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.
There are a number of short walks around Trephina Gorge, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and around John Hayes Rockhole that has steep narrow rock walls.
Experienced walkers can complete the Trephina Ridgetop Trail to John Hayes Rockhole and take in sweeping views of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
While beautiful to look at, the water in John Hayes Rockhole can be very cold, even in summer. If it hasn't rained in a long time the waterholes may have dried up.
If you sit near the waterholes, wallabies and several bird species may join you.
The park has the largest ghost gum (Corymbia aparrerinja) in Australia.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Get the Trephina Gorge Nature Park fact sheet and map PDF (1.1 MB).
Get the Walks of Trephina Gorge information sheet PDF (1.4 MB).
Find out about camping in parks and reserves.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trephina Gorge Nature Park | Open | ||
| Walks | Open | ||
| Gorge Campground | Open | ||
| Bluff Campground | Open | ||
| Panorama Campground | Open | ||
| John Hayes Rockhole | 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 after heavy rain.
The park is 85km east of Alice Springs off the Ross Highway. The last 5km to Trephina Gorge is on an unsealed road.
John Hayes Rockhole can be accessed by high clearance 4WD vehicles only.
Check road conditions before you go.
You can do all of the following activities in the park:
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- camping
- swimming at John Hayes Rockhole - after long dry periods the waterhole does dry up
- four-wheel drive (4WD) tracks
- ranger guided walks and talks
- volunteer campground hosting.
Camping is available at Trephina Gorge Nature Park.
A campground host site is open during peak season (May to September).
Find out how to be a campground host.
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.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- ranger station - for emergency contact only
- 4WD roads
- fire pits
- public toilets
- picnic area
- camping area
- caravan and campervan sites
- walking tracks.
When visiting the park remember all of the following:
- visitors to the NT require a parks pass
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- all historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- firewood collection is not permitted in the park
- fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
- bins are not provided so take your rubbish with you
- pets are not permitted in the park
- generators are not permitted
- drones are not permitted in the park.
If you're swimming be aware that most swimming holes are very cold and long exposure, even during summer, can lead to hypothermia.
Temperatures at Trephina Gorge in summer can be extremely hot, so carry plenty of water with you when walking.
Have a safe and comfortable trip to Trephina Gorge Nature Park 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
- swim only where recommended
- use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 27 March 2024
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