These spectacular red mountains run in parallel ridge systems through the heart of Australia for several hundred kilometres. They cut from east to west past Alice Springs. Much of the scenery along the MacDonnell Ranges is spectacularly beautiful, with remote gorges, rock faces, spell-binding waterholes (where you can observe the wildlife), trails and wildlife parks.

The Western MacDonnells are the more extensive, and tend to have the more spectacular scenery. Amongst the many sights in the MacDonnells are Standley Chasm, a narrow gorge which runs between sheer 100-m cliffs; the Emily & Jessie Gaps Nature Park, which has fine waterholes and Aborigine rock paintings; Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell National Park and the ridge top Lookout over Ormiston Pound for its breathtaking view of the gorge walls and pools.

Even if you have your own transport, the best way to gain a working knowledge of the MacDonnells is to take a tour. Try try www.diytourguide.com.au.