Everything you will need to know about your trip to the Red Centre.
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Explore the East MacDonnells and you'll discover an unrealised treasure of Central Australia.
To the local Arrernte people, this area is the dreamtime birthplace of the mountain range. As the caterpillar ancestral beings moved out from Emily Gap, they formed the MacDonnell Ranges and the site of Alice Springs. Places like Jessie Gap, Corroboree Rock, and N'Dhala Gorge are all of great cultural significance to the Arrernte people. The beauty of these sites and others, such as Trephina
Gorge, makes a trip to the East MacDonnells more than worthwhile.
The East MacDonnells were the site of Australia's most remote, but short lived, gold rush, at what is now at Arltunga Historical Reserve. Here you'll find a ghost town to explore, with the remains of mining camps and old mines. Follow the 'Altunga loop' tourist road along the Binns track you will come across Old Ambalindum Homestead, with camping facilities, walking tracks and more.
The first mining rush actually took place at what is now Ruby Gap Nature Park. You won't find any rubies, but you will find priceless scenery. Ruby Gap is strictly 4x4 access only.
North of this area, you can find your own gems, including garnets and zircons, in gemfields along the Plenty Highway. Fossicking permits are required when fossicking in the NT. Obtain your free copy from the Visitor Information Centre. Alternatively fossickers can experience the thrill of finding their own gems on a tour to the gemfields. The Gemtree offers daily tag-along-tours where permits and equipment are supplied. Bookings are essential.
The East MacDonnells region is also rich with bird and animal life. Trephina Gorge offers great birdwatching opportunities. And as the East MacDonnells are less visited by tourists, you will have a greater chance to spot wildlife in their own natural environment.
Trephina Gorge can be accessed most of the year by conventional vehicle. The Gorge winds its way through the MacDonnell Ranges, cutting through the red quartzite, and creating a valley oasis for many trees, plants, and animals. With several camping areas in addition to day use picnic areas, there is plenty of space to stay and spend some time exploring the diversity of life supported by this rich gorge.
N’Dhala Gorge is reached by a 4WD track that crosses the Ross River several times and should only be attempted by experienced drivers, but it is well worth the trip. The Gorge hosts one of the largest sites of Aboriginal Rock Art that is open for public viewing. Arltunga Historical Reserve
When gold was discovered in the quartz veins that ran through the East MacDonnell Ranges, people rushed to get their share. With water scarce, it was a hard life-style but occasionally had large payoffs. The Arltunga Historical Reserve protects the site of one of the largest early towns in Central Australia and the centre of the gold rush. Many mines and buildings are displayed, along with some mining equipment. There are with several self-guided walks.
The Ross Highway provides sealed access to Ross River Resort. The Resort offers a shady campsite and cabins; fuel, meals and a licensed bar. The original Homestead displays a wealth of information on the settlement and early days of this station.
4wd equipped visitors can explore sections of the Binns Track which provide access to Ruby Gap and Arltunga Historical Reserve. Further on you can stay at Old Ambalindum Homestead a working cattle station which was established by the Cavenagh family in the late 1800’s. A range of accommodation is available including campsites, bunkhouses and the historical homestead. Why not take a 4wd tour, go bushwalking or mountain bike riding to see the country up close.
Gemtree is the gateway to the Gemfields and offers both camping and cabins with larges sites for tens, vans and motor homes. The Chalmers family, third generation pioneer family, offer a wide range of activities including fossicking tours, 4wd and local history tours. The birdlife makes this an ideal spot for twitchers and the camp-oven dinners served on the weekends are a not to be missed event.
