Viewpoints
Structured data on landscape features, elevation, and protected area boundaries.
Finke Gorge National Park Geography, Mapped Boundaries, and Regional Terrain Profile
Examine the geographic characteristics of Finke Gorge National Park within the Northern Territory of Australia. This profile details the 452.85 square kilometer protected boundary, featuring arid riverine habitats, cliff formations, and plateau relief alongside key natural landmarks like the Finke River and Puka cliffs.

Ancient desert oasis with rare Central Australian palms in the heart of the Northern Territory
Finke Gorge National Park
Finke Gorge National Park is a protected landscape in the Northern Territory of Australia, situated approximately 1,318 kilometres south of Darwin in the arid heart of central Australia. The park encompasses 452.85 square kilometres of rugged terrain and is renowned for its spectacular desert oasis known as Palm Valley, where populations of the Central Australian Cabbage Palm thrive in remarkable isolation. This palm species is found nowhere else on Earth, making the park a botanically significant destination of global interest. The Finke River, which flows through the park, is recognized as one of the oldest river catchments in the world with geological formations dating back around 350 million years. The landscape combines dramatic gorges, rock amphitheatres, and sandy floodplains with the unique ecological treasure of the palm groves, creating a distinctive protected area that bridges extraordinary natural heritage with Aboriginal cultural significance.
- Location
- Australia
- Park type
- National park
- Established
- 1966
- Area
- 452.9 km²
Protected area context in the Northern Territory of Australia
Finke Gorge National Park Geographic Location and Setting
- Countries
- Australia
- Regions
- Northern Territory
- Primary location
- Northern Territory
- Geographic setting
- Inland
Geographic extent and the 452.85 square kilometer spatial footprint
Boundary Mapping and Spatial Limits of Finke Gorge National Park
- Boundary area
- 452.9 km²
- Boundary perimeter
- 226.4 km
- Northernmost point
- 24.0403° S
- Southernmost point
- 24.2755° S
- Easternmost point
- 132.8988° E
- Westernmost point
- 132.6078° E
- Geographic centre
- 24.1509° S, 132.7978° E
- North–south span
- 26.1 km
- East–west span
- 29.6 km
Explore highland terrain classifications and recorded natural features across the protected landscape.
Finke Gorge National Park Terrain and Named Natural Features
Selected named natural features
Rivers
Palm Creek
Streams
Ellery Creek
Rivers
Merrick Gully
Peaks
Mount Merrick
Cliffs
Puka
Arid climate zones, highland relief, and riverine desert habitats
Finke Gorge National Park Environmental Setting and Landscape Classifications
- Relief
- Highland
- Climate
- Arid
- Water
- Major water bodies
- Forest cover
- Partial forest
Landscape features
Valleys · Cliffs · Forest · Rivers · Plateau
Habitat types
Desert habitat · Riverine habitat
Explore the Surrounding Desert Landscapes and Unique Protected Zones Across Australia's Northern Territory
Discover Nearby National Parks and Protected Areas Beyond Finke Gorge in Central Australia
South
Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve: Geography and Protected Landscape Atlas
Desert-fringe oasis in the Northern Territory
Located in the arid heart of central Australia, Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve anchors a rare permanent water source at the base of the James Range. This protected area offers deep insight into the region's geography, balancing an essential oasis habitat with significant cultural storylines and remnants of frontier history in the Northern Territory.
- Area
- 1.29 km²
- Established
- 1969
- IUCN
- V
- Relief
- Upland
East
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park: National Park Atlas and Protected Landscape
Explore the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges terrain and geography.
Delve into the protected geography of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, a significant national park in Australia's Northern Territory. This landscape features striking mountain formations, deep gorges like Standley Chasm and Glen Helen, and is intrinsically linked to the famous Larapinta Trail and the Arrernte people's cultural heritage. Understanding its mapped boundaries and regional context provides essential insight into this iconic Central Australian protected area.
- Area
- 2,568.61 km²
- Established
- 1992
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
Southwest
Tnorala Conservation Reserve: Geological Wonders and Protected Landscapes of the Northern Territory
An iconic circular impact crater preserved as a cultural and natural sanctuary
Tnorala Conservation Reserve stands as a sentinel in the Northern Territory, defined by its striking five-kilometre-wide ring of hills. This protected area offers a look at a massive, ancient impact crater remnant that rises sharply from the surrounding desert plains, serving as a critical point of geological interest and a deeply revered sacred site for the Western Arrernte people.
- Relief
- Mountain
- Climate
- Arid
- Access
- Access unknown
- Scope
- Terrestrial

Southeast
Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve: Geological and Cultural Impact Site Mapping
Northern Territory desert monument and crater field atlas
Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve preserves a series of striking impact craters in the heart of the Northern Territory desert. This protected area offers insights into the geological mechanics of meteorite falls and the enduring cultural significance of the site within central Australian history. Its compact crater field creates a distinct topography against the surrounding arid plains, making it a focal point for understanding terrestrial impact morphology.
- Area
- 0.16 km²
- Established
- 1964
- IUCN
- III
- Relief
- Lowland
East
West MacDonnell National Park: Australia's Outback Mountain Landscape and Protected Area
Explore mapped gorges, waterholes, and regional geography in the Red Centre.
West MacDonnell National Park serves as a key protected area within Australia's arid interior, delineating the dramatic western MacDonnell Ranges. This national park offers a unique opportunity to study its mapped landscape, characterized by ancient sandstone ridges, deep gorges, and permanent water sources that support endemic biodiversity. Its profound connection to Aboriginal cultural heritage and its status as a conservation reserve make it essential for understanding the geography and protected lands of central Australia's Red Centre.
- Area
- 2,048 km²
- Established
- 1992
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain

Southeast
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve: Geological Atlas and Protected Landscape Mapping
Examining the arid-zone terrain of Northern Territory, Australia.
The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is a significant protected landscape known for its 350-million-year-old banded sandstone bluffs and diverse arid-zone habitats. This overview provides a focused look at the park's geological structure, claypan terrain, and its status as a vital site for Aboriginal heritage, offering a clear understanding of its place within the broader Northern Territory geographic context.
- Area
- 24.83 km²
- Established
- 1990
- IUCN
- V
- Visitors
- 6.8K annual
Southwest
Watarrka National Park: Central Australian National Park with Iconic Canyon Landscapes
Explore its mapped terrain and protected area geography.
Watarrka National Park, located in the Northern Territory, is distinguished by the dramatic sandstone formations of Kings Canyon. This protected area showcases a unique arid zone biodiversity, including rare plant species and ancient cycad forests. Its geological significance and Aboriginal heritage make it a compelling point of study for understanding Central Australia's natural and cultural landscapes through structured atlas exploration.
- Area
- 1,051.85 km²
- Established
- 1989
- IUCN
- II
- Visitors
- 176.1K annual
East
Kuyunba Conservation Reserve: Wildlife Protected Landscape in Central Australia
Mapped geography and rocky habitat near Alice Springs
Kuyunba Conservation Reserve represents a focused approach to habitat protection in the Northern Territory. The terrain is defined by its rocky hills and boulder-filled escarpments, offering critical shelter for wildlife in an arid, drought-adapted desert region. This site provides a clear view of how targeted land management supports specialized ecological niches in inland Australia.
- Area
- 6.29 km²
- Established
- 1970
- IUCN
- V
- Relief
- Upland
Continue Exploring Finke Gorge National Park's Geographic Landscape and Atlas Context
Deepen your understanding of Finke Gorge National Park by exploring its specific geographic features and mapped protected boundaries. This destination is crucial for grasping the regional landscape context within the Northern Territory and provides valuable data for anyone focused on detailed atlas exploration of Australia's national parks and protected areas.
