The Gorge is situated 90 kms east of
Alice Springs along a sealed road to
Ross River
Homestead. The turn-off is 500m before the
homestead. After the
homestead there is 11 kms of 4WD track. The 4WD track crosses the
Ross River several times and becomes impassable after heavy rain.
N'Dhala
Gorge is an important site for the Eastern Arrernte people known as Irlwentye (pronounced Eel-oonja).
The Gorge is a cultural treasure house containing over 5,900 individual petroglyph's (
rock engravings), several art sites, shelter areas and other sites of cultural significance. The petroglyph's in this shady
gorge are relict's of the art and stories of an ancient, but still living culture. The petroglyph's are of two styles, the finely pecked and the pounded. They possibly represent two time periods. It is difficult to estimate the age of the art. Most were probably done within the past 2,000 years, but some could be as old as 10,000 years. It is illegal to tamper with the art, report any irregularities to the Park Rangers at
Trephina Gorge on (08) 8956 9765.
Aboriginal custodians for the site, now living in Santa Teresa, indicate that some of the designs are connected with a Caterpillar Dreaming story. In addition to the cultural significance of
the Gorge, it is also an important site for fire sensitive plants including Hayes Wattle (Acacia undoolyana) and White Cypress Pine (
Callitris glaucophylla).
A 1.5 km (1 hour return) marked walking track leads into
the gorge. Signs along the track interpret some of the petroglyph's and the rare Acacia undoolyana.
A small, simple
bush camping area is located at
the entrance to the Park. No water is provided and you should bring your own supplies. Camping fees are payable at the site. For a downloadable (PDF) Fact Sheet for further information.
N'dhala Gorge Nature Park PDF.