Starting from the car park on Larapinta Drive, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Gillen via a singular track, visiting the John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve (aka Flynn’s Grave) near the start. A short but intense hike that will surely get your heart pumping, this track offers panoramic views over the surrounding area that are worthy of the effort. Try to identify the Macdonnell Ranges and the Pine Gap as you absorb the breathtaking scenery. Keep in mind that there is a section where you’ll need to do some rock scrambling near the summit. Although it’s not a lengthy one, you may want to skip this journey if you have a fear of heights. There is no signage but the track is well-worn and distinguishable. Grippy hiking shoes are recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 880 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 4.6 km
Turn left and drive for another 25 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park on Larapinta Drive (near the John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve), head west along the dirt walking track as you pass by the memorial (Flynn’s Grave) to your left. Follow the said track as it veers left and pass through the metal barrier/gate to continue along Mount Gillen Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 40 m find the "John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve" (25 m on your left).
John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve
John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve
John Flynn, an Australian minister, was the founder of the Australian Inland Mission as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (world's first air ambulance). He died in Sydney on 5 May 1951, and his ashes were brought here upon request. The boulder on top of the monument is not the original one that was placed in 1953 as it was wrongfuly taken from the Warumungu/Kaytetye people. In 1998, the Arrernte people allowed another suitable boulder to be used instead of the wrongfully taken one, which was returned to where it belonged.
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John Flynn, an Australian minister, was the founder of the Australian Inland Mission as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (world's first air ambulance). He died in Sydney on 5 May 1951, and his ashes were brought here upon request. The boulder on top of the monument is not the original one that was placed in 1953 as it was wrongfuly taken from the Warumungu/Kaytetye people. In 1998, the Arrernte people allowed another suitable boulder to be used instead of the wrongfully taken one, which was returned to where it belonged.
After another 350 m continue straight.
After another 2.2 km come to "Mount Gillen".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.6 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Gillen Track
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
5.1 km
Time
2 h to 3 h 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Bushwalk
2 h to 3 h 30 min
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After 40 m find the "John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve" (25 m on your left).
After another 2.2 km come to "Mount Gillen".
