Heading west on Larapinta Drive from Alice Springs, you'll see signs for the following in order:
Simpson's Gap
Stanley Chasm
At this point there's a turnoff for Bullen Road which loops back towards Alice Springs and passes through Honeymoon gap. If you decide not to take that turnoff, a little further on the road splits: Larapinta continues southeast and Namatjira continues northeast. They are both sealed roads, which form a fork which is connected on the ends by a dirt road.
On Namatjira you see:
Ellery Creek Big Hole
is a big natural waterhole. Great for swimming, although beware - it is cold - even in the middle of summer - so watch out for signs of Hypothermia and don't swim alone.Serpentine Gorge
The Ochre Pits
Ormiston Gorge
Glen Helen Gorge
end of the road, literally. All after this are 4WD.Past Glenn Helen is a 4wd track which leads west, then south to meet up with the end of Larapinta. A permit is required; on the 4wd track you'll find:
Redbank Gorge
Roma Gorge
Aboriginal rock art.Haast's Bluff
Tyler's Pass
Gosse Bluff and Gosse Crater
also known as Tnorala - a massive meteor crater. Registered sacred ground, a permit is required to travel the road available at Kings Canyon, Hermansburg and Glen Helen and overnight camping is NOT permitted. It's not on the direct road from Alice to Uluru, but on the Merrereni loop road. There's 4WD tracks, picnic tables, and walking tracks. The dreamtime story told is worth a read; it's really an amazing place.The next stop down is Hermansburg, which is the far end of the sealed Larapinta Drive. The following are the points of interest leading back into town from the end of Larapinta Drive:
Hermannsburg (http://www.hermannsburg.c...) Western Arrenda name - Ntaria - pronounced "Ndarra"- an aboriginal community, famous for their ladies Choir, pottery, painting, and for being the home of the late Albert Namatjira. It's the site of an old Lutheran mission, with the best Apple Strudel in Central Australia. Whats even better is that its now an aboriginal enterprise, providing training and employment for some of the local people. Sealed roads all the way.
Palm Valley
a high clearance 4wd side-track off Larapinta - recommended for expert 4WD's only due to soft sand and rock driving.Wallace Rockhole
short 4wd side-track off Larapinta - Experience tours and a taste of life in an Aboriginal Community.Owen Springs
4WD track which connects Larapinta to the south Stuart Highway; some ruins and scenic areas.The Finke River Track is a really lovely 4WD track which leads south from Hermannsburg - but should definitely only be used by experienced four-wheel drivers, as there's every hazard you can imagine for a four wheel drive vehicle. Heads south towards King's Canyon. Track is not marked! Boggy Hole is the main destination camping site for the Finke River Track.
