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Ernest Giles Road, 145 kilometres south of Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/henbury
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000764 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Walk into an other-worldly landscape shaped by an meteor hitting the earth at Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve. Located 145 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, the reserve contains 12 craters that were formed when the Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to over 40,000 kilometres per hour, disintegrated before impact. Follow the self-guided walking track around the craters, the largest of which is 180 metres wide and 15 metres deep. You will have to look more closely for the smallest, which is barely recognisable at 6 metres wide and only a few centimetres deep. Three or four of the craters can be seen very clearly and inspected at close range. Keen photographers should time their visit for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun defines the craters clearly. The scattered fragments of the Henbury Meteorite can be found at the Museum of Central Australia. They consist mainly of iron and nickel and are extremely heavy. Over 500 kilograms of metal have been found on the site, the largest weighing over 100 kilograms. Visitors can camp in a dedicated area with basic facilities, which is adjacent to the car park. Water and firewood are not supplied, and camping fees apply.

Anzac Hill Road, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: astc@astc.nt.gov.au
Website: www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000643 Phone Number: 61 08 8950 0500
Fax Number: 61 08 8953 0558

The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town. The lookout offers a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges. The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.

Ross Highway, 10 kilometres east of Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/emilyjessie
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000715 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Emily and Jessie Gaps are the first noticeable features of the East MacDonnell Ranges as you drive 10 kilometres out of Alice Springs. Pack a picnic, watch the local wildlife, or follow a short walking track into both gaps. At Emily Gap you can see a large rock painting depicting the caterpillar dreaming. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Many places in the surrounding landscape are associated with the same caterpillar Dreamtime story, and form a 'Dreaming Trail'. Emily Gap is a significant sacred site where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) originated. These caterpillars formed Emily Gap and many of the topographic features around Alice Springs, then radiated out to the edge of the Simpson Desert. The first European sighting of Emily and Jessie Gap was in 1871. It was thought that the names Emily and Jessie were chosen after the daughters of Sir Charles Todd, but this was found to be untrue. The basis on which the names are derived is unknown. The East MacDonnell Ranges Park is an easy 15-minute drive along the sealed Ross Highway.

West of Alice Springs, via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATPARKRES 9000602 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

The West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park stretches for 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay. Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes. The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. There are numerous marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers. The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon. Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.

Namatjira Drive, 110 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000684 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Head out into the West MacDonnells to see the vivid colours of the mineral ochre pits, which have been mined for generations by the local Aboriginal people. Located 110km west of Alice Springs, the pits is a colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. An information shelter at the site provides information about how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. After browsing this historic site, sit down in the scenic surrounds and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Ochre occurs in a range of earthy colours ranging from white through to yellow, orange, red and browns. It is an important part of Aboriginal culture and is used in everyday life. It is the raw material for paintings and ceremonial body decoration. Weapons were painted with ochre to increase the success of hunting and to protect the wooden weapons from termites. Red ochre was mixed into an ointment to relieve decongestion and white ochre used as a magical charm. It also protected the wooden weapons from termites.

18 kilometres west of Alice Springs, via Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000655 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Located 18 kilometres from Alice Springs, it features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole, and opportunities to spot resident wildlife. At dawn and dusk you might see Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the walking track into the gap. Vegetation typical of the MacDonnell Ranges is found in the area, including large stands of Mulga and over 40 rare and relict plants. There are many short walks that pass the native plants of the area including ancient Ghost Gums and to views of the range. Simpsons Gap is also located on the Larapinta Trail, a 223 kilometre walking track through the West MacDonnell Ranges, from Simpsons Gap you can walk Sections 1 or 2. Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site. The turn off to Simpsons Gap is along the Larapinta Drive. The Gap can also be reached by cycling 17 kilometres one way along the Simpsons Gap Bike Path. Camping is permitted at Simpsons Gap for Larapinta Trail walkers only.

George Crescent, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: astc@asct.nt.gov.au
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000617 Phone Number: 61 08 8950 0500
Fax Number: 61 08 8963 0558

For a fascinating and sobering reminder of the hardships faced by the early inhabitants of Central Australia, visit Alice Springs' first cemetery to see the graves of the earliest pioneers. The Stuart Town Cemetery (or the Alice Springs Pioneer Cemetery Alice Springs) is an historic record of the early residents of Alice Springs and region. The Cemetery was the town's first, dating from 1889. Seven graves are examples of the earliest pioneers who lived in the area, and over 50 people are known to be buried here. Read the inscriptions on headstones and understand more about tradition and aspects of social history. There are examples of 19th century cemetery furniture in remote locations, as well as significant imported cast iron markers and fences and locally fashioned timber pieces.

Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000668 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

The quiet, out of the way Serpentine Chalet Bush Camping Area, along Namatjira Drive, in the Alice Springs region, presents an opportunity for simple bush camping and the chance of several walks to visit spectacular sites along the MacDonnell Ranges. The nearby Serpentine Chalet ruins tell a story of a failed early tourism venture. An unsealed access track, suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, runs to the campsite and ruins. Then a rough four-wheel drive track continues onto Serpentine Chalet Dam and the Larapinta Trail. This destination is not recommended for buses, caravans, or motor homes.

100 kilometres west of Alice Springs, via Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000669 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Serpentine Gorge is a narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Follow one of the many well-marked paths along the gorge through the cool shade of River Red Gums, or up to the lookout above the cliffs to survey views of the series of semi-permanent waterholes, and the geology of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. In dry times the waterholes in the surrounding area dry up, leaving Serpentine Gorge waterhole the only remaining waterhole in a large area. Birds will move in from the surrounding countryside and can easily be observed by sitting quietly by the edge of the waterhole. The site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming, some of the areas in the Gorge and western cliffs have special significance to the Western Arrernte custodians. Serpentine Gorge is also the Trailhead for Sections 7 and 8 of the Larapinta Trail, a 223-kilometre long distance walking trail through the West MacDonnell Ranges. Access is by conventional two-wheel drive vehicles but can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather, as the last few kilometres is rough access track. This road is not suitable for buses and caravans.

Namatjira Drive, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000685 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife. Located 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell National Park, it is accessible via sealed roads and is the Trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk. The gorge has a near-permanent waterhole that is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. Just 500 metres from the visitor centre, it is estimated to be up to 14 metres deep at its southern end. Explore the area via the Ormiston Pound Walk - a three to four hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre to cross the rocky slopes and the flat floor of the pound and back along the gorge via the main waterhole. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species from Central Australia's tropical past. The park is also an important fauna refuge, with the rediscovery of the Long- tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat here in 1997. Pitch your tent in a designated camping site (fees apply).