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 Gorge
Contact [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.
