Welcome to Alice Camp 'n' Drive

As the regions/ranges immediately around The Alice are in the process of World Heritage Listing, we will give you here a brief look at them and keep the descriptions of the much better known Southern (Uluru etc) regions for their respective pages.

The MacDonnell Ranges ( "The Macs" to locals and one of the best kept secrets) are among the longest parallel ridge systems that corrugate the Central Australian landscape.

Their East–West axis, passes right through Alice Springs, or Mparntwe (the Aboriginal name, which is roughly the central point) and is broken in many places by gaps or gorges which have been carved through the ranges by rivers during better-watered eras over Millions of years.

It is these striking ruptures, along with the grandeur, scale and colours of the rugged ancient landscape – particularly West of Alice – which make a few days exploring the Macs in your Alice Camp 'n' Drive vehicle, a MUST whilst visiting the region.

The expansive Western MacDonnells National Park is best appreciated with at least one overnight stay (we recommend two) at any of the various campsites, many of which have free gas bbq's (all have toilet facilities), while the often-overlooked Eastern MacDonnell Ranges have a more compact, intimate feel; a better bet if your time is limited.

Both ranges can be visited easily with your fully equipped Alice Camp 'n' Drive vehicle.

The Macs have great significance to the local Aranda ( Arrente) Aboriginal people of the region and their "Dreaming", believing the ranges to be their caterpillar being ancestors.

Although the cooler months, from April to October, are the most pleasant time to visit the East and Western Macs, (the Parks are open all year round with NO entry fees) anytime of year is great for visiting the region.

To spend 4 days in the East and Western Macs would be our recommended minimum and an unforgettable experience.

To the North is an expanse that has many interesting stop-overs, with the main attraction being the Devils Marbles and the Tennant Creek Goldfields, detailed information from the North link below.

South to the Rock (Uluru), Kings Canyon and the Olgas need little explanation here, as the region is World famous and one of the most visited parts of Australia by International tourists, bar The Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, detailed information from the South link below.

We strongly suggest if a "Feel for the "Real Outback" is what you are looking for, then look no further than factoring in time to explore the East and Western Macs as well as the highly publisised Uluru region.

From the links below, you will have the opportunity to get a feel for and discover all areas of the compass, with "The Alice" as your central launching point.