Palm Valley NORTHERN TERRITORY

Since April 2023, all visitors need a park pass to visit Finke Gorge National Park ($10 per day/per adult or $30 for 2 weeks per adult). It can be booked online from the parks online booking system.

Palm Valley is located within the Finke Gorge National Park and covers an area of 46,000 hectares. The Palm Valley is a maze of sandstone amphitheatres, pinnacles and gorges. It is also home to the Red Cabbage Palm after which the valley is named. The Red Cabbage Palm is restricted to this area with a population of approximately 12,000 plants. The park and nearby areas hold cultural significance to Western Aranda Aboriginal people. Evidence of early European settlement in Central Australia can also be seen.

Getting There 

Palm Valley is located about 138km west of Alice Springs. Take the Larapinta Drive from Alice Springs which takes you about 2 hours depends on the road conditions. You then cross the Finke River just west of Hermannsburg and turn left.

From here on it is a 16km long 4WD track limited to high clearance 4WD vehicles only. The track follows the Finke River over sandy riverbeds and challenging rocks and rock formations to test your driving skills.

Heavy rains can cause this section of the road to be impassable. It is best to check the road conditions after rain.

The track from the picnic area to Palm Valley is not suitable for trailers or caravans.

When to visit

The Palm Valley is accessible all year round except when the Finke River is in flood. The cooler month from April to September are the most pleasant time of the year to visit as it can be very hot during the summer month.

Walking Tracks

Kalarranga Walk (2,5km/45 minute)

This is a moderate, family-friendly walk which ends at a lookout with amazing views.

Arankaia Walk (2km/1 hour)

This short walk takes you past the lush groves of the valley and along a dry sandstone plateau with suberb views down onto the palms. Arankaia is the Aranda name for the Red Cabbage Palm.

Mpaara Walk (5km/2hours)

This walk begins at Kalarranga carpark and introduces some of the mythology of Western Aranda Aboriginal culture. Walkers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the ampitheatre.

Mpulungkinya Walk (5km/2hours)

This longer track goes further along the valley, where the palm groves are thicker and deeper into the arid sandstone plateau above the palms. Walkers are rewarded with memorable views of the ancient desert landscape of Central Australia. It is the longest walk in the Park.

Camping

A campground in the National Park with toilets, showers and gas barbecues is provided. Camping fees apply and campsites must be booked online before you arrive. This is only suitable if you camp with a tent. Pets are not permitted.

Free off grid camping area at the banks of the Finke River just before you turn off to the Palm Valley 4WD track. Pets are not permitted.

Campground at Ntaria Supermarket in Hermannsburg have powered and unpowered sites with access to clean toilets and showers. The gates get locked at 5.30pm. We felt very safe and enjoyed our stay there. It is suitable for caravans and it is Pet friendly.

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Enjoy