mount gillen

The walk to Mount Gillen starts from the John Flynn memorial site (its where his ashes were scattered) on Larapinta Drive (6 kms west from town) , the walk progresses through Acacia bushland for 500 meters before rising along a narrow eroded track to a saddle , then it becomes steep as you approach the vertical walls of the range.You will climb up through a narrow pass in the rock for approximately 20 meters where you will have to use your hands for safety, but it is not a technical climb, once on top of the range the track divides, one to the ridgeline the other more directly to the Mt Gillen marker this distance is about 750 meters along a rocky path through the spinifex grass, easy to find, follow a track.You may see Rock Wallabies along the way.Take water , your hat and wear good supportive shoes as the pathway is not maintained and therefore becomes loose with runoff from any storm activities and from foot traffic, use caution on the way down.Not advisable to walk along the ridge top toward town from the mountain as the decent at Heavetree Gap is dangerous and slow, so return from Mount Gillen the same way you used to get to the top.Great views looking West, be sure to allow time to get back down if you intend to be there in the late afternoon as it may take 30 minutes to get back down.Return walking time is about 1 Hr 30 min at a slow pace.Best time to walk is early morning, if you start late on a hot day you will need to cary (and drink) 2 litres of water, but not advisable to start any later than 0800 if the temp is forecast to be above 39 Degrees as the heat from the rocks will effect your enjoyment of the walk.Open access all times, take water and a phone in case of any accidents, stay on the track, don't feed the dingoes they don't need your help, don't take your dog as their sent will disturb the Wildlife and drive them further along the range with time.An easy and enjoyable walk for all ages with care.

I love the hike and short climb to the top. Once on top the view is spectacular. I could stay up there all day!

Cycled from the centre of town and then climbed up on a very warm day! Bring lots of water and some snacks because you will need it! There is a cycle path the whole way out which is perfect and if you need to restock it passes a shop or two. Beautiful views from the top of Mt Gillen, totally worthwhile climb. Saw a possum at the top which was unexpected! Can't recommend this enough for those who like a good climb

Well worth taking the walk and the'climb' on the last part. Not difficult at all as some ppl described. Amazing view of the sunset. Probably the best spot to visit around Alice Springs if you like walking.

My friends and I got up early one morning and climbed. It is an awesome accomplishment but it is an understatement to say BRING WATER and gloves =)!

Up at 5am and at the top before sunrise. Needed lights at the start for 20 minutes or so. Last bit up the chute can be a challenge. Coming down is worse. Great views.

This is a fantastic morning walk - get out early and hit the top to watch the sun rise. Takes about 40 minutes to reach summit. There is a bit of a vertical climb to reach the summit, gloves are handy. Not for the faint hearted it is a good walk with rewarding views.

The start is by the Flynn Grave, just follow the track behind. It me a while to be sure I was on the right track. I did this in March so a 37 degree day. The track starts off easy and flat and the the climb begins. The track in places was loose and I struggled a bit (I wouldn't suggest thongs). Views are amazing all the way up, but beware there is little shelter from the sun.The last 10meters up are basic rockclimbing.I was there middle of the day, it was a good light for photos, but I think most people go up early morning.

My partner and I have climbed Mount Gillen twice now and thoroughly enjoy the exercise and the views. You need to be fairly fit and carry water, but the walk (and little scramble at the end) is well worth it; the views are absolutely stunning. We completed the trek up Mount Gillen in about 50 minutes and the walk down in about 45 minutes. The track isn't signposted, we found out about it by word-of-mouth. This is kind of a good thing as it means the path doesn't get busy, we have only seen a few others on the path when we've done it. We also recommend leaving fairly early to avoid the heat of the day and so not to be coming down when it's dark.

Views of the desert a must, colours of the land are what you want to see and must see also takes in the Alice

I only found this walk because I had been told about it, otherwise I never would have come across it! There needs to be signage from Flynn's Grave and again at the start of the walk. When I set off on a walk I usually like to know how many kms I'm going to be doing and an estimate of how long it will take.Despite that, this is a fantastic walk - a great way to see the spectacular landscape around Alice Springs.Be prepared - you do need to be fit and carry water. Most of all, you do need good shoes. A lot of the path is gravelly, and some quite rocky too. People with bad knees will find it pretty rough coming down I would say. But if you have the right shoes and your wits about you this is a very enjoyable walk with great reward.

Woke up at 7am, very hungover, and did this walk/climb along with two others. Best hangover cure ever! The chilly, fresh air really helped. Needed to wear a jumper the whole way. Was quite a climb and had to stop a few times, and the climb up the rocks at the very top was a little daunting but I'm so glad we made it as there were incredible 360deg views to be had. Well worth the trip, absolutely loved it.

Decent level of fitness required but well worth it! Beautiful 360 views of Alice, the McDonald ranges and all of the beautiful landscape! We would have missed the last bit if others hadn't said to climb the rocks to get to the top but was well worth it (even for mum who is scared of heights!)

Beautiful mountain climb, moderate fitness needed. Great view of Alice springs and pine gap spy station!

The track can be tough under foot, but scenery is spectacular and a good quick training walk for the rest of the Macdonnells.