Finke Gorge National Park and Palm Valley

Palm Valley is one of Central Australia's most surprising places: a green oasis of tall palms tucked into red sandstone gorges, south of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It's part of Finke Gorge National Park, which the NT Government says covers 46,000 hectares. The surrounding landscapes inspired the watercolourist Albert Namatjira, who was born and grew up at nearby Hermannsburg.

The palms of Palm Valley

The NT Government says Palm Valley is home to a diverse range of plants, many rare and unique to the area. They include the red cabbage palm (Livistona mariae), which gives the valley its name. There are about 3,000 adult palms and thousands of juveniles, and they're extremely sensitive to visitor impact. Stay on marked tracks: young palms can be destroyed by people who don't realise what they're walking on.

Getting there

• The park is 138 km west of Alice Springs.
• Take Larapinta Drive, and turn south just west of Hermannsburg.
• The last 16 km follows the sandy bed of the Finke River, and is limited to high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
• Heavy rain can make this section impassable. The park is open all year, but roads may close after heavy rain.

Check NT Road Report and the park's "check if this park is open" table before you leave. If you don't have a suitable 4WD, ask the Alice Springs visitor centre about tours. See 4WD driving.

Walks

Discover Central Australia lists these walks:

Check signs at the trailheads for distances and grades, carry water, and walk early in the day.

Camping

Camping is available at Palm Valley Campground, and along the Finke River at Boggy Hole. The NT Government says:

• You must book online and pay before you go. You can't pay at the site.
• Camping is only allowed in the designated areas at Palm Valley and Boggy Hole.
• A campground host is on site in peak season (May to September).
• At Palm Valley, fires are only allowed in designated fire pits. Collect firewood before entering the park.

Discover Central Australia lists camp fees of about $4 per adult and $2 per child, at the time of writing. Facilities listed include toilets, showers, drinking water, gas barbecues, picnic tables, communal fire pits and designated campsites.

The Finke River 4WD route (Boggy Hole)

The Finke River 4WD route continues through to Illamurta Springs and on towards Watarrka (Kings Canyon). The NT Government says it's much more remote than the road to Palm Valley:

• Towing trailers isn't recommended.
• Your vehicle should be well maintained, and you should be an experienced 4WD traveller.
• Carry extra food and water, recovery gear and safety equipment.
• Stay on the marked track.

Read the NT Government's Finke River 4WD information sheet before you go. See 4WD recovery.

Passes and rules

• Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass.
• No pets.
• No bins. Take your rubbish with you.
• Drones need a permit, which you must get before you arrive.

Best time to visit

The NT Government says the best time is the cooler months, from April to September. From October to April, temperatures can exceed 40°C. Check for heatwave warnings, and avoid strenuous walks in the heat of the day.

Safety

• Carry and drink plenty of water.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and suitable footwear.
• Choose walks that suit your fitness.
• Mobile coverage is limited. Carry a satellite communication device on remote tracks.

See outback summer heat.

Wildlife and tours

Tourism Central Australia says Palm Valley's landscape of towering red rock terraces, dry sandy riverbeds and native shrubs is home to wildlife including dingoes, goannas, kangaroos, snakes and wallabies. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals. Keep your distance and never feed wildlife.

No 4WD? Tourism Central Australia notes that Palm Valley tours run from Alice Springs, and its visitor information centres in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek offer a free booking service. A guided tour is a good option if you don't have a high-clearance 4WD or experience driving in sand.

Allow time. It's about 138 km, or roughly two hours, each way from Alice Springs. Most of that is on Larapinta Drive, but the slow, sandy last section takes time. An overnight stay at the campground lets you walk in the cool of morning and evening.

Combine with

• Hermannsburg and the West MacDonnell Ranges
• The Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon
• Watarrka (Kings Canyon)
• Alice Springs
• The Red Centre