Trephina Gorge Nature Park
Overview
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 creekbed, and John Hayes Rock Hole with steep, narrow rock walls.
The Territory Government, in partnership with Traditional Owners, have finalised the Joint Management Plan for Trephina Gorge Nature Park.
Joint Management Plans provide direction for the future management of a Park, and outline how the interests of the community, Traditional Owners and conservation will be served.
The Plan came into operation on 2 December 2011.
The finalised Plan is available to download.
How to Get There
Situated 85km east of Alice Springs, the Park is accessible to all vehicles.
Access is via the sealed Ross Highway, then a 9km drive into Trephina Gorge, the last 5km on a gravel road.
The John Hayes Rockhole track within the Park is recommended for 4WD vehicles only. Infrequent heavy rains may cause all roads to become impassable.
When to Visit
The cooler months, from April to September, are the most pleasant time to visit Trephina, although the Park is open all year round.
What to See and Do
Camping, bushwalking and swimming are available in this Park.
Visitor Facilities
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.
Please Remember
Walkers planning extended and overnight walks are strongly advised to notify a friend or reliable person of your intended route and plans. Bring a topographical map, torch, compass and first aid kit. Please do not forget to advise of your return.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks.
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Pets are not permitted in this Park.
- The gathering of firewood is not permitted on this Park.
- Generators are prohibited.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 684)
Recreational Activities
Facilities and features of the Park include:
- 4 x 4 Driving
- Camping Permitted
- Caravan Permitted
- Picnic Tables
- Swimming
Swimmers should be aware that most swimming holes are extremely cold. Prolonged exposure, even during summer, can result in hypothermia. Beware of submerged logs and rocks. John Hayes Rockhole is a popular swimming location during warmer months. However, during prolonged dry periods the waterholes at Trephina Gorge and John Hayes Rockhole can evaporate leaving only a sandy creekbed. - Walking Tracks
From Trephina Gorge there are a number of short walking tracks. For experienced walkers there is the longer Trephina Ridge Top Walk through to John Hayes Rockhole, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and wildlife of the area.
Scenic and Cultural Features
Many of the Park's features form part of the Wallaby dreaming trail and are significant to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people.
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.
Plants and Animals
Water holes in this area attract a lot of wildlife, including a diverse range of bird life.
The uncommon Black-flanked Rock-wallaby is ironically the most commonly sighted mammal here. Not so easily seen amongst the spinifex along the rocky ridges are the nocturnal Fat-tailed Antechinus and the large Knob-tailed gecko.
The Park contains the largest Ghost Gum Eucalyptus papuana in Central Australia, set alone in a saltbush flat.
Ranger Guided Activities
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Parks Alive Program
Free Ranger guided activities are provided in this Park between May and September each year.
Check out the Central/Barkly Territory Parks Alive brochure for activities offered in 2012.