Finke, Northern Territory, is home to the stunning Finke Gorge National Park, a remote and ancient landscape that is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The park is known for its ancient Finke River, believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, dating back 350 million years. The star attraction of the park is Palm Valley, where red rock walls merge with thousands of red cabbage palms, cycads, and slender red gums, offering a unique and picturesque setting for visitors. This special place shelters groves of rare red cabbage palms, which are botanic remnants from millions of years ago when Central Australia was lush with tropical forests.
The park is accessible only by four-wheel drive and is a convenient 140km day trip from Alice Springs, making it an ideal destination for a day of exploration or a stopover during a four-wheel drive trip to Uluru. In addition to Palm Valley, the park features ancient valley of the palms, high red cliffs, and a diverse range of plant species, including tall palms and cycads, many of which are unique to the area. Visitors can enjoy walks, hiking trails, and camping, allowing them to immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty and ancient history. Just 21km west of Finke, travelers can also visit the Lambert Centre, which marks the geographical center of Australia, adding to the unique attractions in the area.