East MacDonnell Ranges
When you head into the East MacDonnell Ranges, you're heading into gold and gem country.
Location Map
As well as being as picturesque as the West Macs, the East MacDonnell Ranges also offer the opportunity to go horse and camel riding at Ross River Homestead, to step back into the Territory's history and the goldrushes at Arltunga Historical Reserve and the Arltunga Historical Pub, and to fossick for zircon, garnet, beryl, apatite and tourmaline at Gemtree.
Eastern Arrernte culture has a long history in this region and a significant site is Corroboree Rock, where ancient manhood and initiation ceremonies took place.
N'Dhala Gorge with its ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs is another interesting site. The alluring colours of the East Macs - mauves and misty blues set against clear blue skies - give the region an air of tranquillity, so you'll find it very easy to wind down and relax.
Trephina Gorge is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and broad, river red gum lined, sandy watercourses where 2 gorges dissect the range. Emily and Jessie Gaps also have a unique character and a mysterious quality that makes the East and West MacDonnells so similar, and yet so different.
Access
Access to the East MacDonnells is via the Ross Highway which is sealed for the first 75kms. Beyond this point the unsealed road continues to Ross River Homestead and Arltunga but is in good condition and is suitable for caravans. The Plenty Highway to Gemtree is sealed.
4WD tracks that are unsuitable for caravans, extend from Arltunga to Ruby Gap Nature Park, and from Ross River Homestead to N'Dhala Gorge.
Attractions
Emily And Jessie Gaps Nature Park (695ha/13km): These two creek-worn gaps in the MacDonnell Ranges have Aboriginal significance, and are popular local picnic spots.
Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve (7ha/48km): This small Reserve protects a rock outcrop of significance to Aborigines. A sign and short walk will help visitors to appreciate the area and most will spend about 45 minutes here.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park (1771ha/85km): Attractive MacDonnell Ranges scenery including huge River Red Gums, sandy creek beds, semi-permanent waterholes and towering bluffs guarantee an enjoyable experience.
There are five marked walking tracks to explore, taking from 45 minutes to 6.5 hours to complete. Campers often use this Park as a base for day trips eastwards to Arltunga or N'Dhala Gorge.
The Park's ten small campsites don't suit large caravans and as the camping area is often full from June to September, campers should be prepared to go on the 21 kilometres to the Ross River Resort.
N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park (501ha/98km): Ancient Aboriginal rock carvings are sheltered by the rugged walls of two gorges. The carvings and varied plant life can be seen on a short walk. A number of cypress-pine trees grow along the exposed slopes. Accessible to conventional vehicles, but the dirt road can be rough in places.
Arltunga Historical Reserve (5506ha/111km): Gold was first discovered in this most isolated of goldfields in 1887. You can explore the stone ruins, scattered workings, gravestones and go down into a mine (bring a torch).
The police station and gaol have been restored, and a visitor centre displays the fascinating history of the area. Camping is available in a private caravan park next to the Reserve. Allow at least four hours to explore Arltunga.
Ruby Gap Nature Park (9257ha/140km): In 1886 Ruby Gap was the scene of a rush by miners seeking rubies which later proved to be worthless garnets. It is one of the beautiful gorges along the Hale River which winds through the Park, and it is accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles only. This undeveloped Park provides a special outback camping experience.
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