Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the exhilarating challenge of the 11km Mount Gillen and Heavitree Range Hike near Alice Springs, Australia. A Grade 4 trail, ideal for fit bushwalkers, this circuitous route starts at Flynn's Grave car park, leading to a steep, unmarked climb to the Mount Gillen summit and breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and town. Remember, this trail requires scrambling up rock faces and navigating un-signposted paths, so come prepared for an adventurous trek!

Length:

11km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 914m

Min elevation: 565m

Total Ascent: 333m

Start: Flynn's Grave car park

End: McDonnell Range Caravan Park

West MacDonnell National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Alice Springs

From state capital: 1500km

Latitude: -23.69791463

Longitude: 133.81946325302127

Walk map

Weather

Similar

5,715 views

Safety advice

Access to the Mount Gillen climb is officially closed off as March 2020. A newly installed fence has been erected across the beginning of the climb, and signage installed to inform people of the closure.

Hike overview

This spectacular, un-formalised and un-signposted Mount Gillen and the Heavitree Range hike takes you to the summit of Mount Gillen; the prominent ridge standing sentry over Alice Springs to the west of the main gap.

It's a steep walk for fit walkers beginning at the Flynn's Grave car park 7km west of town on Larapinta Drive. Around 50m west of the Flynn Grave memorial locate the walkers gate and head south along the well trodden path toward the obvious Mount Gillen peak. Soon the track takes a sharp right turn and narrows. Follow the eroded track steeply up to saddle and then on until you reach the rock face where you'll need to do some scrambling to find your way on to the top of the Heavitree Range. From here follow the track east for about 500m to the trig point where you will be rewarded with wonderful 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges, valleys and the western parts of town.

This hike continued over the Heavitree Range onto the valley below then turned east to end just beyond the Todd River and Heavitree Gap.

Alternative and shorter hike is to return from the summit to Flynn's Grave car park via the same route.

Tips

Carry water, particularly in summer.
Poles will be useful on bot the ascent and descent as they trail is loose and rocky in parts.
Take care on the scramble to gain the summit.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Gillen & the Heavitree Range Hike (11km)

Total distance: 11059 m
Max elevation: 914 m
Min elevation: 565 m
Total climbing: 333 m
Total descent: -377 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg

Getting to the trailhead in West MacDonnell National Park.

From Alice Springs, head west along Larapinta Drive to the John Flynn Historical Reserve. Park your vehicle here and locate the trail-head on the south west corner of the carpark.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Heavitree Gap, or Ntaripe in the Arrernte language, is a water gap in the Northern Territory of Australia in the MacDonnell Ranges. It is the southern entrance to the city of Alice Springs and in addition to the Todd River it carries the main road and rail access to the south.

Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, The Alice' (Alice Springs) is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, opportunities for adventure and a strong Aboriginal culture. Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia's Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both 1,500km away. It's a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country's interior desert region.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in West MacDonnell National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Mount Gillen & the Heavitree Range Hike (11km)

11 Reviews on “Mount Gillen & the Heavitree Range Hike (11km)”

Overall rating

Steve Nix

Mt Gillen trail is closed- Jan 24

02/01/2024, 17:07

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Yes, there is a large warning at the top of this trail description that says…. Access to the Mount Gillen climb is officially closed off as March 2020. A newly installed fence has been erected across the beginning of the climb, and signage installed to inform people of the closure.
  
  I decided to leave this trail on my site so people would know it is closed.
  
  07/02/2024, 15:33
  
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Grant Hollingworth

This is a short bit fun hike. I was lucky enough to have done it many years ago before it closed.

15/09/2023, 01:26

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Mount gillen & the heavitree range hike (11km)