N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park
Overview
|
N'Dhala Gorge contains thousands of rock carvings (petroglyphs). These are relicts of the art and stories of the Eastern Arrernte people.
This Gorge is a cultural treasure house, with over 5,900 individual petroglyphs, several art sites, shelter areas and other sites of cultural significance.
How to Get There
The Gorge is 90kms east of Alice Springs along a sealed road to Ross River Homestead. After the homestead is 11km of 4WD track. The 4WD track crosses the Ross River several times and becomes impassable after heavy rain.
When to Visit
The Gorge is acessible most of the year, though the cooler months from April to September offer the most pleasant conditions to visit.
What to See and Do
Bushwalking, Aboriginal Art appreciation, camping and picnicking.
Visitor facilties
Camping, picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities are available at this park.
Please Remember
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Camping is only permitted in designated camping areas.
- Generators are not permitted in this Park.
- Please take rubbish away with you.
Fact Sheet
Recreational Activities
A 1.5 km (one hour return) marked walking track leads into the Gorge. Signs along the track interpret some of the petroglyphs and the rare Acia undoolyana.
A small, simple bush camping area is located at the entrance to the Park. Camping fees are payable at the site. No water is provided and you should bring your own supplies.
Other features and activities of the Park include:
- 4 x 4 Driving
- Camping Permitted
- Picnic Tables
- Walking Tracks
Scenic and Cultural Features
The petroglyphs housed in this Gorge are of two styles - the finely pecked and the pounded. They possibly represent two time periods. It is difficult to estimate the age of the art, but most were done within the past 2,000 years, but some could be as old as 10,000 years.
Aboriginal custodians for the site now living in Santa Teresa indicate that some of the designs are connected to the Caterpillar Dreaming story.
Plants and Animals
In addition to the cultural significance of the Gorge, it is also an important site for fire sensitive plants including Hayes Wattle (Acacia undoolyana) and White Cypress Pine (Callitric glaucophylla).
