Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve
Explorer John McDouall Stuart discovered, named and described Anna Reservoir in April 1860.
Stuart named the rockhole after the youngest daughter of one of his sponsors, Mr James Chambers, and visited it on each of his three attempts to reach the northern coast of Australia.
Early travellers and the Overland Telegraph construction team also relied on the reservoir for water.
In the 1880s Billy Benstead chose this site to set up a homestead in what was to be a 51,800km² station operated by the Barrow Creek Pastoral Company.
You can visit the homestead ruins or even camp there under the stars in the bush campsites.
The reserve also offers bushwalking, photography opportunities and it is an important site of European settler history.
The waterhole is sacred and camping and driving in this area is not permitted.
Get the Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve fact sheet and map reserve PDF (1000.4 KB).
Phone: 08 8951 8250.
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve | Open | Suitable for high clearance 4WD only. Road conditions are poor due to recent flooding. | - |
Travel 160km north of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway and take the private station road. This is accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles only.
You should get permission and directions from Aileron Station before entering as there are no signs directing you to the site.
Check road conditions before you go.
You can do all of the following activities in the reserve:
- short walks
- nature appreciation
- photography.
Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- 4WD roads for access to the site
- historical ruins.
When visiting the reserve, remember all of the following:
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- fires are not permitted
- bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
- pets are not permitted in this reserve
- generators are not permitted
- you don't need a permit to use a drone - Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations apply.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to the 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.
Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs phone: 08 8951 8250
Aileron Station: 08 8956 9706
Last updated: 06 June 2024
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