Owen Springs Track
14 km
distance
1h 40m
Contour time
3.9
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
Northern Territory
Owen Springs Reserve is a 1,400km² protected area southwest of Alice Springs, conserving the Central Australian...
Road quality
Grade 3.93
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD. Peak season: Winter-Spring (Apr-Sep).
7-day forecast
Red sand and creek crossing terrain in the MacDonnell ranges foothills. Moderate difficulty with the main risk being remoteness and heat. A well-equipped stock 4WD handles this track comfortably in the dry season.
Recommended gear: Recovery boards, Snatch strap, Extra water (20L+), Satellite comms.
The road
Owen Springs Track runs through a 1,400 square kilometre reserve southwest of Alice Springs that conserves the transition zone between the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert approaches. The 14-kilometre track crosses red sand and creek crossing terrain through spinifex and mulga country with the MacDonnell Ranges as a constant backdrop. The reserve holds endemic wildlife including bilbies and greater stick-nest rats - species that have disappeared from most of their former range. The springs that give the reserve its name are on Arrernte country and hold cultural significance as a water source on traditional routes across the Western Desert. Summer temperatures exceed 45 degrees and the dry season from April to September is the only practical window. The Alice Springs Desert Park in town is the best introduction to the Central Australian ecosystems you will drive through.
Owen Springs Track runs through a 1,400 square kilometre reserve southwest of Alice Springs that conserves the transition zone between the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert approaches.
Why this road
The region
Owen Springs Reserve is a 1,400km² protected area southwest of Alice Springs, conserving the Central Australian transition zone between the MacDonnell ranges and the Simpson Desert approaches. The area holds endemic wildlife including bilbies and greater stick-nest rats. The springs that give the reserve its name are on Arrernte country and hold cultural significance as a water source on traditional routes across the Western Desert.
Before you go
Fuel in Alice Springs. Minimum 20L extra water mandatory - summer temperatures exceed 45°C in this region. Dry season strongly recommended. Satellite comms essential. The reserve has strict access conditions - check with NT Parks before visiting.
See a routing error?
Flag itWorth stopping for
West MacDonnell National Park
The main sealed road through the Macs from Alice - Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek and Glen Helen are all 40-90 minutes west of town.
Alice Springs Desert Park
The best introduction to Central Australian ecosystems - nocturnal house with bilbies and mala, diorama landscapes, free-flying birds of prey show.
Route
Start
Owen Springs Reserve
End
Owen Springs eastern reach
Gallery
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