Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve
When a meteor crashed into the earth 4,700 years ago it left 12 craters in the Central Australian desert that can be explored today at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve.
The Henbury meteor weighed several tonnes and hurtled to earth at 40,000km per hour before fragmenting on impact.
Scattered fragments of the meteor can be seen at the Museum of Central Australia.
Each of the 12 craters is quite different, some barely noticeable.
The largest crater is 180m wide and 15m deep and best seen in the early morning or late afternoon.
Take a walk around the craters for the best views.
You can camp in the reserve. You will need to bring your own firewood and water.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Get the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve fact sheet and map PDF (715.4 KB).
Find out about camping in parks and reserves.
Check if the park is open
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve | Open | High clearance 4WD only. Accessibility may be compromised by recent heavy rainfall. | - |
| Campground | Open | - |
All year round, but roads may close after heavy rain.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September.
The park is 145km south-west from Alice Springs and is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles along the Stuart Highway and the unsealed Ernest Giles Road.
Check road conditions before you go.
You can do all of the following activities in the reserve:
- short walks
- camping
- wildlife spotting.
Camping is available at Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve.
Book before you go
You must book online and pay a fee to camp.
Do this before you go. You can't pay at the site.
Learn more about camping in parks and reserves.
Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- fire pits
- public toilets
- picnic area
- campsites
- walking tracks.
When visiting the reserve, remember all of the following:
- visitors to the NT require a parks pass
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- firewood collection is not permitted in the reserve
- fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
- bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
- pets are permitted on a leash in the car park area only
- generators are not permitted
- a permit is required for drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the reserve.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve by doing all of the following:
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
- avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
- think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 26 March 2024
Give feedback about this page.
Share this page:
URL copied!