| Finke Gorge National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Nearest town/city | Alice Springs |
| Area | 458.43 km² |
| Established | 1967 |
| Managing authorities | Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory |
| Official site | Finke Gorge National Park |
Finke Gorge is a national park in the Northern Territory of Australia, 1318 km south of Darwin. The Park covers an area of 458 square kilometres, and includes the impressive desert oasis Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area. There are good opportunities for bushwalking and bushcamping in the park.[1]
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The park is noted for its ancient palms and Aboriginal cultural sites. The Red Cabbage Palm is found only in Palm Valley and prolifically here.[1] The Finke River is claimed to be one of the oldest catchments in the world,[1] with areas dating back 350 million years.
The park and nearby areas hold cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people and there is also evidence of early European settlement.
A popular four-wheel-drive route down the Finke River to Illamurta Springs and Watarrka National Park begins at Finke Gorge. Bush walking is another popular activity. Kalaranga lookout is an easy 20 minute climb, with spectacular views of the rock amphitheatre encircled by rugged cliffs. The Mpaara Walk introduces the mythology of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture. In Palm Valley, the Arankaia Walk and the longer Mpulungkinya Walk meander among lush, slender palms, returning across a scenic plateau.
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