Following what’s believed to be Australia’s oldest river, the Finke River, will guide you to the hidden gorge of Palm Valley. An ancient and untouched region inhabited only by Albert Namatjira’s true life inspirations; wallabies & waterbirds, ochre-red rock formations and native cabbage palm trees. Hop in your 4WD to experience this incredible landscape, reminiscent of the Jurassic era, for the adventure of a lifetime.
Tips For Navigating This Ancient Terrain
The Palm Valley is in the Finke Gorge National Park. This 46,000 hectare wilderness can be found about 2 hours, or 138km, drive west of Alice Springs and is an area of great cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of the Arrernte Nation. Here you will find breathtaking views of gorges and sandstone amphitheatres as well as a diverse range of rare plants, including the palms from which this valley takes its name.
The route beside the river is rough and constantly changing. Terrain swaps from sand to rock and back again and weaves through shallow parts of the river along the way. This tough track is best suited to experienced off-roading enthusiasts and for those with high clearance 4 wheel drives. This journey is not suitable for trailers and best undertaken in the company of another four-wheel-drive vehicle.
This adventure is primarily sand driving so it’s important to ensure your vehicle’s hubs are locked in with 4WD engaged. Also, remember to deflate your tyres to 30psi (200kpa) to increase their surface area and drive in existing wheel ruts to avoid getting bogged.
Once you’ve travelled through lush green groves, past waterholes and across plateaus that feature extraordinary views of the ranges you will arrive at the iconic Palm Valley. Your arrival will be signified by statuesque swaying palms.
The Importance Of Planning
Except for those times when the river floods, the valley is accessible all year round. However to avoid summer’s excessive heat, it’s best to plan your trip for Australia’s cooler months from April, through September.
The main campground, 22 km south of the historic settlement of Hermannsburg, has facilities such as gas BBQs, showers, toilets, and there is ample shade. Explore the area on a number of bushwalking tracks to discover the surrounding national parks and forests. Camp out under the stars for a night or two, just remember to bring your own firewood.
Palm Valley is just one of the Northern Territory’s great adventures. To enjoy it to the full extent, ensure you have planned well in advance for water, food, and petrol, as this is a remote locale. You will have higher than normal fuel consumption as the driving is completely off-road and remember to allow at least six litres of water per person per day.
It’s essential you have emergency contingencies in place, such as extra water in case of delays, and emergency contact numbers. Before heading off, talk to the park rangers for directions and general guidance.
And then, all that’s left is to experience the adventure of a step back in time.
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