🚴♂️ Bikepacking Australia: Red Dirt, Dust & Sand through the West MacDonnell Ranges
Welcome to one of Australia’s most iconic and rugged bikepacking adventures—deep in the heart of Central Australia.
This solo journey takes you through the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges
, the ancient beauty of Palm Valley, and the geological marvel that is Finke Gorge.
From the moment my tires hit the red dirt, I knew I was in for something raw and unforgettable. The sun-baked earth, endless open skies, and towering sandstone cliffs are more than just scenery—they’re a challenge, a test of endurance, and a reminder of Australia’s wild, untamed heart.
🏞️ About the Region
West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja)
Stretching over 160 kilometers west of Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges (known as Tjoritja to the Arrernte people) are a rugged series of ancient ridgelines and deep gorges. Some of the rock formations here are over 800 million years old, carved by millennia of erosion. The area is home to iconic spots like Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, and Ellery Creek Big Hole—each one offering natural beauty and cultural significance.
Palm Valley
Palm Valley is one of Central Australia’s hidden gems, famous for its rare Red Cabbage Palms, found nowhere else in the world. These palms are believed to be descendants of a prehistoric rainforest that once covered the region millions of years ago. Accessible only via 4WD (or in this case, by sheer grit and pedal power), this area is like stepping into a time capsule.
Finke Gorge National Park
The Finke River is thought to be one of the oldest rivers in the world,
estimated at over 300 million years old. Its winding, dry bed tells a story of ancient geology and Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Finke Gorge is both a sanctuary for native wildlife and a testament to the raw forces that shaped Australia’s interior.
🛠️ Gear Failures & Triumphs
On the very first night, I broke multiple poles from my camping gear—a harsh reminder that in the Outback, you must expect the unexpected. But despite the setbacks, I was rewarded with solitude, starlit skies, and some of the most striking natural landscapes I’ve ever had the privilege of riding through.
🦘 Wildlife Encounters
Along the way, I crossed paths with:
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Curious dingoes howling in the distance
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Agile rock wallabies clinging to cliff edges
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Wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead
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Budgerigars
and cockatoos painting the skies with sound
This land is teeming with life—
if you slow down and watch.
🎥 Shot with Multiple Cameras
To bring you as close to the experience as possible, I used a multi-camera setup:
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Sony A1 for cinematic landscapes
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GoPro for rugged trail footage
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Samsung S24 Ultra for candid captures
📍Location: Central Australia – Northern Territory
⏱️ Duration: 8 days of solo bikepacking
💧 Water: Carried 11 litres between sparse water sources
❤️ Support the Journey
If you enjoy real-deal solo bikepacking, wild Aussie landscapes, and off-grid adventures, please consider supporting my work:
🔗 Patreon: patreon.com/bikepacking365
🛒 Gear & Merch: bikepacking365.forthwall.com
🎬 Watch the Full Video
📺 YouTube: Outback Australia Red Dirt, Dust and Sand
Runtime: 1hr 7min of non-stop outback exploration
Thanks for reading. Make sure to subscribe or follow along for more stories from the red heart of Australia. Drop a comment below if you’ve explored these areas or plan to. Let’s swap trail notes.
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