National Park "Finke Gorge" is located 138 km west of Alice Springs. Name the park gave the first European to visit these places - Stuart McDougall, who was so grateful to my sponsor William Finke, that he decided to name discovered the river and the surrounding area named patron.

The main attraction of the park, created in 1920 and covers an area of ​​456 square kilometers, is a spectacular desert oasis Palm Valley - home to a huge variety of plant species, including such rare as a palm tree "Red Kebbidzh" abundantly growing only here. This oasis of palm - the remains of the ancient rain forest that grew here 60 million years ago. Also Finke River basin is one of the oldest in the world - it was formed more than 350 million years ago. The park and its surrounding areas have a huge cultural significance for Aboriginal tribe "Western arrernte."

From the very beginning Finke Gorge road along the river of the same name to the source Illamurta Springs National Park and "Vatarrka." On the park laid tourist routes. The most popular is the 20-minute climb to the observation deck Kalaranga, which offers a beautiful view of the rocky amphitheater, surrounded by steep cliffs. After the trail Mpaara, you can get acquainted with the myths of the local Aborigines. And in Palm Valley Trail Arankayya and longer Mpulungkinya graceful curls among lush palms, overlooking the picturesque plateau.

Near the park is the town of Hermannsburg - old mission founded by Lutherans. Many natives were baptized here, including renowned artist Albert Namatira. Since ancient times, it survived several historical buildings - a school, a church, a dining room. In the church today is a museum. To the south of Hermannsburg starts the road leading to the gorge Finke.