Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although overshadowed by the more popular West Macs, the East MacDonnell Ranges
are no less picturesque and, with fewer visitors, can be a more enjoyable outback experi-
ence. The sealed Ross Hwy runs 100km along the Ranges, which are intersected by a
series of scenic gaps and gorges. The gold-mining ghost town of Arltunga is 33km off
the Ross Hwy along an unsealed road that is usually OK for 2WD vehicles, however ac-
cess to John Hayes Rockhole (in Trephina Gorge Nature Park), N'Dhala Gorge and Ruby
Gap is by 4WD only.
Emily & Jessie Gaps Nature Park
Both of these gaps are associated with the Eastern Arrernte Caterpillar Dreaming trail.
Emily Gap
, 16km out of town, has stylised rock paintings and a fairly deep waterhole in
the narrow gorge. Known to the Arrernte as Anthwerrke, this is one of the most import-
ant Aboriginal sites in the Alice Springs area; it was from here that the caterpillar ances-
tral beings of Mparntwe originated before crawling across the landscape to create the to-
pographical features that exist today. The gap is a sacred site with some well-preserved
paintings on the eastern wall.
Jessie Gap
, 8km further on, is equally scenic and usually
much quieter. Both sites have toilets, but camping is not permitted. And both attract
flocks of birds looking for a drink. An 8km unmarked bushwalk leads around the ridge
between the two gaps.
Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve
Past Jessie Gap you drive over eroded flats before entering a valley between red ridges.
Corroboree Rock, 51km from Alice Springs, is one of many strangely shaped dolomite
outcrops scattered over the valley floor. Despite the name, it's doubtful the rock was ever
used as a corroboree area, but it is associated with the Perentie Dreaming trail. The per-
entie lizard grows in excess of 2.5m, and takes refuge within the area's rock falls. There's
a short walking track (15 minutes) around the rock.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park
If you only have time for a couple of stops in the East MacDonnell Ranges, make Tre-
phina Gorge Nature Park (75km from Alice) one of them. The play between the pale
sandy river beds, the red and purple gorge walls, the white tree trunks, the eucalyptus-
green foliage and the blue sky is spectacular. You'll also find deep swimming holes and
abundant wildlife. The
Trephina Gorge Walk
(45 minutes, 2km) loops around the
