Trephina Gorge Nature Park is located 85km east of
Alice Springs in the East MacDonnell Ranges. The Park is accessible to all vehicles via the sealed
Ross Highway, then a 9km drive into
Trephina Gorge; the last 5km on a gravel road. The Park is open all year round, with the best times to visit being the cooler months of April to September.
Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide
views and
sandy creek bed, and
John Hayes
Rock Hole with steep, narrow
rock walls. The
John Hayes
Rockhole track within the Park is recommended for 4WD vehicles only. The use of generators is prohibited within the Park.
The first Europeans to see
Trephina Gorge were the forward survey party for the
Overland Telegraph Line, lead by
John Ross. During the 1950's many of the larger River Red Gums in the area were logged and sawn for use as railway sleepers for the Ghan rail line.
The Park contains the largest
Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus papuana) in Central Australia, set alone in a saltbush flat. Water holes in this area attract a lot of wildlife, including a diverse range of birdlife.
Activities within the Park include: 4x4 driving, Camping, bushwalking and swimming. Swimmers should be aware that most swimming holes are extremely cold. Camping grounds with pit
toilets, picnic tables and
drinking water are provided at Trephina
Bluff and
Trephina Gorge. There is no water provided at the
John Hayes
camp ground. Camping fees are payable at the sites.
From
Trephina Gorge there are a number of short walking tracks, plus (for experienced walkers) the longer Trephina Ridge Top Walk through to
John Hayes
Rockhole.
For further information and a downloadable “fact sheet” with maps, use this link to the NT Parks and Wildlife web site:
Trephina GorgeContact [url=http:www.travelnt.com]TravelNT] or phone 136768 for a free 98 page booklet "Explore the Northern Territory by 4WD" that includes
Trephina Gorge and other
places to visit in the NT.