Short walks in Trephina Gorge Nature Park
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April.
It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park is perfect for exploring and has several short walks to choose from, listed below.
You must carry water on these walks as there is no drinking water on any of the trails. You should also tell someone of your plans if you are walking alone.
Read more on Trephina Gorge Nature Park.
Get the walking tracks of Trephina Gorge Nature Park information sheet PDF (1.4 MB).
Each walk is graded based on the walking track grading system.
Gorge stroll
Length of walk | |
---|---|
Distance | 500m return |
Time | 20 minutes |
Grade | Grade 2 - easy |
This walk is unmarked. It takes you to the semi-permanent waterhole in the spectacular Trephina Gorge.
Although there may not always be a visible waterhole, there is still water under the sand.
Trephina Gorge walk
Length of walk | |
---|---|
Distance | 2km loop |
Time | 1 hour return |
Grade | Grade 3 - moderate |
This walk is marked with orange arrows.
You can either walk down into the creekbed or walk up along the gorge rim.
This loop walk starts at the creek's edge and will give you scenic views of the sheer red cliffs over the tree-lined creek. You might see a black-footed rock wallaby.
Panorama walk
Length of walk | |
---|---|
Distance | 2.5km loop |
Time | 1 hour return |
Grade | Grade 5 - difficult |
This walk has scenic views and interesting rock formations.
The spectacular folding you can see in the rock faces along this walk were created when the softer rocks of the Bitter Springs Formation were twisted and folded by powerful earth movements.
Ridgetop walk
Length of walk | |
---|---|
Distance | 9km one way |
Time | 4 to 5 hours one way |
Grade | Grade 5 - difficult |
This track is designed for more experienced walkers.
You can start this walk at either John Hayes Rockhole or Trephina Gorge. Return along the road or arrange with friends for a vehicle pick-up.
The walk offers spectacular views of the rugged East MacDonnell Ranges and you can see Alice Springs from Turners Lookout.
Creekbed ramble
You can wander the sandy bed of Trephina Creek anywhere in the park. This is an easy walk.
Try walking downstream from the gorge to the bluff.
A special feature of this riverine walk is the 'celery trees'. These large river red gums were logged in the mid-1950s to use as railway sleepers for the Ghan train line and have since regrown with many trunks.
Chain of Ponds walk
Length of walk | |
---|---|
Distance | 3.5km loop |
Time | 1.5 hours return |
Grade | Grade 5 - difficult |
An easy 15-minute walk to the top of this narrow gorge will give you spectacular views.
There is some difficult climbing and scrambling over rocks to get to the rockhole.
Emergencies
In an emergency, go to the ranger station or continue to Ross River Homestead.
Don't leave an injured person alone.
Stay with them and give them first-aid treatment.
To get help, send another person with careful note of your location.
Last updated: 15 February 2022
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