Trail Fast Facts

Mount Gillen and the Heavitree Range is an 11km, grade 4 hike in West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory. This hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.

Length: 11km

Duration: 3 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Flynn's Grave car park

End: McDonnell Range Caravan Park

Location: West MacDonnell National Park

State: Northern Territory

Nearby town: Alice Springs

From state capital: 1500km

Latitude: -23.69791463

Longitude: 133.81946325302127

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

Reviews

Warning

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.

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.

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.

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

Download

Trailhead

Getting there

Mount Gillen & the Heavitree Range Hike (11km)

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 directions

Photo gallery

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.

Suggest an edit

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in West MacDonnell National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Mount Gillen & the Heavitree Range Hike (11km)

2 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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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.