the finke river is one of the largest rivers in central australia. it starts in the macdonnell ranges in the northern territory. it is formed where davenport and ormiston creeks join together, just north of glen helen. the finke river flows about 600 km to the western edge of the simpson desert in northern south australia. usually the river is a collection of waterholes, but it can become a raging torrent during rare flood events. in a big flood water from the finke river can flow into the macumba river, and then into lake eyre, a total distance of about 750 km. major tributaries include ellery creek, and the palmer and hugh rivers. the finke river flows through the west macdonnell and finke gorge national parks.