Part of the Northern Territory’s designated tourism routes, Namatjira Drive branches off from Larapinta Drive to continue running through the West MacDonnell National Park / Tjoritja. It is also part of the tourism run promoted as the Red Centre Way.
Namatjira Drive is named after Albert Namatjira (1902–1959), one of Australia’s most famous Aboriginal painters, who was born in Hermannsburg.
Namatjira Drive connects Glen Helen Resort to near Iwupataka (Jay Creek).
The distance from Alice Springs to Namatjira Drive (State Route 2) turnoff from Larapinta Drive (State Route 6) is approximately 107 km.
Points of interest and attractions along this stretch include:
- West MacDonnell Ranges
- Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park
- Larapinta Drive
- Jay Creek
- Hugh River
- Birthday Waterhole
- Point Howard Lookout
- Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Ellery Creek
- Serpentine Gorge
- Neil Hargrave Lookout
- Ochre Pits
- Ormiston Gorge
- Glen Helen Gorge
- Mount Sonder
Outback windmill, on Namatjira Drive, just after turnoff from Larapinta Drive
Glen Helen Gorge, West MacDonnell National Park / Tjoritja
Images © Ausemade PL
Some of the flora and fauna to be found in this area include:
Dingo walking up Namijira Drive, West MacDonnell Ranges, NT.
More information and images coming…