira. Hike the ranges on the Larapinta Trail. Cool off in waterholes in deep gorges or take the scenic bike trail from Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap.

See the best spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail. Immerse yourself in the rugged habitat of black-footed rock-wallabies and the enormous wedge-tailed eagle along the 223-kilometre (140-mile) hike. Each night you’ll be camping beneath stars that seem amplified by the desert dark. Wake up to the spectacular colours of the ranges in the morning light.

In the Alice Springs Desert Park, just outside Alice Springs, you’ll discover the birds, reptiles and mammals of Central Australia. Learn about the living culture and history of the Arrernte indigenous people who have interacted with these animals, plants and landscapes for thousands of years.

The Ruby Gap Nature Park is cut in two by the Hale River. Glassy red stones line the creek bed and were once mistaken for rubies during the gold rush. Prospectors were disappointed to find they were garnets and zircons and left the site soon after. Today Ruby Gap Nature Park is known for its remoteness. Visit to get a real taste of the rugged wilderness of Central Australia with few others around. The garnets of the riverbed mirror the deep red of the gorge walls at sunset.

Experience the cultural heritage of the Arrernte people of Central Australia in N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park, also known as Ilwentje. There are almost 6000 pieces of rock art in this sacred site. Many carvings are from the past two thousand years, but some are thought to be as old as 10,000 years.