Glen Helen Resort - Things to see and do
Resort in MacDonnell Ranges
Resort in MacDonnell Ranges
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In and around Glen Helen Resort
Nearby
A short 10 minute walk takes you to the Finke River and waterhole. View The Organ Pipes through the gorge, go for a swim or climb the ridge for a magnificent view.
Nearby
After a stop at the visitor centre try some wildlife spotting on the 1.5 kilometre Cassia Hill Walk. For those with a little more time to spare enjoy the beautiful sites on the 17 kilometre return Woodland Trail. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 1.5kms return – easy.
Nearby
Follow the short paved track to the waterhole for a refreshing swim, then take the 1.5 hour Dolomite walk to see the whole area. Duration: Approx 1.5 hours - Walking distance: 2 kms return – easy.
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Just 12 kilometres from Glen Helen, Ormiston is the best known gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Take a short stroll to the waterhole and try spotting dingoes and rock wallabies, spend an hour on the Ghost Gum walk or with a little extra time follow the 3 to 4 hour Pound walk for magnificent views. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 2.5kms return – easy.
Nearby
With an elevation of 1,513m above sea level, Mt. Zeil is the highest peak in the Northern Territory. Rated an extremely difficult summit by experienced hikers, anyone intending to make the 20km return trip should be well prepared, physically fit and notify the authorities. Mt. Zeil Wilderness Park is located at its base, made up of 5000-hectares of arid mountain landscape surrounded by cattle stations, the M’Bunghara Aboriginal outstation, and the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. In connection with the M’Bunghara, the Wilderness Park hosts an eco-tourism venture including a small biodynamic farm and convenience store that are worth checking out.
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Located in the park grounds, the Meat House is a small structure made of rough local timber, thatched with grass from the nearby river and has a flagstone floor. It was constructed in 1905 to maintain a supply of meat for station workers and is a heritage object.
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Stroll along the river bed and take in the history of this culturally significant site. A self guided tour can take between 10 minutes and several hours depending how far you choose to walk. The site is accessed by a sealed road and is wheelchair accessible. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 2.5kms return – easy.
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Located in the Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley is a rewarding full day trip from Glen Helen. Follow the dirt track into the day use area then embark on one of several walks taking between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: varies – easy
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The final section of the Larapinta Trail is a challenging 16 kilometre uphill walk rewarded with spectacular views from the summit. Leave early to see the sunrise and avoid the heat of the day. Highly recommended for fit and experienced walkers. Duration: Approx 6 hours - Walking distance: 16kms return - medium to hard.
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Held every year in April, Parrtjima is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through the newest technology – all on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges.
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The original tourist venture in the West MacDonnell Ranges the chalet was abandoned due to the difficulty of operating in such harsh conditions. Visit the ruins of the old chalet and dam and enjoy the abundance of flora and fauna in the area. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 1.3kms return - easy/medium.
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Most often visited at midday to see the sunlight flood the chasm, a picture perfect site. Follow this with a climb up the valley for a view across the range. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 1.3kms return - easy/medium.
Nearby
Thought to be an impact crater caused by a comet around 140 million years ago. Drive into the crater and follow a short informative walking track. Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 1.3kms return - easy/medium