Native Gap Conservation Reserve is 115km north of
Alice Springs on the western side of the Stuart Highway. Access is via an unsealed service track to a nearby
telecommunications tower on the Hann Range. The track within the Reserve forms a loop around the facilities area. The Reserve is open all year. The Reserve is also a historic place: the
Overland Telegraph Line was constructed through this site in the late 19th century.
Just one of several small roadside
reserves located alongside the Stuart Highway, between
Alice Springs and
Tennant Creek. Native Gap Conservation Reserve is an attractive place with impressive 30 meter high
sandstone ridge which dominates the site. This ridge stands above the surrounding Burt Plain and hosts an interesting variety of plant and animal species. Plants including, the Native Fig, White Cypress Pine, Ironwood and Desert Bloodwood are found in the reserve.
According to NT Parks & Wildlife, wildlife that can be encountered on the Reserve include; the Black-Footed
Rock Wallaby, the large kangaroo known as the Common Euro, as
well as birds such as the Hooded Robin and the Singing Honeyeater. Reptiles like the Sand Goanna, are often seen basking in the sun.
Facilities in the Park include: picnic tables, wood barbeques, fire pits, and a pit
toilet. Firewood collection is not permitted within the Reserve. There is NO
drinking water supply at the Reserve.
For more
information go to the NT Parks & Wildlife web site, for a downloadable “Fact Sheet”, complete with maps:
Native Gap Conservation Reserve