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Larapinta and Namatjira Drives, West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
Photo: Annette Teng · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives Northern Territory, Australia The Northern Territory

Larapinta and Namatjira Drives

Namatjira Drive, Larapinta Drive · Alice Springs → Glen Helen

Leisurely78 mi1 hr 35 min1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,600 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive leaves Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive and follows the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges, then turns onto Namatjira Drive for the run to Glen Helen. It covers 126 km (78 mi) of sealed road with long views of the ranges, and it rises gently to about 2,600 feet. The curves are mild; the pull is the scenery and the string of gorges and waterholes off to the side.

Namatjira Drive is named for the Aboriginal painter Albert Namatjira, who was born at Hermannsburg, and both roads are part of the Red Centre Way. Turn-offs along the way lead to Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge. The drive ends near the Glen Helen turn-off, where the resort sits under the Glen Helen cliffs.

Along the way

  1. Alice Springs (Larapinta Drive)
  2. Glen Helen (Namatjira Drive)
Elevation
1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,600 ft
Alice SpringsGlen Helen
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Alice SpringsGlen Helen
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Glen Helen sells fuel and has a restaurant and rooms, so fill up in Alice Springs and again there if you need to.
  • All roads here can be impassable for short periods after heavy rain, so check the NT Road Report before you leave.
  • The unsealed roads beyond Glen Helen, including the Mereenie Loop, need a permit and are not part of this drive.
  • The access roads into individual gorges can differ from the main road, so check the NT parks page for the site you want.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NT Road Report.

Questions about this drive

How long does Namatjira Drive take from Alice Springs?

Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen is 126 km (78 mi) and takes about 1 hr 35 min without stops at the gorges.

Is Namatjira Drive sealed?

Yes. Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive are sealed to Glen Helen, and the resort says it is about a 1.5-hour drive on sealed roads from Alice Springs.

Is there fuel on Namatjira Drive?

Glen Helen, at the end of the drive, lists fuel among its facilities. Fill up in Alice Springs before you leave.

Can you drive on past Glen Helen?

Beyond Glen Helen the roads, such as the Mereenie Loop, are unsealed and need a permit. They are not part of Namatjira Drive.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 6 drives in Northern Territory, Australia ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Larapinta and Namatjira Drives, from Alice Springs to Glen Helen