Description

Part of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Mount Zeil is the highest summit in Australia outside the Great Dividing Range, and the highest peak in the Northern Territory. It was named during Ernest Giles' 1872 expedition, probably after the explorer Count Zeil. The traditional owners of the Alice Springs area, the Arrernte people, believe giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye became the Ranges. The Indigenous name for the mountain (in Western Arrernte language) is Urlatherrke.

Getting To The Top

Mount Zeil is clearly visible from the Larapinta Trail - beginning at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station and extending 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. However, ascending to the summit of the mountain remains a challenging and fairly unusual endeavour, due to its remoteness and the harshness of the terrain. The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessed from Alice Springs, but Mount Zeil lies around 160 kilometres to the west of the town.

If you decide to attempt to climb Mount Zeil, you should seek specialist advice and contact the Alice Springs office of the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory.

Avoid the months from November to March, when conditions are too hot for safe bushwalking in this area.

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