MacDonnell Ranges

The MacDonnell Ranges form a mountain system in Central Australia marked by red quartzite peaks and deep gorges. The ridges stretch across hundreds of kilometers, with the highest point exceeding 1500 meters and permanent waterholes filling many of the valleys.

John McDouall Stuart first explored this mountain system in 1860 and named it after Richard MacDonnell, who was Governor of South Australia at the time. The rock layers tell a story reaching back more than 300 million years, shaped by forces that folded and lifted the quartzite.

The mountain range holds many sacred places and rock art sites that remain deeply important to Aboriginal communities today. Walking through these areas, visitors encounter tangible connections to long-established traditions and spiritual practices.

This mountain range is best explored on foot, with multiple walking trails and camping areas scattered throughout. The longest trail extends over 200 kilometers and allows for multi-day treks across different sections of the range.

The folded rock layers here reveal ancient geological processes that visitors can actually see in the twisted and layered formations. These structures show how powerful forces once pushed and bent the stone into the shapes we see today.

Location: Northern Territory

Elevation above the sea: 1,531 m

Part of: Central Australia, Central Ranges xeric scrub

GPS coordinates: -23.96026,132.77575

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01