Owen Springs Reserve
Owen Springs Reserve protects 1,570 square kilometres and was formerly Owen Springs cattle station.
It offers visitors an outback four-wheel drive (4WD) experience, a quiet setting for bush camping and ideal picnicking and birdwatching.
This picturesque reserve is dissected by the Hugh River, its broad, sandy banks lined by shady river red gums.
Rocky gorges and red sand country add to its scenic appeal and in several places waterholes stay for a period after rain, attracting a variety of wildlife.
The area protected in Owen Springs Reserve is rich in Territory history.
The main access road through the reserve closely follows explorer John McDouall Stuart's route through Central Australia during his early 1860s expeditions.
One of the major results from Stuart's explorations was the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line that originally followed his track through Lawrence Gorge in the Waterhouse Range.
Australia's early pastoral history is also featured at the old Owen Springs Homestead ruins, which is the site of the first station homestead built in Central Australia.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Get the Owen Springs Reserve fact sheet and map PDF (708.3 KB).
Get the Owen Springs Reserve self drive information sheet PDF (2.0 MB).
Check if the park is open
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owen Springs Reserve | Open | High clearance 4WD only | |
| Lawrence Gorge Camping Area | Open | High clearance 4WD only | |
| Redbank Waterhole | Open | High clearance 4WD only |
All year round. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to September.
Roads may be impassable and closed after heavy rains.
The park is only accessible with a high clearance 4WD vehicle.
There are two entrances to the reserve including either:
- via Larapinta Drive, 50km west of Alice Springs
- or along the Stuart Highway, 66km south of Alice Springs.
Check road conditions before you go.
You can see and do all of the following in the reserve:
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- four-wheel driving
- birdwatching
- historical ruins and stockyards
- camping.
You can only camp near Redbank Waterhole and in areas between the signposts within Lawrence Gorge.
Redbank Waterhole is not permanent, so if it hasn't rained in a long time, the waterhole may have dried up.
Camping is available at Owen Springs 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.
Owen Springs Reserve has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- 4WD roads
- bush campsites.
When visiting the park 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
- dead fallen wood may be collected from the riverbanks as firewood in the reserve
- used fallen wood sparingly for small fires in camping areas only
- you must not take wood out of the reserve - help protect habitat for wildlife
- bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
- dogs are only permitted south of the Waterhouse Range and they must be kept under control
- you need a permit to use a drone - you must get it before you arrive.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Owen Springs 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.
Owen Springs Ranger Station phone: 08 8951 8250
Contact Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information.
Last updated: 18 April 2024
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