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These impressive ranges tower over the plain, a natural barrier broken by gorges, cliffs and natural pools. Running east and west of Alice Springs they are easily accessible on either a day visit from the town or as a detour on the drive to Kings Canyon.

In the West MacDonnells, Simpson’s Gorge is the first of a series of attractive natural features, another is Standley Chasm, a slender gorge whose sides glow a marvelous red in the desert light. At Ellery Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole is an excellent swimming pool while Serpent Gorge, slightly further west, has a lovely walking trail leading to a lookout with a spectacular view.

The Eastern MacDonnells host some Aboriginal sites of the local Aranda people and walking trails thread past quartzite cliffs and red river gums.