MacDonnell National Park, located in the Northern Territory of Australia, encompasses a rugged landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. The park’s centrepiece is the MacDonnell Ranges, formed around 300-350 million years ago through tectonic uplift and erosion. The area has been home to the Arrernte people for thousands of years. European exploration began in the late 19th century, with John McDouall Stuart naming the ranges after Sir Richard MacDonnell in 1860. The park was established in 1992 to protect its unique ecosystems and geological features, including dramatic gorges, waterholes, and ancient rock formations. It showcases a rich diversity of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh desert environment.