Eastern MacDonnell Ranges

East MacDonnell Ranges Gallery

The Eastern MacDonnell Ranges extend east of Alice Springs for approximately 200 km, and are every bit as picturesque as the better known West MacDonnell Ranges. In addition to several spectacular natural features such as Emily and Jessie Gaps, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, Ndhala Gorge and Ruby Gorge, the East MacDonnell Ranges also offer the opportunity to step back into Central Australia and the Northern Territory's history at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, and to fossick for zircon, garnet, beryl, apatite and tourmaline at Gemtree. Eastern Arrernte culture has a long history in this region.

Access to the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges is via the Ross Highway which is sealed for the first 75kms. Beyond this point the unsealed road continues to Ross River Homestead and Arltunga but is in good condition and is suitable for caravans. The Plenty Highway to Gemtree is sealed. 4WD tracks that extend from Arltunga to Ruby Gap Nature Park, and from Ross River Homestead to Ndhala Gorge, are unsuitable for caravans.

Emily And Jessie Gaps are two creek-worn gaps in the MacDonnell Ranges quite close to Alice Springs. Both sites have great significance in the Yipirinya Dreaming story for Alice Springs, being the location where the Caterpillar ancestors met. Both sites are popular local picnic spots.

The Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a small reserve about 50 km from Alice Springs. It contains a rock outcrop of great significance to the Eastern Arrernte people, being a site where initiation ceremonies took place.

The Trephina Gorge Nature Park is located about 85 km east of Alice Springs, and is possibly the most attractive of the many natural features in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Its stunning scenery includes huge River Red Gums, sandy creek beds, semi-permanent waterholes and towering rocky bluffs. There are five marked walking tracks, taking from 45 minutes to 6.5 hours to complete. Campers often use Trephina Gorge as a base for day trips to Arltunga or Ndhala Gorge. Trephina Gorge is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and broad, river red gum lined, sandy watercourses where 2 gorges dissect the range. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including plenty of eagles, matching the valley's name of the Valley of the Eagles.

N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park is located about 98 km east of Alice Springs. It is a very important Aboriginal art site containing over one thousand ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs, sheltered by the rugged walls of two gorges. The carvings and varied flora can be viewd on a short walk. A number of indigenous cypress-pine trees grow along the exposed slopes. The dirt road accessible to conventional vehicles, but can be very rough in places and a 4WD is recommended.

The Ruby Gap Nature Park is located about 140 km east of Alice Springs. Ruby Gap was the scene of a rush by miners in 1886 seeking rubies which later proved to be worthless garnets. It is one of the beautiful gorges along the Hale River which winds through the Park. 4WD access only.