4WD Guide Central Australia by emprise_group

FREE

Hema Maps • Day Trips & Multi Day Trips • Tips & Information

Journey to a part of Australia where blue skies and breathtaking landscapes make driving a pleasure and have a true outback adventure.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Cover image: 2-Mile Finke River, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park This page: Tnorala / Gosse Bluff

Traverse some of the country’s most iconic touring routes, bringing together a world of ancient art and culture, pioneering history, rare wildlife and stunning sunsets. Experience the Red Centre at your own pace with accommodation options dotted along the highways and hundreds of picturesque campsites waiting to welcome you. With a go-anywhere four-wheel drive, the region is yours to explore. This guide showcases a range of the four-wheel-drive experiences in Central Australia and contains important safety information. You’ll also find maps of the regions, though these are basic guides only. It is strongly advised that you pack a

reliable and detailed road atlas, GPS or App. Before setting off, be sure to read the safety and driving tips and prepare thoroughly. Once on the road, be sure to leave the landscape as you found it. As the saying goes “Take only photos, leave only footprints.”

CONTENTS

4WD Apps and websites

Driving Tips and Information

Central Australia – Themed Tourist Drives

4WD Checklist and 4WD equipment discount vouchers

4WD Routes by regions of Central Australia

Western Region

Eastern Region

South West Region

South East Region

Northern Region

Disclaimer: Tourism NT provides this information to promote tourism in the Northern Territory as a service to the community. Tourism NT does not warrant, and makes no representation, as to the accuracy of any information or its suitability for you. You must make your own enquiries to satisfy yourself that the information is accurate. You should not rely on this information to make decisions. Tourism NT disclaims any and all liability arising from your use of, or reliance on, this information. You indemnify, and keep Tourism NT indemnified, against all claims, and all costs arising from claims, brought by you or by any third parties arising from your use of, or reliance on, this information.

Safety

Contacts

APPS AND WEBSITES FOR REFERENCE Hema Maps, Guides and Digital Navigation Visit hemamaps.com Download from the App Store of Google Play.

Memory-Map Provides free access to 1:250,000 scale topographic maps. Outback 4WD Club The Outback 4WD Club welcomes guests and new members. Contact them by visiting outback4wdclub.com.au or check out their Facebook page facebook. com/Outback4WDClub/

Hema Explorer Plan, navigate and share your 4WD adventures. Hema 4WD Maps App Hema Australia offline map collection. ExploreOz Traveller A navigation, mapping and tracking App. WikiCamps Australia User generated database of campgrounds.

Territory Parks Activities and events in the NT National Parks download the Territory Parks Alive brochure at: nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/ activities-and-events-in-parks/wildtime-alice-springs-region Festivals and Events A wide and varied range of festivals and events are held in Central Australia. Visit northernterritory.com/thingsto-do/festivals-and-events to find an event that will suit you.

Red Centre Art Trails To experience the art of the region the Red Centre Art Trails highlights the amazing art attractions and events. Visit discovercentralaustralia.com/ experience-attractions/art-galleries to download the free booklet or collect a copy from the Alice Springs Visitor Centre. Download the free App from the App Store of Google Play.

DRIVING TIPS & INFO

Enhance vehicle handling on the gravel by reducing the tyre pressures. Drive 4WD vehicles at reduced speeds on unsealed roads. Dust will limit your visibility; take care when overtaking especially road trains. Do not travel on four-wheel drive tracks in a two-wheel drive vehicle.



vehicle. Drivers are responsible for ensuring everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt.

Please consider the land owner and your actions. 



Avoid driving at dawn or dusk as stock and wildlife cross many Territory roads at these times. Driving at night is also dangerous, and often voids any car hire insurance. If an animal crosses  The default speed limit on open roads in front of you, reduce your speed safely and do not swerve suddenly. in the Northern Territory is 110 km/ hour unless otherwise signposted. On the Stuart, Victoria, Barkly and Arnhem  Road trains up to 53m long are Highways the speed limit is 130 km/ common on Territory roads and it hour where signposted. Take care when can take at least 2.5 kilometres to driving and drive to your capabilities overtake one at 100 km/h. Ensure you and the prevailing conditions. can see sufficient clear road ahead before overtaking and take care not to  The legal blood alcohol level for veer off the road. drivers holding a standard vehicle  Drivers towing caravans must leave licence is 0.05 blood alcohol concentration, however the safest at least 200m between vehicles to level is zero. allow others, including road trains, to overtake safely.  If you’re not used to driving long  Temperatures through the Northern distances in high temperatures, you could be affected by driver fatigue. Territory can be very warm to hot. Ensure you stop for 15 minute breaks When bushwalking carry enough water every two hours, change drivers, take to allow for consumption of 1 litre per a walk and drink plenty of water. Rest hour to avoid dehydration. stops are located at regular intervals  If you are not travelling through a on highways. National Park then you are likely to be  Seatbelts save lives and reduce travelling through a pastoral property, injury to you and others in your someone else’s backyard.

Stay on the tracks.

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Camp only in designated areas or with the permission of the land owner.

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Use public toilet facilities if you can. If a public toilet is not available please dig a deep hole away from any waterline and burn any toilet paper and fill in the hole.



Take all rubbish to the nearest town to dispose of.

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Do not use any soap or detergents in or near waterholes, stock watering points or artesian springs.

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Certain areas of the Northern Territory are designated Aboriginal land and a permit is required before entering. The permit system is designed to help protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment and promote visitor safety. Permits are issued through land councils that act on behalf of traditional owners. A minimum of 10 working days must be allowed for processing of a permit. See the contacts page for full details for Central Land Council. 

THEMED TOURIST DRIVES The iconic drives of the Northern Territory showcase the natural diversity and ancient culture of this vast and spectacular region. These roads explore routes made famous by explorers and stockmen, uncover Aboriginal rock art and rare wildlife. Enjoy some of the themed tourist drives that travel through Central Australia. EXPLORERS WAY Follow in the footsteps of one of Australia’s most famous explorer, John McDouall Stuart, on a trail first blazed in the 1860s. Explorers Way

passes through a veritable showcase of the Northern Territory’s diverse landscapes and rich indigenous culture. Explorers Way is 3000 km of sealed highway between Adelaide and Darwin. RED CENTRE WAY Explore a veritable roll call of stunning locations from Alice Springs and the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, to Watarrka/Kings Canyon and majestic Uluru/Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta/The Olgas. Kick things off in Alice Springs, a thriving, spirited outback centre, famous for the personality of its locals along with contemporary and traditional art and culture. Then load up and hit the road stopping by the West MacDonnell Ranges for a walk in ancient gorges and a swim in one of the permanent waterholes. Journey south by four-wheel drive to the mighty Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Walk through soaring

red cliffs and discover lush forests buried deep in the folds of the canyon. The Red Centre Way sealed road option takes you via the Stuart Highway south of Alice Springs. Travel the Lasseters Highway and Luritja Roads to Kings Canyon. Driving south the anticipation builds as you approach one of the world’s great wonders, Uluru/Ayers Rock. See the famous monolith appear on the horizon, its spectacular colours changing as another day closes on this epic drive. Spend some time learning about the Anangu people, custodians of this

5 MacDonnell Ranges. Then head along the highway towards Gemtree to try your luck fossicking for semiprecious stones.

World Heritage-listed national park, and take one of the guided walks on offer. Witness ancient rock art and hear the Dreamtime stories of this spiritual land.

From here you are treated to offroad driving through cattle country tracks linking the rugged folds of the stunning Davenport Ranges for camping and swimming. Visit the Aboriginal sacred site of Karlu Karlu/ Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve – rare and wonderful rock formations that provide unforgettable sunsets.

Not to be outdone, Kata Tjuta/ The Olgas will astound you with breathtaking sunsets and photographic opportunities. Swap the car for a helicopter and take a scenic flight over these ochrecoloured rock domes. BINNS TRACK Traverse the spectacular nature reserves of the Australian Outback on a drive that ventures off the beaten track.

The Binns Track, named after legendary park ranger Bill Binns, is a rugged and rewarding drive covering 2190 km through Central Australia and beyond. Embark on an epic journey that rates as one of the top four-wheel drive experiences in the country. Starting at Mt Dare, adjacent to the Northern Territory and South Australian border, the track weaves north through the Red Centre towards the Top End tropics and Timber Creek. Tackle the first leg through the rolling sand dunes of the Simpson Desert, stop in for some pioneering history at Old Andado, and learn the well-kept secrets of the East

Journey north from Tennant Creek, following Explorers Way, before branching off west to Judbarra/ Gregory National Park. The park has a range of four-wheel drive tracks including the Humbert River, Wickham and Gibbie Tracks and is renowned for its sandstone escarpments and plunging gorges. Check with the Parks and Wildlife Service about access due to seasonal flooding from November to May. Branch off at Top Springs for a sensational side trip to Kalkarindji, the famous Wave Hill walk off site. The Binns Track finishes at Timber Creek, a perfect spot to unwind with a boat cruise or a spot of fishing on the Victoria River.

6 OUTBACK WAY

OVERLANDERS WAY

The Outback Way is Australia’s longest shortcut and the world’s longest geocache trail linking Perth to Cairns, crossing through the Red Centre. The Outback Way is an adventure of the greatest kind, passing through remote regions with unsealed roads that are best travelled in high-clearance four-wheel drives. The route can be challenging, but the landscapes, colours and night skies are legendary.

Mount up and prepare to experience the incredible cattle country of Outback Australia. Traversing the Barkly Tablelands from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory to Townsville on the Queensland coast, this iconic drive takes in the vast horizons of the Barkly and Flinders Highways.

In the NT, the Outback Way comes in west of Kata Tjuta/The Olgas, entering Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and from the Queensland border just east of Tobermorey on the Plenty Highway. The drive is an alternative route around central Australia, taking in Uluru/Ayers Rock and Mt Conner and passing through Alice Springs before turning off onto the Plenty Highway where you can enjoy fossicking at Gemtree. Here it links with the Binns Track and Sandover Highway. Stop at Atitjere/ Harts Range community, and marvel at the landscape as you travel east to the Queensland border.

Journeying into the Barkly Tablelands is a great way to comprehend the vastness and beauty of the Australian Outback. This mighty grazing region is still considered the heart of the Northern Territory’s cattle country, with some cattle stations the size of small European countries. This part of the world presents a canvas of changing colours and never-ending horizons and is the driving opportunity of a lifetime. Drink ‘billy tea’ by the roadside and wave to passing road trains as you slowly unwind and immerse yourself in the land of the stockmen. The Overlanders Way follows a sealed highway and covers 1550 km. Note: the Barkly Homestead is one of few fuel outlets on the drive and high winds may dramatically affect fuel consumption.

CHECKLIST It is essential your vehicle is mechanically sound. Ensure you know how to check your vehicle over and how to use the equipment. VEHICLE

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Recovery kit including long handle shovel, snatch strap (properly rated for the vehicle) with load-rated shackles and preferably a winch

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Two spare tyres with wheel brace, jack including jack plate etc

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Tyre repair kit with spare tyre valves and caps

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Recovery treds / tracks

Air compressor including air pressure gauge Tool kit Spare parts (hoses, belts, fuses etc) Fire extinguisher Comprehensive ‘remote area’ first-aid kit (Do an accredited first aid course prior to travelling)

Electric or hand-operated winch Bull bar Driving lights Dual battery system Long-range fuel tank/jerry cans Water tank / containers

OPTIONAL

     

Tyre deflator Modified suspension Underbody protection Cargo barrier/drawer system Snorkel Diff breathers

COMMUNICATIONS

   

UHF radio



Mobile phone

HF radio Satellite phone Distress / Emergency beacon / EPIRB (Optional if have satellite phone)

NAVIGATION

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Road atlas / 4X4 maps / Topographic maps Compass/ruler Optional

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GPS receiver Satnav device Mapping software

Looking for off-road supplies? Receive a $20 discount off any product in store at TJM Alice Springs / Central Comms - Alice Springs Present this voucher at:

Discount Voucher conditions:

TJM Alice Springs / Central Comms 5 Whittaker Street Alice Springs NT 0870 Tel: 08 8952 2388

Excludes satellite phone airtime. Valid until 1 July 2020. Original document must be presented and surrendered. Only one voucher per purchase. Valid at TJM Alice Springs / Central Comms - Alice Springs store only. Your post code or country of origin will be collected on redeeming the voucher.

4WD ROUTES BY REGION THE 5 REGIONS WESTERN Pages 10 – 21

EASTERN Pages 22 – 31

SOUTH WEST Pages 32 – 37

SOUTH EAST Pages 38 – 47

NORTHERN Simpson Gap

Pages 48 – 54

Gr ea t

96 A

in e

! !

an a n

Region

eter

80 A

Ba r

South Australia

Highw ay

A87 B

Western Region

Tanami Desert

B ark ly

P le n t y

Desert

50 100

w ay

y ghw a

H igh

South East Simpson Region Deser t

Region

Alice Springs

Pedirka

1 A

Nhulunbuy

200

G u l f of Carpentaria

km © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2018 www.hemamaps.com

ay H ig h w

66 A

Eastern

T a b le la n d

87 A

Tennant Creek

Region

B a rk ly

taria H

k l y S tock Rout e

Carp en

hway Hi g

Arafura Sea

Hw y

Mataranka

n t ra Ce er R op

1 A

Hig h way

Arnhem Land

Jabiru

Northern

Victoria Desert

Great

Northern Territory

La s s

Yulara

Katherine ve

Hwy

Ka k

n e hm

'Top Springs'

mi na

ad Ro

South West

Bu n

V ic t

Darwin

Timber Creek

sealed unsealed

wa y

Desert

Gibson

O r d R.

Timor Sea

Binns Track

Outback Way

Overlander’s Way

sealed unsealed

a du

y r i ne

t he

ve r

Red Centre Way

Western Australia

r i a R. c to

w y hw a

sealed unsealed

gh Stuart Hwy

Northern Territory

Stuart

Hi n

Tablela nds

Highway

Northern Territory

S tu a r t w

Queensland

Explorer’s Way

WESTERN

REGION CONTENTS

REGION

DAY TRIPS

West of Alice Springs is a region bursting with colour, ancient and exotic landscapes and where lush forests survive deep in the folds of mighty rock formations. Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park offers great camping adventures with swimming holes and worldclass hiking trails. Tackle the remote scenery of the Finke Gorge National Park and visit Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, home of the famous Aboriginal watercolourist Albert Namatjira.

1 Palm Valley inside Finke Gorge National Park and Hermannsburg Historic Precinct

2 Owen Springs Reserve

3 Birthday Waterhole and Hugh Gorge inside Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park MULTI-DAY

4 Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) and Palm Valley

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges

Finke Gorge National Park, IIIamurta Springs Conservation Reserve and Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve

11 To Yuendumu

Lake Lewis

To Ti -Tree

87 A

O u t ba c k

P le n t y

Highw a y

12 A

To Davenport Ra. NP

Injulkama "

Way

This map is a guide only. A detailed map is required before you commence your journey and road conditions checked.

Dry

Henbury Meteorites Con. Reserve Ern e L st Giles Road We a t her 61 only

Ukaka/ Tempe Downs

Palm

To Kulgera Roadhouse "

R i ver

u St

Pwertentye "

sealed unsealed sealed L unsealed

Red Centre Way Outback Way Binns Track 9

sealed unsealed

Highway'Deep

sealed unsealed

Well'sealed

18 unsealed

Arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Sub-arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Track

Simp o Desert Art ! and Craft Centre 4WD Track private

River, State L Border

87 A

! National Park

Reserve

Titjikala/Maryvale

For more detail see Hema's Great Desert Tracks map Central Sheet

To Uluru

Explorer’s Way

km © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2018 www.hemamaps.com Lake Amadeus

'Stuarts Well Roadhouse'

! !

ke Running Waters Fin

! !

Napwerte/ Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve

Rainbow Valley Con. Reserve

Ro ad

3 A A

Tr a c k

Luri " tja 'Kings Creek'

Illamurta Springs Con Reserve

Wallace Rockhole

h ig

Binns

'Ross " River Resort'

Illamurta Springs !!

Resort

Watarrka National Park

8 A

Tr a

Finke Gorge National Park

Owen Springs Reserve

Palm Valley !!

Owen Springs' Springs' " (ruins) 72

Driv e

C r e ek

Alice Springs L

Road

L !!Kings Canyon

Ntaria/Hermannsburg

! !

Wa l k e r

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8 Kings Canyon

a rapint a

Route

4WD

Hw y

G o rge

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6 A

! !

To Ruby Gap Nature Park

Kungkayunti

Ro ad

5 A L RAN Ormiston GES 2 Gorge Tjoritja / West L A Hugh ! ! Gorge Standley Simpsons MacDonnell Nat. Park ! Roma ! ! ! ! Chasm ! Ochre Gorge ! ! Gap ! 16 ! Serpentine Birthday ! Kulpitharra ! Glen Helen Lodge Glen Pits ! ! ! N ! " ! Gorge Permit R eq. ! Waterhole 30 Helen amat L 17 ! jira ! 120 Gorge L Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Iwupataka/ Ellery Creek Drive (Me reen Con. Reserve Big Hole 41 . Jay Creek q e " R ie L t oop P ermi L 'Owen 84 L )

R equ ir

Redbank Gorge

ay r’s W

'Amburla'

'The Garden'

Gary

Ta na mi

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Warburton Memorial

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Ikuntji/Haasts Bluff

H ig

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The

Mount Liebig

L Papunya

Ju n ction Road R equired Permit

Gary

Accredited Visitor Centre

Ri v e r

Ri v

24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel

Opal, Diesel Point of Interest

i :8 ;5

Palm Valley

! !

ll s

Palm Valley and Hermannsburg Historic Precinct

p i nta

D ri v e

6 A A

Fi 12

Cr Ri

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sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Reserve

RANG Cre e k

P h il l ip

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N or m

lly

only

! !

Ci r c l e G u l l y

ather We e Rout

Palm Valley

Cr e e k

Day Trip 1

M3 Unleaded & Diesel; General Store 8G Accommodation; Caravan Park aC I l l bil l facilities Camping with/without c~ Picnic Area; Ranger Station pr Meals; Public Phone EO Water; Alcohol Restrictions Tz Medical Facility; Police

JAM

~ Dr y

River

Point of Interest

! !

Finke Gorge National Park

4WD

National Park

Track

Boggy Hole

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Red Centre Way

The Hermannsburg Historic Precinct is located in Ntaria / Hermannsburg en route on Larapinta Drive, 126 km west of Alice Springs. The Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission was the first Aboriginal mission in Central Australia established in 1877. The mission and the land were handed back to the Aboriginal people in 1982. Hermannsburg was also the home of famous Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira. Today you will find the old mission’s buildings restored to their 19th century condition and showcase a museum, tearooms and art gallery that houses some of Namatjira’s original work.

! !

Pa l m

Cr e

Palm Valley

Mpakaputa

P alm

Finke

R oa d

R iv e r

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Palm Valley

Palm Valley is home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are rare and unique to the area, including the Red Cabbage Palm. In Palm Valley, the Arankaia Walk (2 km, 1 hour return) and the longer Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hours return) meander among a lush oasis of slender palms.

Ntaria/Hermannsburg L

The Palm Valley Track is located in Finke Gorge National Park, 138 km (2 hours) west of Alice Springs. Access to Palm Valley is just west if the Finke River bridge at Hermannsburg. The 22 km access track is gravel with sandy and rocky sections following the Finke riverbed, and may be impassable after rain. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is required. Note: The track from the picnic area is not suitable for trailers. For day access there is a separate trailer parking area just past the campground.

Lara

E l l e ry

To Alice Springs

Re d C n ke R en tre i v e r Wa y Fi

WESTERN REGION

13 Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

W a

Dr i v

! !

Owen Springs Reserve

Owen Springs Reserve, south-west of Alice Springs, can be accessed via two routes. It is a 40 minute drive from Alice Springs to the entrance of each route; Larapinta Drive, 50 km west or the Stuart Highway, 66 km south.

emergencies only

Owen gh

lle

Ro R i v r ad

M ue

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Track

'Old Owen Springs' (ruins)

Lawrence Gorge 0

Reserve

og H

! !

Redbank Waterhole Campsite ! !

! !

Redbank Waterhole

Roa d

To Rainbow Valley Con Res.

87 A

The track covers 47 km from the Larapinta Drive entrance to the Stuart Highway and takes about 90 minutes. A four-wheel drive is essential. Some sections of the track follow the sandy riverbed and can be impassable after rain. Vehicles must keep to the main track, except to access camp sites. Camping is permitted in Lawrence Gorge and at Redbank Waterhole. No camping facilities are provided and no fees apply. Owen Springs Reserve was formerly a cattle station and the area is steeped in Territory history. It is possible to walk around the historic Old Owen Springs Homestead ruins.

The main access track through the reserve closely follows explorer John McDouall Stuart’s route through the MacDonnell Ranges. Turn off the Stuart Highway 75 km south of Alice Springs, to access Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The valley track is gravel and sandy in patches and is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only. The only access is from the Stuart Highway. Late afternoon is the best time to view the rainbow bands embedded within the valley ridge. The bands glow vibrantly when struck by the golden rays of the sun. Rainbow Valley’s free-standing cliffs form part of the James Range. A marked walking trail takes you to Mushroom Rock, an interesting sandstone formation with Fairy Martin nests attached to the upper walls. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite. Extend your journey into the late afternoon by visiting Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve – see page 40.

Day Trip 2

~ Rest Area with overnight no toilet L j Ranger Station; Water rT o l e C re Lawrence Gorge

Sprin g

4WD

Camping without facilities

ek Point of Interest

River National Park

V 2

Red Centre Way

! !! !

To Alice Springs

sealed unsealed

en Ow

Explorer’s Way

ouse Ran ge

Ow e

Waterh

Springs

art

S tu

To Hermannsburg

! !

D rive

re ent C d Re

pi ra a L

To Alice Springs

Springs

N amatjira

2 A

WESTERN REGION

Red Ce ntre Way

! !

Located 56 km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive inside Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. 9.6 km from the Larapinta Drive turn off, no formal signage is provided on the road. A safety and pre-visit entry information sign is located at the start of the track. The access track follows and crosses the Hugh River with soft sandy and rocky sections. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is required.

Travel back 2 km then turn west, to Hugh Gorge. This 10 km track is a very scenic drive. Day Trip 3

Birthday Waterhole and Hugh Gorge are trailheads of sections of the Larapinta Trail, a 210 km walking

! !

Junction

L !!

Chewing s Rang

c Hugh Gorge

Tr a

Spencer Gorge

! !

~ Birthday Waterhole L

! !

~ Ghost Gum Flat

NEL

! !

! ! ! !

]

! !

L a ra p i n t a

Red Centre Way

Tra i

sealed unsealed

Track

! !

4WD

Namatjira Drive

River National Park

Reserve

Camping with facilities Camping without facilities

Red Centre Way Owen Springs Reserve

trail through the Park. Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be walked from here. Visit nt.gov.au/leisure/recreation/ bushwalking-hiking/larapinta-trail for more information. Camping is permitted. No camping facilities are provided and no fees apply.

! !

~ 2 A

Reedy Hole Waterhole

RANG

Pass

Bridle Path Lookout

Walking Track

Tjoritja / We s t M a c D o n n e l l N a t i o n a l Pa r k

ON ACD

Brinkley Bluff Summit

! !

pinta ar a

Creek Campsite ~ Fringe LilyWindy Saddle Lookout ] Stuart's

~ Hugh Gorge

Lookout Point of Interest

c ~ ]

Spencer Gorge

! !

To Alice Springs

The access track to Birthday Waterhole is 15 km from Namatjira Drive. Large River Red Gums fringe Birthday Waterhole, a semipermanent pool that is rarely suitable for swimming, but is a true oasis to the wildlife and birds of the area.

! !

Birthday Waterhole and Hugh Gorge inside Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

To Glen Helen Gorge

WESTERN REGION

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Tnorala (Goose Bluff) and Palm Valley

WESTERN REGION

Day 1 Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park Simpsons Gap is 18 km west of Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive. Visit early morning or late afternoon to see the rare Black-footed Rockwallabies. There are also numerous walking opportunities. Day access only no camping is permitted. Kathleen Buzzacott Art Studio is located close to Simpsons Gap, 20 km from Alice Springs. An excellent stop for Aboriginal artworks and her handcrafted jewellery art tour.

Serpentine Chalet Dam is a trailhead for Sections 8 and 9 of the Larapinta Trail. Access track is four-wheel-drive only. The ruins of the chalet are from one of the first tourism buildings built in 1958 and still offers a quiet, out of the way camping spot. Camping is permitted. No camping facilities are provided and no fees apply. The Ochre Pits have been used by the Aboriginal people for many generations as a mine for the rich

Multi-Day 4

Angkerle Atwatye Standley Chasm

Angkerle Atwatye Standley Chasm is Aboriginal owned and operated, entry fee applies. The chasm walls are spectacular and truly glow when the sun is above the chasm (an hour either side of noon on a sunny day). Enjoy the 20 minute one way walk into the chasm. Food and drinks are available at the kiosk café. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Ellery Creek Big Hole’s high red cliffs, large waterhole and a sandy creek fringed by gums make this one of the most popular and picturesque picnicking and swimming spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It is 92 km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Gorge ] Redbank La c L p inta

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! !

Tra il

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! ! ! !

Serpentine cpT Ellery p Gorge Creek LcTBig Hole Driv 2

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National Park (Alice Valley)

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Lookout

! !

j]T Point Howard Lookout

Pa l

Palm Valley Ck ! !

!! ! ! ! !

L a rapint 12

D rive

Mpakaputa

To Alice Springs

I p ole

Ntaria/Hermannsburg L

! !

Reserve

Serpentine Chalet Dam

29 Ochre Pits

Alcohol Restrictions

Redbank Gorge

National Park

p Tjoritja / West MacDonnell

Medical Facility; Police; Unleaded & Diesel

4WD

M38GaCEOz

M38 General Store; Accommodation; Caravan Park GaC Camping with/without facilities c~ Ipolera Rest Area overnight no toilet; Picnic Area R a n g e s Areyonga f jp auf (Utju) i c hGas K rBottled Ranger Station; Meals; rEJ 2z Public Phone; Emergency Phone; Water; OeTz

rap inta

Glen Nam atjir Helen a Gorge

sealed unsealed

Track

6 A

e Way entr C d e R

sealed unsealed

Local Road Walking Track Point of Interest

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

F in k e Ri v e r

lls

Tnorala (Gosse Bluff)

Red Centre Way

To Alice Springs

! !! !

Pass Lookout 0 3

~ ] Glen Helen Lodge 8aCE 12 JO km

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

ET cpr La

! ! ! !

23 Mer eeni e Va lley

] Tylers

2 Mile Finke River

! ! ! !

Roma Gorge

Ormiston Gorge Tr

! !

Tylers Pass

Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Con Res.

! ! ! !

Multi-Day 4

Glen Helen Gorge is located 132 km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive, where the Finke River cuts through the ranges and continues towards the Simpson Desert. Glen Helen Gorge is one of six permanent waterholes along the Finke River and is a beautiful spot for swimming, with the towering gorge walls set as a striking backdrop.

2-Mile is located in the Finke River, just past the Glen Helen Lodge turn off. As the track is along the sandy riverbed a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is required. Water is

Located 135 km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive, you will find the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge. Within the gorge is a permanent waterhole, which provides a refreshing swim. Please remember the water can be very cold in the waterholes. Take the Ghost Gum lookout walk (20 minutes one way) to give you a great view of Ormiston Gorge. For the more adventurous take the Ormiston Pound walk 3 – 4 hours to complete the circuit. A kiosk is available for food and drinks. Campground has showers and flushing toilets, camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

usually found at 2-Mile and the reeds are a haven for a wide range of birds. Camping is permitted. No camping facilities are provided and no fees apply.

Enjoy some outback hospitality at Glen Helen Lodge, meals, accommodation, camping and fuel are available.

To Kings Canyon

WESTERN REGION

mineral ochre. View this stunning rock formation that looks almost like a painting with the earthy colours of the ochre spilling out of it. Day access only no camping is permitted.

Ntaria/Hermannsburg L

D ri v e

6 A A

Fi 12

Cr Ri

! !

Vall e

! ! ! ! ! !

r t le

Redbank Gorge

10 e Fink

Pa l m

Day 2 Redbank Gorge, Roma Gorge, Tnorola (Gosse Bluff), camp in Palm Valley campground

Cr e

Palm Valley

Mpakaputa

P alm

Finke

R oa d

R iv e r

M38Ga CEOz

p i nta

E l l e ry

Lara

WESTERN REGION

To Alice Springs

Re d C n ke R en tre i v e r Wa y

e Cr

Li t

sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Reserve

RANG Cre e k

N or m

lly

To Ernest Giles Road

only

The turn-off to Redbank Gorge is 20 km past Glen Helen Gorge and the car park a further 5 km on a gravel access road, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. It is then a 20 minute rocky and sandy walk along the river to the gorge. The gorge is fantastic to swim in during the warmer months; the water is deep and cold due to the rock walls towering above, so swimmers should use a flotation device and wear a wetsuit. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Roma Gorge is accessed from Namatjira Drive, west of Glen Helen, and is 5 km past the Redbank Gorge turnoff. The road follows a sandy and stony river bed for about 8 km. A high clearance four-wheeldrive is required. The Gorge itself has beautiful scenery and features ancient Aboriginal rock carvings (petroglyphs). Day access only no camping is permitted. Enjoy the 360 degree views from Tylers Pass lookout including views of Tnorala (Gosse Bluff).

Multi-Day 4

ather We e Rout

Cr e e k

! !

Ci r c l e G u l l y

P h il l ip

Palm Valley

JAM

~ Dr y

River

Point of Interest

! !

Finke Gorge National Park

4WD

National Park

Track

rge Go

Red Centre Way

Boggy Hole

WESTERN REGION

Tnorala Gosses Bluff, Tylers Pass

Travel on to Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve, a place of great cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people and one of international scientific interest. Located 175 km from Alice Springs, the last 10 km of the access track requires a four-wheeldrive vehicle. Enjoy the short walks for views of the crater’s interior. Day access only no camping is permitted.

Multi-Day 4

Continue around Namatjira Drive, turning east at the Larapinta Drive intersection. Travel into the Finke Gorge National Park, the 22 km Palm Valley access track is gravel with sections along and across the Finke River riverbed which are sandy and rocky; may be impassable after rain.

A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is required. Palm Valley is home to the rare and unique Red Cabbage Palm along with a diverse range of other plant species. The campground offers toilets showers and gas barbecues, camp fees are payable on site.

Day 3 Cycad Gorge, Hermannsburg, return to Alice Springs There are four walking trails to explore Palm Valley. The Kalarranga Lookout (1.5 km, 45 minutes return) is an easy 20 minute climb with spectacular views. A longer walk with great views of the amphitheatre

is the Mpaara Walk (5 km, 2 hours return). The Arankaia Walk (2 km, 1 hour return) and the longer Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hours return) meander among a lush oasis of slender palms. Note: The track from the picnic area is not suitable for trailers. For day access there is a separate trailer parking area just past the campground. As you travel back to Alice Springs, stop for fuel or supplies from Hermannsburg. Visit the Hermannsburg Historical Precinct, the Lutheran Mission established in 1877. The old mission’s buildings showcase a museum, art gallery and tearooms Consider adding another day and returning via Boggy Hole. See the next page for more information.

ee k

M38GaCEOz

Ntaria/Hermannsburg 14 12

Lara p inta 19 D r L R ed Centre i v e Wa y

Ell ! !

p cT

Palm Valley

L "

Fin

Mpakaputa

!! ! ! ! !

ke 9

only Weath e r Rou t e 4WD

Dry

! !

rg e Go

McMinn

Illamurta Springs

! !

Running Waters

Ilpurla

ve r

C reek

! !

Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve

6 A

Owen Springs Reserve

M8G2 aCOT

Wallace Rockhole

L Boggy Hole

Fi n k

Finke Gorge National Park

To Alice Springs

ery

M38 G2 Accommodation; Caravan Park aC Camping with/without facilities c~ Rest Area overnight with toilet; Picnic Area Rp Ranger Station; Meals; Public Phone rEO Water; Alcohol Restrictions Tz Medical Facility; Police; Unleaded & Diesel General Store; Post Office

Palm Valley

Point of Interest

Ernest

Finke River Rest Area Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve

Dry

To Kings Canyon

sealed unsealed

Red Centre Way

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

a the r G il es

only

Local Road Track

48 Road

'Henbury'

Henbury !! ! !

Meteorite Crater L

87 A

sealed unsealed

Pa l mer

River

National Park

4WD

R ive r Reserve

! !

To Erldunda

Day 1 Alice Springs to Hermannsburg camp at Boggy Hole The Hermannsburg Historical Precinct is located on Namatjira Drive, 126 km west of Alice Springs. Hermannsburg was the home of famous Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira. Today you will find a museum, tearooms and art gallery housing some of Namatjira’s original work. The turn off to Finke Gorge 4WD Route opposite the Hermannsburg / Larapinta Drive intersection. The Finke Gorge 4WD Route through Boggy Hole is recommended for experienced four-wheel drivers only. Due to the remote nature of the route and infrequent traffic, there is a high risk of becoming stuck or suffering vehicle damage, making travelling with another vehicle essential. Road conditions are variable, subject to severe flooding and should always be checked prior to departure.

Bush camping is permitted within the Finke Gorge National Park. No camping facilities are provided and no fees apply. The Finke Gorge 4WD Route takes approximately 5.5 hours to drive from Hermannsburg to the Ernest Giles Road, passing through the permanent waterhole at Boggy Hole. The drive amongst the River Red Gums is an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife, especially the waterbirds. The drive from Larapinta Drive to Ernest Giles Road is 120 km. Although this track appears to be a shortcut between Finke Gorge National Park and Watarrka National Park, the Mereenie Loop is the quicker route. Note: A permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and can be purchased from, Alice

Multi-Day 5

Explorer’s Way

Bacon Range

rt H ighw ay

Stu a

To Alice Springs

! !

Finke Gorge National Park including Boggy Hole, IIIamurta Springs Conservation Reserve and Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve

WESTERN REGION

To Glen Helen

WESTERN REGION

Springs Visitor Information Centre, Hermannsburg/Ntaria Store, Glen Helen Lodge or Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 2 Illamurta Springs, Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve Continue south along the Finke Gorge four-wheel drive track. A side trip into IIIamurta Springs Conservation Reserve (10 km approximately 1 hour) is worthwhile as this reserve is one of the most peaceful and isolated. The reserve provides a moist habitat for several relict aquatic plant species, and also protects the ruins of the IIIamurta Springs Police Camp that was in operation between 1893 and 1912.

Multi-Day 5

Simpson Gap, Alice Springs

The Ernest Giles Road is a gravel and an alternative route to Watarrka National Park from Alice Springs and travels for 99 km between the Stuart Highway and Luritja Road. Visit the Henbury Meteorite Craters located 8 km from the Stuart Highway end. The twelve craters were formed when a meteor hit the Earth’s surface 4,700 years ago. There is a self-guided walking track around the craters, three or four of the craters can be seen very clearly and inspected at close range.

FUEL LOCATIONS Glen Helen Homestead Namatjira Drive Tel: 08 8956 7489 Daily 7am–7pm D



Ntaria (Hermannsburg) Store Larapinta Drive Tel: 08 8956 7480 Mon – Fri 8.30am–5.30pm Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 9am–3pm. Fuel available for self-serve on card daily 6am–8pm D

Stuarts Well Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0808 Daily 6am–10pm D

Ellery Creek Big Hole



KEY TO FACILITIES Facilities are correct at time of printing. Please phone directly for further facility information. AG

Autogas

Auto repairs

Diesel

Opal fuel

Premium unleaded

Store

Unleaded



Food

EASTERN

REGION CONTENTS

REGION

DAY TRIPS

1 Arltunga Historical Reserve

2 N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park

3 Trephina Gorge Nature Park including John Hayes Rockhole

The East MacDonnell Ranges are one of the Central Australia’s jewels. Journey back in time to witness prehistoric Aboriginal rock carvings and art and the gold rush ghost town of Arltunga. Treat yourself to true outback hospitality while travelling the Binns Track.

MULTI-DAY

4 Ruby Gap Nature Park, Arltunga Historical Reserve and East MacDonnell Ranges

5 East MacDonnell Ranges, N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park, Binns Track, Gemtree Binns Track

Plenty

r’s 27

Road

T ra ck Roa d

ay w gh y

eek Cr R ing

wo od

B in ns A ra pu n ya

'Ringwood'

k ac tb

Red Centre Way

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Binns Track I

k sealed unsealed

llo

sealed unsealed

Cr e e

Arterial Road

k sealed unsealed

Sub-arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Track

4WD Track private

River, State Border National Park

Vale B i n ns

Tra c

D k

r i ve Ltyentye Apurte/

Accredited 20 Centre L Visitor

al 24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel 'Numery' Opal, Diesel Point of Interest

i :8 39 R ;5

Jessie Gap

! !

To Andado L

Santa Teresa

Simpson Desert

Reserve

i ve

To Finke

'Indiana'

To Yuendumu To Glen Helen

'Atnarpa'

Explorer’s Way Are

Highway

R iv

! !

To Uluru

Ruby Gap Nature Park

'Ross River Resort'

To d d

Tr a c k

To Hermannsburg

Bi nn

Altunga Hist. Res.

Gorge

d Roa

Napwerte/ Ewaninga Rock Carvings Con.Res.

s es

ay N’Dhala !!

This map is a guide only. A detailed map is required before you commence your journey and road conditions checked.

! "!

'Huckitta'

'Hale River Homestead'

Hi N’Dhala Gorge ss Nature Park ! !

2 L Amoonguna

R os

e Creek

'Old Owen Springs' (ruins)

Corroboree Rock

R iv e r

'Owen Springs'

8 A A

Emily Gap Jessie ! Gap L ! ! !

Ac c

Trephina Gorge

! !

i Ent

g Ro

Alice Springs L

c bli

y L

Winnecke Goldfield

R iv e r

Atitjere/Harts Range

No P

hw a in ta Larap

Iwupataka/ L Jay Creek

6 A

Owen Springs Reserve

Standley Chasm

! !

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

sT ra H a l e R iv c e

For more detail see Hema's Great Desert Tracks map Central Sheet

RANGES

2 A

! !

Highest Point Cairn

'The Garden' "

H ig

R o ad

Simpsons Tjoritja / West Gap MacDonnell National Park !! rive ! !

R o ad

e ns

a er P at

Ga r d

w ttl e Ca

Warburton Memorial

H igh wa y

P i n nac l e

NNELL

Mud Tank Zircon Field

g hw

ay t W ar

Tana mi

O ACD

O ut bac

! !

G il e s

'Gemtree Caravan Park'

5 A A

Dulcie Range National Park

To Jervois

e or pl Ex

12 A

Pl e n

'Alcoota' "

To Davenport Ranges NP

87 A

Sandover Hwy

ell

C re e k

14 A

To Ti -Tree

sealed unsealed

Track

4WD Track private

IprT L

River, State Border

! !

Hist. Reserve

u n ga

A rlt

rlt

Arltunga was officially Central Australia’s first town, born out of a gold rush in 1887. At the time, Alice Springs was little more than an outpost used as a supply base. Now a ghost town, there are many reminders of Arltunga’s prime, including numerous old buildings and the Old Police Station to take you

back in time. The reserve’s visitor centre, open 8am to 5pm, displays artefacts and details the history of the area.

Ros

L r

'Ross River'

! !

Ro a d

Ross River Resort

8aCE JOT

Fossicking, including the use of metal detectors is not permitted in Arltunga Historical Reserve. Day access only, no camping is permitted.

L ek

a ng

At na rp a Ra .

1.5

V 3

l es

C r e ek

Day Trip 1

Arltunga Historical Reserve is located 110 km east of Alice Springs. 77 km of sealed road along the Ross Highway then 33 km of gravel road. Gravel road surface conditions vary and roads may be impassable when wet.

Arltunga Historical Reserve 7

ri s

8 A

To Alice Springs

Arltunga Historical Reserve

)

! !

u To

Dri v e

Western Mine

P a d dys

Joker Gorge

Point of Interest

ck Tra

Ruby Gap

I8 Accommodation; Caravan Park aC Picnic Area; Ranger Station; Meals prE Bottled Gas; Public Phone; Water JOT

Area

by Ru

Non Accredited Visitor Centre; Unleaded & Diesel

! !

L !!Crossroads Great

National Park

Joker Gorge

Local Road

Government Works Area The Old ! Police ! Station Arltunga Historical ! ! Reserve Visitor Centre

Range Cavenagh

e Ran

sealed unsealed

Whit

sealed unsealed

Sub-arterial Road

L 5

Arterial Road

To Hale River Homestead

sealed unsealed

To Ruby Gap NP

EASTERN REGION

Binns Track

25 R os s

R i ver

! !

'Ross River'

Ross River Resort

N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park

8aCE JOT R oss

N’Dhala Gorge is 90 km east of Alice Springs. You’ll reach the turn off to N’Dhala Gorge, 500 metres before Ross River Resort on the Ross Highway. Stop in at Ross River Resort for some outback hospitality. Meals, accommodation, camping and fuel are available.

River -

N'Dhala N'Dhala Gorge ! ! Gorge N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park !! Camping Area

sealed unsealed

Sub-arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

L P astoral Road

Numery Roa

Perentie Goanna

Day Trip 2

To Alice Springs

! !

N’Dhala Gorge

8c aC EJ OT

To Ringwood Station

Point of Interest

Accommodation; Caravan Park Public Phone; Water

Reserve

Unleaded & Diesel; Camping with facilties Meals; Bottled Gas

The 11 km four-wheel drive track follows the sandy Ross River riverbed. The route can be impassable after rain. N’Dhala Gorge features fascinating Aboriginal rock carvings (petroglyphs) the oldest of which are believed to date back

River, State Border National Park

The park can also be accessed via the Binns Track. This route enters N’Dhala Gorge from the south via Numery Road. This road turns south off the Ross Highway 35 km from Alice Springs.

Binns Track

Ri v er

10,000 years. Camping permitted. Camping fees payable on site.

EASTERN REGION

To Alice Springs

EASTERN REGION

Tr e ph i n a Cr e ek

Trephina Bluff Camping Area

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

ock

G o rg e

le T k ho

ep h ina

1.5

Highway

To Ruby Gap NP

C reek d

8 A A

Mo u n t Arterial Road

To Alice Springs

The 4 km John Hayes Rockhole track, located within Trephina Gorge Nature Park, is recommended for high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles only. The semi-permanent rock hole is a popular swimming location during warmer months. The Chain of Ponds walk takes approximately 90 minutes return from the carpark.

Riv e r

H ay e

Day Trip 3

Enjoy the Trephina Gorge walk, 1 hour return and the Panorama Walk, 1 hour return. Experienced walkers can take the Trephina Ridge Top Walk through to John Hayes Rockhole,

which takes 4 to 5 hours one way, and features panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.

0.75

V 0

cpT cT Panorama Camping Area ! ! ! !

Trephina Gorge Nature Park including John Hayes Rockhole Trephina Gorge 85 km east of Alice Springs and notable for its sheer quartzite cliffs, River Red Gums and sandy creek bed. Once part of Garden Station, Trephina Gorge Nature Park has strong historic links with the early settlement of Central Australia. The 9 km access road into Trephina Gorge is easily accessible with the last 5 km being gravel road.

Riv e

Ros s

ad Ro

Trephina Gorge

! !

J!o

! !

John Hayes Rockhole Camping Area

Trephina Gorge

! !

Local Road Track

sealed unsealed sealed unsealed 4WD

River, State Border National Park

Camping with facilities Picnic Area Ranger Station Emergency Phone Water

Reserve

Point of Interest

c p r e T

Trephina Gorge

! !

Amoonguna

rV a

! !

Emily Gap Jessie Gap !

H ig

'Undoolya' "

a hw 1

8 A

Corroboree Rock

Num er y R oad

N'Dhala Gorge NP

! "!

N'Dhala Gorge !!!!

p 42

L 27

Arl t u n L

! !

IprT Arltunga Historical

'Atnarpa'

Ruby Gap

Glen Annie Gorge

! !

Ruby Gap L NP

! ! ! !

Ruby Gap

Reserve Visitor Centre

'Ross River Resort'

8aCE JOT

Reserve

Historical Res.

Non Accredited Visitor Centre; Unleaded & Diesel

L Tod dR

iver Rd

Ringwood

Todd

'Todd River'

Ri v

le D

I8 c~ Accommodation; Caravan Park aC Ranger Station; Meals; Bottled Gas rEJ Public Phone; Water 'Ringwood' OT Picnic Area; Post Office p2 es

Camping with/without facilities G

Arltunga Historical Res. L 11

! !

cre

Great Western Mine

! !

Pas to ral Rd

John Hayes Rockhole !!

To Alice Springs

cpT cT Trephina Gorge Trephina Gorge NP

Government ! Works Area !

Trephina Bluff

'Claraville'

L5 'Hale River Homestead' L

iver

eek

aCET

River, State Border

Ha l e

R o ad

4WD Track private

Ruby Gap Nature Park, Arltunga Historical Reserve and East MacDonnell Ranges

sealed unsealed

! !

ic A

sealed unsealed

Local Road Track

! !

Gar d

'The Garden' "

EASTERN REGION

sealed unsealed

Arterial Road

Binns Track

es cc

e Th

Roa

Ga r d e n

P No

To Gemtree / Plenty Hwy

Point of Interest

Trephina Gorge

! !

Day 1 Arltunga Tourist Drive, Hale River Homestead, overnight at Ruby Gap Ruby Gap Nature Park is 150 km east of Alice Springs. Ruby Gap is linked to the first mining rush in Central Australia. In March 1886, explorer David Lindsay found what he thought were rubies in the bed of the Hale River. But in June 1888, it was found that the stones were merely high grade garnets and Central Australia’s ruby boom quickly collapsed.

From the park entrance there is a 5 km drive along the sandy riverbed

Multi-Day 4

Due to its remote location and sandy driving, the best time to visit is from April to September. Visiting in the summer is not advised. A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is essential and have suitable recovery gear. Ensure you bring your own water supplies.

EASTERN REGION

and then a 2 km, 30 minute walk to the spectacular Glen Annie Gorge. Camping is permitted: no camping facilities are provided. Camping fees payable on site

Day 2 Arltunga Historical Reserve, Corroboree Rock, Emily and Jessie Gap, return to Alice Springs

significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Download the Anthwerrke interactive experience app which features the traditional owners talking about the significance of the site. Anthwerrke Interactive Experience app is available at sitesandtrails.com.au or the app store. Day access only, no camping is permitted.

Explore Arltunga Historical Reserve Central Australia’s first town, born out of a gold rush in 1887. Now a ghost town, explore the old buildings and the Old Police Station to take you back in time. Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a sacred site to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. The significance of the area is not well known. It was probably not used as a corroboree site, due to the lack of water in the area. Corroboree Rock is an easy stop-off for your trip through the East MacDonnell Ranges and located 47 km east of Alice Springs. Multi-Day 4

Only 10 km east of Alice Springs on the Ross Highway, Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, home to Aboriginal paintings of great

Emily Gap

" "

5 10

A r tl u

'The Garden' "

ris

l e R i ve r

iv e

'Hale River Homestead'

Amoonguna

To Uluru

H s

N'Dhala Gorge L

sCorroboree Rock

Bi n n p s Tr a c k

a te

Ip rT

8aCE JOT

Tod d

Ringwood

Jessie Gap

! !

Gorge NP !

'Claraville' Arltunga Hist. Res. 19 "

'Atnarpa'

'Ross River Resort'

'Undoolya'

! "!

! !

LEmily Gap

r iv

! !

d tun ga R Arl 29 L Ro

ay s hwN'Dhala !!!

Alice Springs

! !

Trephina Gorge

Point of Interest

aCET

Gorge NP

Trephina Trephina Gorge

i:C~EJ

To u

ive Dr

n ga

'Mount Riddoch'

ile

! !

Ruby Gap

Ruby Gap Nature Park

Explorer’s Way

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Binns Track

sealed unsealed

Arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Track

4WD Track private "

(Harts Range) East MacDonnell Ranges, N’Dhala

ss ce

Way r’s 29 lore E xp ay

int a

Publi c

T he

87 A L

Road

d en Gar 47

I8 Camping with/without facilities c~ P Accommodation; Caravvan Park aC Ranger Station; Meals; Bottled Gas rEJ Store; Public Phone; Water GOT Picnic Area, Post Office p2

way

'Yambah'

igh w rt H p Lara

Hig h

Fossicking Area

Hist. Reserve

Non Accredited Visitor Centre; Atitjere Unleaded & Diesel

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Nat.Park

!! ! !

Res.

'Gemtree Caravan Park'

Warburton Memorial

Stu a Tana mi Rd

8GaCEOT ~ The Mud Tank ! !

! !

L "

39 P i nnacle R d

Plenty

Way

To Ti-Tree

Ou t

River, State Border

Gorge Nature Park, Binns Track, Gemtree

EASTERN REGION

To Davenport Ra. NP

'Bushy Park' "

Day 1 Emily and Jessie Gap, N’Dhala Gorge, Ross River, overnight at John Hayes Rockhole Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park are located 10 km from Alice Springs, and home to Aboriginal paintings of great significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Download the Anthwerrke Interactive Experience app from sitesandtrails.com.au or the app store. Turn south off the Ross Highway 35 km from Alice Springs, travel along the gravel Numery Road, part of the Binns Track to enter N’Dhala Gorge from the south. N’Dhala Gorge features fascinating Aboriginal rock carvings (petroglyphs). Multi-Day 5

Continue to Ross River Resort along the 11 km of four-wheel drive track which follows the sandy Ross River riverbed. The route can

EASTERN REGION

be impassable after rain. Stop in at Ross River Resort for meals, accommodation, camping and fuel. Travel on the Ross Highway 12 km to Trephina Gorge Nature Park. The 4 km John Hayes Rockhole Track is recommended for high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles only. John Hayes Rockhole offers walks and a swim in the semi-permanent rockhole. Camping permitted. Camping fees payable on site.

Day 2 Arltunga Historical Reserve, Hale River Homestead, overnight at Gemtree On leaving Trephina Gorge Nature Park, travel 5 km east then take the gravel road that leads northeast for 33 km to Arltunga. Gravel roads surface conditions vary and roads may be impassable when wet. Explore Arltunga Historical Reserve Central Australia’s first town, born out of a gold rush in 1887. Multi-Day 5

The 104 km long Gardens Road, connects the Arltunga Historical Reserve to the Stuart Highway north of Alice Springs. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Please keep

to all designated roads and tracks. Leave all gates as you find them. Hale River Homestead originally dates back to the early 1900s. Recently renovated, Hale River Homestead provides comfortable accommodation with true outback hospitality. Meals, drinks, camping sites, van sites and bunkhouse quarters are also available. Hale River Homestead is located on the Binns Track approx 135 km north east of Alice Springs. The Pinnacle Road connects the Gardens Road and the Plenty Highway, covering 39 km, it also forms part of the Binns Track, and four-wheel drive is recommended. Gemtree Caravan Park is a great overnight stay, just west of the Plenty Highway and Pinnacle Track junction at Mud Tank. Powered and non-powered sites and cabins are available.

Day 3 Gemtree fossicking tour, return to Alice Springs Gemtree offers guided tagalong fossicking tours to the zircon and

garnet fields from March to October and generally commences at 8.30am. Times adjust depending on the weather, so remember to check when booking. Travel into Alice Springs via the Plenty and Stuart Highway or consider re-joining the Gardens Road for some more four-wheel driving. Leave all gates as you find them. If continuing north on the Binns Track refer to the section commencing page 48.

FUEL LOCATIONS Ross River Resort Ross Highway Tel: 08 8956 9711 Daily 8.30am–4.30pm D

Facilities are correct at time of printing. Please phone directly for further facility information.



Gemtree Caravan Park Plenty Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9855 Daily 8am–5pm D

KEY TO FACILITIES



Autogas

Auto repairs

Diesel

Opal fuel

Ruby Gap

Premium unleaded

Store

Unleaded



Food

SOUTH WEST

REGION CONTENTS

REGION

MULTI-DAY

1 Watarrka National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

2 Sandy Blight Junction Road

The spiritual heart of Australia is showcased at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Truly unique experiences are wide and varied topped off with stunning sunrises and sunsets. A visit to this region must include Watarrka National Park, the mighty Kings Canyon.

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park

sealed unsealed

Binns Track

National Park

sealed unsealed

Highway

sealed unsealed sealed unsealed sealed unsealed

Opal, Diesel

Local Road

sealed unsealed

Point of Interest

Giles

! !

Mutitjulu

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Reserve

i :8 ;5

Kings Canyon ! !

102

! !

Northern Territory South Australia

Road

Lurit j a

Hw y

'Owen 87 Springs' A 89

ay W Rainbow Con Reserve

’s er 'Stuarts

Downs

Outback Way

Yulara !

(The Olgas)

24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel

Sub-arterial Road

4 A Kata Tjuta

4WD Track private

Accredited Visitor Centre

Arterial Road

Ernest

L Ukaka/Tempe

L B

Well Roadhouse'

'Idracowra' 'Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort/Erldunda L 107 Roadhouse' 'Curtin 40 r L 'Erldunda' e Springs' set 'Mount Hig s h way Ebenezer a L L Roadhouse' Si m ps o n

" "

'Lyndavale'

To Amata

'Mulga Park'

De s e r t

R oad M ulga P ar k 165

Geodetic Station

! !

To Coober Pedy

'Lilla Creek'

'Kulgera Roadhouse' Johnston L

Outback Way

River, State Border

it Re Dock q. er Ri ver Rd )

Running Waters

sealed unsealed

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Perm Nat. Park

Driv e

'Kings Lurit ja Creek' R o ad

! !

Illamurta Springs Con Reserve

E xp lor

8 A3

Drive

Owen Springs Reserve

Finke Gorge NP

Red Centre Way

121

Illamurta Spring !!

Park R

Track

Kings Canyon

Mulg a

sealed unsealed

dC entre Way ! !

l Ce n 48

Len Tjunti " ! ! Puta Puta 21 Beadell Ghost 7 " Lasseters Gum Plaque Cave Tj u karuru Road (

Explorer’s Way

A 6 A

Palm 8 Valley

Kaltukatjara/Docker River Rd a 2 6 r L t !! L

8 Re

Stua rt

it R eq .

0 25

Jun

;5~

Helen Lodge

Ntaria/Hermannsburg

! ! ! !

Lake Amadeus

For more detail see Hema's Great Desert Tracks map Central Sheet

ap i nta

R o ad

Bo re

Northern Territory

To Kiwirrkurra

Bl i Pe g h t rm its

ndy Sa

Lake Neale

M eree nie Lo op r

Watarrka National Park Kings Canyon Resort

L Glen

Kulpitharra " La

This map is a guide only. A detailed map is required before you commence your journey and road conditions checked.

Ormiston L R A. Gorge Simpsons ! ! Serpentine Standley Gap !! ! ! 120 Gorge Chasm !! Nam ! ! atjir A 36 a 2

To Warakurna Roadhouse

Warburton Memorial

sT inn

Kungkayunti

Ro 16 ad

To Ruby Gap Nature Park

! !

12 A A

Alice Springs

A T Tjoritja / West CD anam i ON MacDonnell NP NE L 61 Redbank Gorge

Ikuntji/ Haasts Bluff

Yateman's Bore

wa y

Liebig Bore Plaque

Injulkama

Gre L

High

Tjukurla

Road Require d

8 "

! !

Required

Lake Hopkins

241

Lake Lewis

14 A

Perm it

Ngutjul

'Tilmouth Well Roadhouse'

Papunya

Mount Liebig

5 A

Woodgreen Con Res.

'Aileron'

Walungurru/Kintore

'Newhaven'

Lake Bennett

Len Beadell Plaque !

L Ininti "

Len Beadell Plaque

298

! ! "

Emu Permit Re q.

! !

Lake MacDonald tion Len c Beadell !! Plaque

Nyirripi/ Waite Creek

To Ti-Tree

Perm Gary it R e q. Ju nc t i o n Ro ad

To Yuendumu

Karrinyarra

To Davenport Range NP

Lake Mackay

Western Australia

! " ! "

SOUTH WEST REGION

There are various options to travel from Alice Springs to Watarrka National Park. These include:

1 

Watarrka National Park OPTION A Via the Larapinta Drive and the Mereenie Loop. Note: A permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and can be purchased from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, Glen Helen Lodge, Kings Canyon Resort or Hermannsburg / Ntaria Store.

OPTION B Via Finke Gorge National Park (Boggy Hole). Refer to page 19.

OPTION C Via the Ernest Giles Road. The Ernest Giles Road is a 99 km gravel road between the Stuart Highway and Luritja Road.

Multi-Day 1

OPTION D Via the fully sealed route 450 km one way, Stuart Highway, Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road.

Watarrka National Park is best known for its famous landmark, Kings Canyon. The park encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range and is an important conservation area. Rock holes and gorges provide refuge for more than 600 species of plants and many native animals. The area has been home to the Matutjara Aboriginal people for the last 20,000 years. Kings Canyon itself has 270 metre high walls that rise above Kings Creek. The breath-taking Rim Walk is the most popular and takes you along the rim of the canyon itself. It’s a 3 to 4 hour walk, 6 km long with a moderate to difficult rating. The walk offers spectacular views over the canyon, passing through the tropical pools of the Garden of Eden. An easier alternative is the Kings Creek Walk. It is a 2 km walk, 1 hour in duration. This walk offers stunning views of the canyon walls looking upwards. No camping is permitted.

Kings Canyon Resort located 6 km west from Kings Canyon offers a range of accommodation types including lodge rooms to deluxe rooms, camping and caravan sites. Meal options, a convenience store and fuel are all available. Kings Creek Station is situated 36 km south-east of Kings Canyon among majestic desert oaks. This is a working cattle and camel station with facilities for camping, meals and fuel. They have safari cabins and luxury secluded glamping packages at the Dreamtime Escarpment. Take a different view of the station on a quad bike tour. Immerse yourself in a 1 hour Aboriginal cultural tour at Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour, located opposite Kings Creek Station, and operating Wednesday to Sunday. Travel the sealed route of Luritja Road and Lasseter Highway to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Curtin Springs Station is located on the Lasseter Highway 85 km east of the entrance of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Curtin Springs is a working cattle station owned and operated by the Severin family. Meals, accommodation, camping, fuel and tourism activities are available.

suggests that Aboriginal people have been in the area for at least 22,000 years. The Anangu people are Uluru’s traditional custodians.

There is a range of accommodation available, from campsites and budget rooms to five star hotel rooms at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.

50 km to the west of Uluru is Kata Tjuta, a massive pile of 36 weathered rock domes, estimated to be around 500 million years old.

There are many tours and experiences on offer from scenic flights, camel rides, astronomy tours, unique dining experiences, Segway tours and bicycle hire.

SOUTH WEST REGION

The third of the great rock formations of the Red Centre is Mt Conner (Atila) a 700 million-year-old sand and rock table-top mountain or mesa. Great views of Mt Conner, often mistaken for Uluru, can be seen from a lookout just 11 km east of Curtin Springs.

Yulara is a small township that has been purpose-built to service travellers to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Services available include restaurants, supermarket, post office, bank, service station and auto repairs.

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park Located 461 km south-west of Alice Springs, the iconic park is a must-do for visitors. Witness the stunning colours of two of the world’s great wonders, centrepieces to this World Heritage–listed national park. Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the landscape to enthral travellers and unlock the secrets of an ancient culture.

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park

Multi-Day 1

Garden of Eden, Watarrka National Park

Standing 348 metres high, Uluru’s mass is like an iceberg, with most of the rock’s bulk hidden beneath the earth. Archaeological research

L! !

This road connects Kintore and Kaltukatjara (Docker River) with the road crossing between the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The route traverses some of the Northern Territory’s most dramatic landscapes, ranging from red sand dunes, sweeping grassy plains, desert rivers (normally dry) and ancient mountain ranges. Camping is not permitted in the NT along this road.

Ininti Permit

Plaque Tropic of Capricorn

200 Mile Rock (Len Beadell)

B l i g ht

Len Beadell Plaque - 100 Mile !!

Transit and camping permits are required and can be obtained through the Central Land Council (NT) and Nyangatjatjara Council (WA) offices in Alice Springs Monday – Friday. Permits are also available online. Allow approximately two weeks to receive your online permit. For opening hours and contact details refer to page 56.

2 ! !

Northern Territory

Ju nc tion

Len Beadell Plaque !!

Len Beadell Plaque

! !

Western Australia

Plaque

Docker River Campground (bush camp) is located 1km west of Kaltukatjara (Docker River) community.

Road Permit

! !

Len Beadell

17 L Plaque ! ! Permit Required "

L Ngutjul "

! !

d ire qu

Outback Way Arterial Road Local Road Track

sealed unsealed sealed unsealed sealed unsealed 4WD Track private

3M ;5 Camping without facilities; Lookout ~] Store; Mechanic; Tyre Repair GxZ Public Phone; Alcohol Restrictions Oz Medical Facility; Police Station

Lake Hopkins

Opal; Diesel

Tjukurla dy

Tietkens Tree

V 12.5

Pinpirnga

40 Required

3;5G L

Lake MacDonald

Walungurru/Kintore

;5Gx ZOz

River, State Border Point of Interest

rmits Pe

Tietkens Tree

M;5~ ]GOz

Kaltukatjara (Docker River)

Required

" L Len Beadell Tjuntinanta t Cen t ! L Rd ! Ghost Gum Plaque a a r l e !" 4 Karukaki ! Livingstone A Schwerin Mural !! Kutjurntari Pass Crescent Sign Lasseters Tjunti Cave !!" To Uluru To Warakurna Roadhouse

Multi-Day 2

This often challenging and remote track should only be attempted by experienced and well equipped fourwheel drivers. Due to the remoteness of this track and infrequent traffic it is highly recommended for multiple vehicles to travel together with the necessary emergency equipment. Minimum communication requirements are a HF Radio and/ or satellite phone and a GPS. An EPIRB / distress beacon is also recommended.

Road

Gibson Desert

San

The Sandy Blight Junction Road stretches 330 km and links the Gary Junction Road, to the Outback Way / Great Central Road. This track was cut by the legendary Len Beadell in 1960 and known as one of his favourite tracks. The story of the naming of the track was due to Len Beadell contracting the eye disease “Sandy Blight” (now known as trachoma) while constructing the track.

Len Beadell Plaque

t i on

Sandy Blight Junction Road

Junc

 2

To Alice Springs

SOUTH WEST REGION

To Kiwirrkurra G ary

" ! " "

37 KEY TO FACILITIES

FUEL LOCATIONS Ayers Rock (Shell) Service Station Yulara Drive Tel: 08 8957 7377 Daily 6am–9pm AG

Curtin Springs Lasseter Hwy Tel: 08 8956 2906 Daily 7am–9.30pm D



Erldunda Roadhouse Corner of Stuart & Lasseter Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0984 Daily 6am–9.30pm AG

Kings Creek Station Luritja Road Tel: 08 8956 7474 Daily 7am–7pm D



Kings Canyon Resort Luritja Road Tel: 08 8956 7442 Daily 7am–7pm AG



Kintore Store Kintore Road Tel: 08 8956 8575 Mon – Fri 9am–11.30am & 2pm–4.30pm, Sat 9am–11.30am, Sun 1pm–3pm. D



Autogas

Auto repairs

Diesel

Opal fuel Premium unleaded

Store

Unleaded



Food



Warakurna (Giles) Roadhouse Great Central Road Tel: 08 8956 7344 (WA) Mon – Fri 8.30am–5pm Sat – Sun 9am–3pm (CST) Public Holidays 9am–12pm D

Stuarts Well Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0808 Daily 6am–10pm D

Kaltukatjara (Docker River) Store Tel: 08 8956 7373 Mon – Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am–1pm, Sun 12pm–3pm

Facilities are correct at time of printing. Please phone directly for further facility information.

SOUTH EAST

REGION CONTENTS

REGION

DAY TRIPS

1 Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

2 Napwerte /Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve and Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve MULTI-DAY

Venture into one of Australia’s most rugged and spectacular desert regions. Experience a genuine four-wheel adventure complete with high rolling sand dunes, rare flora and wildlife and magic sunsets.

Ewaninga Rock Carvings, Chambers Pillar with Rainbow Valley OR Lambert Centre (geographical centre)

4 Old Andado Track, Mac Clark (Acacia Peuce) Conservation Reserve, Mt Dare, Witjira-Dalhousie Springs

5 Rainbow Valley

Hay River Track and Madigan Line

Munga-Thirri National Park

L L Poeppel Corner Simpson Desert Conservation Park

Road

To Birdsville

Line

Peera Peera Poolanna Lake

Poolowanna 1 Oil Well (Abandoned)

! !

Gum

194

Road

! Lone !

Rig

Lake Griselda

Macumba 1 Oil Well (Abandoned) ! !

To Birdsville

32 88

R e qu i 94

Perm

q. Re

Dare Rd

Approdinna Attora Knolls

! !

145

SA Park Pass Required

! !

Knolls

! !

129

Line

M ad Pe iga rm n L

ck Tra Required

er Riv 7

it rm Pe

38 50

s L Pas

French Required

Dalhousie (ruins)

Trephina Gorge

L L

Simpson Desert Regional Reserve

! !

Park

Colson Oil Well (Abandoned)

Purni 1 Oil Well Freeth (Abandoned) Mokari 1 Oil Well (Abandoned) Junction ! !

i :8 ;5

Simpson Desert

na T

! !

Beachcomber !! No.1 Oil Well (Abandoned)

For more detail see Hema's Great Desert Tracks map Simpson Desert

SA ! !

Madigan Camp 16 (Blaze Tree)

e Erab

'Mount Dare'

Witjira National Park

y Ha

To Uluru

Point of Interest

South Australia

sealed unsealed

173

Northern Territory

'Hamilton' "L

km © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2018 www.hemamaps.com

Opal; Diesel

Required

Reserve

24 hrs Fuel; Unleaded & Diesel 'Ethabuka'

sealed unsealed

This map is a guide only. A detailed map is required before you commence your journey and road conditions checked.

4WD Track private

Accredited Visitor Centre

209

on To Coober Pedy

Riv

i lt

A87 B

Permit

'Tieyon' "

Madigan Line

ed u ir Req

Ha m

y Hig h wa

'Agnes Creek'

ck Tra

sealed unsealed

190

Arterial Road

n lso rmit Pe

sealed unsealed

92 "

ss Acce

Bloodwood Bore Charlotte Waters

Highway

lic Pub No

'New Crown'

" "

144

River

Johnston Geodetic Station

d Roa

C r ee

Fi e

er yd

L " Roadhouse' nk

! !

Australia !!

Lambert's

87 'Kulgera A

Old Andado L

Aputula/ Finke

'Lilla Creek'" Centre Of

Waddywood Trees (Acacia peuce)

National Park

sealed unsealed

Sub-arterial Road

'Idracowra'

'Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort/ Erldunda Roadhouse'

Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) 9 L ! Con. Res. L !

red

rack ns T Bin oad

4 A

sa Tere ta

L 'Todd River Downs'

d o Track /

River, State Border

sealed unsealed

Local Road

n Sa

Chambers ! Pillar Historical ! L Reserve

Titjikala/Maryvale

Stuart

L 'Numery' " L 20

Old

8 'Maryvale'

sealed unsealed

Outback Way Binns Track

'Deep Well'

Dr L

Pwertentye

'Ringwood'

Ltyentye Apurte/ Santa Teresa To

Con.Res.

Rainbow Valley H u g h Con. Res. "

Ro g

! !

r Vale

I l l og

Track

Queensland

Alice Springs i:

Iwupataka/ " Jay Ck 'Owen 6 A Springs' ! ! Napwerte/ Owen Springs 89 Ewaninga Reserve Rock Carvings

'Stuarts Well Roadhouse'

sealed unsealed

Red Centre Way

nt y

2 A

Explorer’s Way

Pl e

! !

Northern Territory

Arltunga Stuart TrephinaToHwy Hist. Res. Ruby Gap ! Gorge L ! " 5 'Atnarpa' Nature Park A 8 L6 "!! L 27 Corroboree A ! 'Ross River' ! Standley Simpsons ! 16 L Rock! N’Dhala Gap ! ! Emily Gap ! Chasm !! L Ri n gwood 2 L Gorge ! 9 ! 30

To Ti -Tree

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell NP ! !

! !

Owen Springs Reserve ! !

Mount Polhill

Road

ive r

! !

Redbank Waterhole

L hw

Hig

To Uluru "

Extend your journey by starting earlier and explore Owen Springs Reserve – see page 13 before continuing onto Rainbow Valley.

Unleaded and Diesel

C r ee

National Park

I8GaC ZEJOT

Rainbow Valley

! ! ! !

L Rainbow Valley

Rainbow Valley Cons. Res.

Hu g h R iv e r

V 0

Hugh

Stock

'Stuarts Well Roadhouse'

'Orange Creek'

Rainbow Valley

Point of Interest

Reserve

River, State Border

Va l 25 l

I k8 c~ Ga CZ EJ OT ]

Non Accredited Visitor Centre

Lookout

in b

87 A

4WD Track

Public Telephone; Water

Day Trip 1

Late afternoon is the best time to view the rainbow bands embedded within the valley ridge. The bands glow vibrantly when struck by the golden rays of the sun. Rainbow Valley’s free-standing cliffs form part of the James Range. A marked

walking trail takes you to Mushroom Rock, an interesting sandstone formation with Fairy Martin nests attached to the upper walls. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

sealed unsealed

Caravan Park; Tyre Repair

Turn off the Stuart Highway 75 km south of Alice Springs to access Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The 25 km valley track is gravel and sandy in patches and is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only. The only access is from the Stuart Highway.

Arterial Road

Meals; Bottled Gas

Rainbow Valley

sealed unsealed

General Store; Accommodation

Outback Way

Camping with/without Facilities

Rainbow Valley

sealed unsealed

Track

sealed unsealed

Red Centre Way

ran g

Explorer’s Way

g Owen Spri n

SOUTH EAST REGION

To Alice Springs

Route

Road

41 To Alice Springs

! !

c] Rainbow Valley

Rainbow Valley Cons. Res. "

'Stuarts Well Roadhouse'

Pwertentye

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Fi n k e

Mar yvale Rd 13

sealed unsealed

L !!(Ruins)

M8G2EOz

Chambe

Chambers Pillar

c] "

'Idracowra'

! !

Located 164 km south of Alice Springs, Chambers Pillar is a 50 metre high red and yellow sandstone column. Rising out of the vast red plains and is carved with the names of 19th-century explorers. The site is of Aboriginal significance for the Gecko ancestor Itirkawara. Take the walking paths around the

Chambers Pillar

Day Trip 2

Chambers Pillar

Desert gh

Point of Interest

Reserve

d Roa

ver

! !

Simpson

Unleaded and Diesel; Medical Facility

c s 45 r Ac e s li la P

it er nH

Non Accredited Visitor Centre

k ac Tr

G ha

4WD Track

I 8M Camping with/without Facilities c~ General Store; Accommodation Ri Ga Caravan Park; Lookout C] Meals; Bottled Gas; Water EJT Public Telephone; Alcohol Restriction Oz

Titjikala (Maryvale)

sealed unsealed

To Aputula / Finke age erit nH Gha il Old Tra

Red Centre Way

base of Chambers Pillar and nearby Castle Rock. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Turn onto the Maryvale Road 101 km south of Alice Springs. At Titjikala (Maryvale) turn west onto the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve access track. The track is gravel and sandy in patches and suitable only for four-wheel drive vehicles. Use extreme caution when driving over single lane sand dunes.

sealed unsealed

River

Rodinga Siding

Explorer’s Way

Track

I8GaC EJOT

Arterial Road

'Deep Well'

Oak Valley "

To Uluru

R iv e r

'Orange Creek'

d Roa

wV a y lle

R a inbo

Napwerte /Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is 35 km south of Alice on the gravel Old South Road. The rock engravings (petroglyphs) are a valuable link to the activities of early Arrernte Aboriginal people. A marked 680 metre walking track will help you view the best petroglyph sites. Camping is not permitted.

D r i ve

87 A

Sou

Mount Polhill

Napwerte /Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve and Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

! !

Va l

Napwerte /

Rock p Ewaninga Carvings

! !

Ewaninga ! L (ruins) !

Old

'Old Owen Springs' (ruins) Owen Springs Reserve rt

'Owen Springs'

SOUTH EAST REGION

42 " ! !

Non Accredited Visitor Centre

Road outh Old S

w d

'Idracowra'

ay Stu a r t

Impadna

ge rita He

Chambers Pillar

8aC EJO

'Horseshoe Bend'

Oaks Resort'

Explorer’s Way

sealed unsealed

Red Centre Way

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Arterial Road

sealed unsealed

Track

M;5 GOz

Aputula/Finke

Lambert's Centre Of Australia !!

4WD Track

38Ga CEJOT

Antere "

'Umbeara' "

'Kulgera Roadhouse' 37

Finke

Road

L 34

Bloodwood Bore

To Mount Dare

87 A

T l rai

To Uluru 17

L 'Erldunda Desert L

D eser t

an Gh

! !

Simps on

Tk " ss Acce r a Pill ers 46

Chamb

Highw

Titjikala (Maryvale)

Old

M8GEOz

Upon reaching the Stuart highway, head 25 km north to the turn off to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The only access is from the Stuart Highway. Late afternoon is the best time to view the rainbow bands embedded within the valley ridge. A marked walking trail takes you to Mushroom Rock, an interesting sandstone formation. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Chambers Pillar

Point of Interest

Unleaded and Diesel Opal; Diesel

Ri v

Travel back along the Chambers Pillar access track to Titjikala (Maryvale). Turn north 33 km then turn west onto the Hugh River Stock Route. This route provides access to the Stuart Highway and is 69 km in length, 90 minutes, depending on road conditions. Please keep to all designated roads and tracks. Leave all gates as you find them.

Multi-Day 3

Chambers Pillar is a 50 metre high red and yellow sandstone column and is of Aboriginal significance of the Gecko ancestor Itirkawara. Take the walking paths around the base of Chambers Pillar and nearby Castle Rock. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

To Alice Springs Ewaninga !! (ruins) !! Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings

! !

Make your way south before turning south west onto the Maryvale Road, travel through (Maryvale) to the Chambers Pillar access track. The track is gravel and sandy in patches and suitable only for four-wheel drive vehicles. Use extreme caution when driving over single lane sand dunes.

Day 2 – OPTION A Hugh River Stock Route / RainbowValley

F in k

Day 1 Travel south of Alice Springs on the gravel Old South Road. Explore Napwerte /Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve. Camping is not permitted.

SOUTH EAST REGION

Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings, Chambers Pillar, Hugh River Stock Route, Rainbow Valley OR Aputula Community and Lambert Centre

'Old Owen Springs' 87 (ruins) A

I O w en 8;5 S p rin g s Camping with/without Facilities c~ I8 R eserv e General Store; Accommodation Ga GaC L p Caravan Park; Tyre Repair CZ EJOT V Rainbo 'Stuarts Well alle L Rainbow Valley Meals; Bottled Gas yR EJ Roadhouse' Con Res. 'Deep Well' Public Telephone; Water OT Rainbow Valley c] 69 L ]z Lookout; Alcohol Restriction L ck Ro u t e 28 H u g h R i v er Sto ta L a r apin

. Dr

SOUTH EAST REGION

Day 2 – OPTION B Aputula Community, Lambert Centre, Kulgera Roadhouse Travel back along the Chambers Pillar access track to Titjikala (Maryvale). Turn south on the Old South Road / Old Ghan Heritage Trail to Aputula / Finke community. Stop in at the Aputula store and art gallery for local Aboriginal art. Explore the heritage listed railway buildings, school and police station. Travel west along the Finke Road towards Kulgera, 36 km turn north onto the Lambert Centre track. This track is 12 km and very sandy, allow at least an hour to return to the Finke Road. In 1988 the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia determined the geographical centre of Australia at 25º36’36.”4S and 134º21’17.”3E, approximately 200 km south of Alice Springs. A plaque was erected to mark the location and named in honour of Dr Bruce P Lambert OBE for his achievements in surveying and mapping within Australia and the United Nations.

4 Old Andado Track, Mac Clark (Acacia Peuce) Conservation Reserve, Mt Dare, Witjira-Dalhousie Springs Note: This is a multi-day route, with a minimum of 2 nights. The Old Andado Track is for the experienced four-wheel driver. Take plenty of fuel, food and water and have HF Radio and/or satellite phone and a GPS. An EPIRB is also recommended. Stop en route at Santa Teresa visit the Keringke Arts, which is open Monday to Thursday. Well known for bright colours in their work on canvas, silk, ceramics and other items.

Please keep to all designated roads and tracks. Leave all gates as you find them. 294 km along the Old Andado Track (Binns Track) from Alice Springs is the Mac Clark (Acacia Peuce) Conservation Reserve. The reserve is 9 km east of the Binns Track. Acacia Peuce, or Waddywood is one of the rarest and most striking trees of the Australian arid zone. No camping is permitted. Continue along the Old Andado Track (Binns Track) for 37 km.

Multi-Day 4

Kulgera Roadhouse, the most Central Pub in Australia sells fuel, supplies, meals and accommodation. Kulgera is 280 km south of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway.

Bug in red sand

SOUTH EAST REGION

8;5 Camping with/without Facilities M38G2EOz c~ To L General Store; Accommodation Ga L R. 'Todd Caravan Park; Police ns C3 'Allambi' River d Downs' Tyre Repair; Mechanic Zx And a d o Track / V Meals; Bottled Gas EJ 29 0 10 20 40 Public Telephone; Water km LOT L 20 © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2018 Lookout; Alcohol Restriction ]z www.hemamaps.com Ranger Station; Post Office 4 9 r2 32

n lso Co

R iv

c Tra

Stop at the Old Andado Station for true pioneering cattle station history. Old Andado Station pioneer Molly Clark passed away in 2012 and passed the station onto her five grandchildren to continue the legacy. Camping is permitted.

Unleaded and Diesel Opal; Diesel

Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa

T er

k Trac

S an

e sa

sealed unsealed

Track

ine t n L rmi d e uire q Re

Madiga P

sealed unsealed

Roa d

Binns Track Arterial Road

Point of Interest Old Andado Station!!

4WD Track

National Park

Reserve

Bore L North ! !! ! 9 L Waddywood Trees

River, State Border

(Acacia peuce)

L " 'New Crown' 30

Simpson Desert

8GaCx ZEJOT

Finke River out

! Flood !

'Mount Dare'

! !

Bloods Creek L

Bloods Creek Windmill

Witjira National Park

Purni 1 Oil Well (Abandoned)

cpT cr ~ L3 OT Freeth Junction 0 L ] ~T Dalhousie Ruins 3 O'Clock Creek ~T !! ! !

Multi-Day 4

! !

acO T

Old Andado Station

Abminga Siding !! L (Ruins)

~ Eringa (Ruins)

Old Andado

Sharpes Grave

South Australia

Charlotte Waters "

Northern Territory

! !

blic Ac

Bloodwood Bore

Road

C r e e k 29 de r y Go

Abmin g

Riv

D a re

! !

Aputula/Finke

Lambert's Centre of Australia

'Andado'

F i n ke

Travel onto Witjira-Dalhousie Springs stopping at Mt Dare Hotel to refuel and purchase your Park Pass. Mt Dare sells fuel and other automotive fluids and offers a workshop and recovery service. Meals, camping and accommodation are available. Witjira-Dalhousie Springs are situated 250 km south east of Alice Springs. It is a complex of ‘mound’ springs, from the Great Artesian Basin. Take a swim in the warm water (34 – 36 degrees Celsius) enjoy the walks around the springs and the abundant bird life. Campground requires booking and payment prior at environment.sa.gov.au/parks/ booking

Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve

M;5 GZOz

! !

Travel north-west 161 km to Aputula (Finke) Community. Restock at the Aputula Store including fuel.

OPTION A Travel west along the Finke Road to the Stuart Highway. Refer page 43 for details of the Lambert Centre.

OPTION B Continue north on the Old South Road to Alice Springs. Refer to page 41 for details on Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve.

45 "

C re e k

itt a

! !

nty

'Atula'

sealed unsealed

it rm Pe

Munga-Thirri National Park ! !

L Poeppel Corner

! ! ! !

Simpson Con

Desert Park

The Hay River Track runs for 370 km between the Plenty Highway and Poeppels Corner; the border junction of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland. The Hay River track is suitable only for four-wheel drivers with experience in remote desert travel. Take plenty of fuel, food and water as there are no supplies available between Birdsville and Jervois Station. Minimum communication requirements are a HF Radio and/or satellite phone and a GPS. An EPIRB / destress beacon is also recommended.

The Bookie family, Aboriginal custodians of the Northern Simpson welcome visitors to their land. A permit is required and a stipulation is to pay the transit fee and camp at least one night at the Batton Hill Camp. Tours of the Batton Hill area are available upon request. Permits for the Hay River track are available through Jol Fleming on (08) 8952 3359 or at direct4WD.com.au For access to Witjira National Park you will also require the Desert Parks

Multi-Day 5

Approdinna Attora Knolls

Line

! !

34 k

Permit Req. L 52

! !

Knolls T

! !

Line 35

ck red qui Re

! !

r Tk Rive

T ra

Frenc 38

Hay

190

it rm Pe

Witjira Nat. Park

it Req 52

145 !!

! !

Poeppel Oil Well !! (Abandoned)L

Colson Oil Well (Abandoned) Perm

! !

Beachcomber No.1 Oil Well (Abandoned)

! !

L in

Northern Territory South Australia

lso

d ire qu Re

V 20

Hay River Track and Madigan Line

Line Required

Mad iga Line

Desert

M adigan Permit

Poeppel Corner

POI

Campfire

T ra

Acce s s

To Old Andado Track

blic Pu No

Simpson

! !

209

River, State Border

Riv

Reserve

8 c Camping without Facilities `~ Accommodation a Mechanic x Public Telephone; Water OT Lookout ] Unleaded and Diesel

Camping with Facilities

4WD Track

National Park

Tropic of Capricorn Plaque

Ha y

sealed unsealed

Track

! !

er Riv

Outback Way Arterial Road

Out to Mount ] Views Winnecke

Ple

y Ha

Batton Hill Camp

Queensland

'Marqua'

Plen t y

Northern Territory

'Jervois'

! !

SOUTH EAST REGION

8ac~ utback Wi ghway O H xOT A 12

SOUTH EAST REGION

Pass and to access the Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park, you will need a Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service camping permit. Refer to page 56 for contact details. Permits can take several weeks to process, so prepare well in advance.

A permit is required and can be obtained through the Central Land Council in Alice Springs Monday – Friday or online. Allow approximately two weeks to receive your online permit. For opening hours and contact details refer to page 56.

The Hay River track can also be accessed via the Old Andado track, through the Mac Clark (Acacia Peuce) Conservation Reserve along the Madigan Line. The Madigan Line is not a trip to be taken lightly as the track is vague in many sections, crossing sand dunes. Good GPS reading skills are required. This route is for multi vehicles travelling together with extensive remote travelling experience, equipment and supplies.

Multi-Day 5

The Madigan Line was named after explorer and geologist Cecil Madigan., who in 1939 led a party across the North Simpson Desert. Small plaques (on yellow star pickets) mark Madigan’s camp sites; installed in 1994 by Owen Correa Outback Expeditions.

Chambers Pillar

47 KEY TO FACILITIES

FUEL LOCATIONS Erldunda Roadhouse Corner of Stuart & Lasseter Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0984 Daily 6am–9.30pm AG



Aputula (Finke) Store Old South Road Tel: 08 8956 0966 Mon – Sat 8am–12pm & 2pm–4pm Sun Closed D



Stuarts Well Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0808 Daily 6am–10pm O



Autogas

Auto repairs

Diesel

Opal fuel

Premium unleaded

Store

Unleaded



Food



Mt Dare Hotel Oodnadatta Track Tel: 08 8670 7835 Daily 8am–9pm, fuel until 6pm AR

Kulgera Roadhouse Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 0973 Daily 7am–10pm AG

Santa Teresa Store Santa Teresa Road Tel: 08 8956 0805 Mon – Fri 9am–1pm & 2pm–5pm Sat 9am–12pm Sun & Public Hols Closed

Facilities are correct at time of printing. Please phone directly for further facility information.

NORTHERN

REGION CONTENTS

REGION

MULTI-DAY

1 Plenty Highway section of the Outback Way

North of Alice Springs, weave your way through iconic ranges and rock formations and unlock the explorer within. Take a four-wheel adventure along the Binns Track through the Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park to Tennant Creek. Traverse the Tanami Desert, by taking the Tanami Road.

Binns Track and Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park

3 Tanami Road and up to Kalkarindji

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles

To Halls Creek

Local Bore muRoad

Lake Bennett

sealed unsealed

Lake Neale

Stuart Memorial

! !

R ed

e Wa y

!! ! !

! !

Finke To Kings Canyon Gorge NP

apin ta

Ce ntr

L ar

121

! !

atjir

"! !

pl Ex

! !

oa d

Standley Chasm!!

To Uluru

D r i ve

! !

ande r’s

! !

Bi nn

way gh Hi 'Derry Downs'

'Ross River'

To Andado

;5 Alice Springs

! " !

Atitjere

Hig hway

'The Garden' Trephina L Gorge !! L

! !

'Elkedra'

Hatches Creek (Ruins)

Ampilatwatja

Ck ler

er l

Wa y

Hw y

Wutunugurra/ Epenarra

'Kurundi' Iytwelepenty/ Davenport Ra. NP

O u tback Way

L Plenty

Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve

O ve rl

Skinner'

Tarrabool Lake

66 kly A

;5 Barrow Creek

Woodgreen Con Res.

87 A

wa y

S t o ck R o u t e

164

John McDouall Stuart Memorial 'Mount 214

Warburton R Memorial

Drive

Barrow Creek Telegraph Station !

Warrabri/ 16 4 Ali Curung

Wauchope

Karlu Karlu/ Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

6 14

'Brunchilly'

L B ar ! !

! !

John Flynn Memorial

Bar k l y

WWII Historic Site

Stuart Memorial

! !

Barkly Tableland

Tennant Creek

Ryan Well Historic Reserve

Tjoritja / West

'Banka Banka'

;5 Ti-Tree

76 Ikuntji/ MacDonnell NP Haasts Bluff L (permit req.) N am ! 120

Point of Interest

! !

Papunya

181

Lake Lewis

Elliott

Opal, Diesel

Ta na 15 m

Yuendumu

87 A

Lake Woods

Sir Charles Todd Memorial

24 hrs Fuel, Unleaded & Diesel

i :8 ;5

Len River, State Border Beadell Plaque L G ary 241 Junc National Park ti o n Reserve Road

4WD Track private

Accredited Visitor Centre

100

! !

Track

! !

Dunmarra

Tanumbirini' Sa'Old vann ah Carpen tar 1 W A

: 'Renner Springs'

D e s e r t

: Wirliyatjarrayi/Willowra

'Newhaven' "

unsealed

sealed unsealed

sealed Nyirripi/Waite Arterial Road Creek sealed (permit Sub-arterialrequired) Road sealed

Lake Woods Conservation Covenant

182

Track

For more detail see Hema's Great Desert Tacks map Central Sheet

B inns

! !

Stuart Tree !! L

To Katherine

High w a y

'Top Springs'

This map is a guide only. A detailed map is required before you commence your journey and road conditions checked.

Overlander’s Way

Highway

To Katherine

sealed unsealed

Binns Track

T a n a m i

Red Centre Way

Outback Way

Wave Hill

L Kalkarindji/

96 A

2 16

B uchanan

Lajamanu

B u nti ne

4 10

'Limbunya'

Judbarra / Gregory National Park

Explorer’s Way

To Timber Creek

Yarralin/Walangeri

227

igh w

80 A

La nd e r

To Halls Creek E

or 81

246

Stua rt

22 153

349

er Riv

Mu n do e v

a an

Track

on H a ns

ay hw Hi g

Highway

Stua rt

129 90 118

To Mt Isa

To Cape Crawford ! !

To Jervois

50 "

Outback g Way

sealed unsealed

Arterial Road er

sealed unsealed

Track National Park

4WD Track

Reserve

Simpson

River, State Border

i 24 hour fuel; Unleaded and Diesel :8 94 Caravan Park; Rest Area with toilet `Cq L Accredited Visitor L Centre

Permit

188

POI

Gem Fossicking Tours

Plan your trip along the Outback Way visit outbackway.org.au

Required

Desert

Dajarra

'Carlo'

L !

103

l Rd

R iv

Boulia

p menta

i :C

83 A

L Bedourie

i8Cq

Munga-Thirri Nat Park

212

'Numery'

D e velo

'Glenormiston' "

Queensland

100

D ia m antin a

sealed unsealed 17

25 50

Binns TrackL

Multi-Day 1

To explore the eastern region of Alice Springs before joining the Plenty Highway refer to the section commencing page 22.

i:C

100

c Tra d ire qu R i v er Re ver 209 R i

Alice Springs

This is the most direct route from Alice Springs to Boulia in Western Queensland. The Plenty Highway is bitumen to just past Gemtree and is then a gravel road to the Queensland border where it changes to the Donohue Highway. It is sandy in parts and can be impassable when wet. It is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only.

Ruby Gap Nature Park

Hay

Hig

ay hw

Out

H ay it rm Pe

Plenty Highway section of the Outback Way

Harts Range

115

'Jervois'

106

Pl e nty Atitjere/

'Ross River Resort'

8c 'Tobermorey' ay k bac

Duchess

To Birdsville

To Winton

ck L i n ns Tra

Boxhole Meteorite Crater

Urandangi

Barkly Tableland

'Derry Downs'

Dulcie Range NP

Downs' "

! !

wy art H Stu

Gemtree 1 64 L

ov n d'Delmore

8C !" !

Sunset

r Riv e

'Gemtree Caravan Park' B

! !

Ampilatwatja

Northern Territory

Woodgreen Con Res.

251

er ov

13 9

'Mount Skinner'

! !

87 Barrow Creek A

w gh Hi

ns Rd Dow da ina L i n G e org 4

NORTHERN REGION

To Davenport Range NP

51 ! !

! !

Wauchope

6G TL 'Kurundi'

55 Karlu Karlu/ Devils Marbles Whistleduck Creek

UFO Centre Reserve National Park

]

cp cp

'Epenarra'

! !

Cloughs Bluff L Lookout

! !

2 Binns Track and Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park

Canteen Creek (Orwaitilla)

Old Police Station Waterhole !!

'Wycliffe Well' !

8a Z ET

NORTHERN REGION

jT 8GaC0 pEOT

M8Creek GE cp Hatches Hatches Creek 8GaC Hatches Creek (Ruins) Medical Facility; Police pEOT L 20M3 Iytwelepenty / L Unleaded and Diesel; Opal L 21 L 13 Davenport Ranges 8; Taylor Creek Imangara NP 52 Diesel; Rest Unleaded Area 56 (Murray 22 L L Store; Accommodation 'Elkedra' RT L Ga Downs) Caravan Park C z Bin ns Camping with/without Facilities c~ Tara Mz 87 (Neutral Junction) Aovernight Rest Area no toilet L j 0 12.5 V 25 50 Trac k km Barrow Creek Rest Area table only; Picnic Area 0p O Ampilatwatja © Hema Maps Pty Ltd 2018 Tyre Repair; Meals ZE www.hemamaps.com OT Public Telephone; Water L 'Ammaroo' 27 Atnwengerrpe ]z Lookout; Alcohol Restriction Atheley L " !

River Point of Interest

Travel north from the Plenty Highway along the Binns Track, Arapunya Road. The gravel road travels through several cattle stations and is 422 km from Gemtree to the Iytwelepenty /Davenport Ranges National Park.

! !

Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges

Please keep to all designated roads and tracks. Importantly, please leave all gates as you find them. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of fuel, water and food for this section. Minimum communication requirements are a HF Radio and/or satellite phone and a GPS. An EPIRB is also recommended.

! !

Con Res 75

Waite River Memorial

Angula

" ! !

L 9

Gem Room & Gallery; !!!! Fossicking Tours L "

L ! ! "

M;5 GOz P l e n t y Atitjere

12 (Harts Range) 67 14 !! ! ! L The Mud Tank Camping Area

r R i ve

Dulcie Range National Park

'Dneiper'

L Boxhole

Meteorite Crater R. 26

L 'Huckitta' L L "

! " !

Caravan Park'

'Waite River'

The Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park overlays a rich living cultural landscape of the Alyawarr, Wakaya, Kaytetye and Warumungu traditional owners. Many local language groups retain traditional associations with the land through their stories and songs. This is an arid landscape that is crisscrossed with watercourses, rocky hills, barren outcrops and valleys. When the land receives significant

The Binns Track turns north at the Hatches Creek Road, 14 km south east of Murray Downs. Take the gravel route to Old Police Station Waterhole via the abandoned Bull River Bore. The alternative 17 km, 90 minutes Frew River Loop Road to Old Police Station Waterhole is suitable for experienced four-wheel drivers only and not for towing. Old Police Station Waterhole is an ideal place for swimming in the warmer months, but beware of submerged logs and rocks. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite.

Multi-Day 2

8GaC 'Alcoota' L L EOT 'Gemtree

ver

Inkwelaye " 'Derry Downs' (Kurrajong Bore) L

L Adelaide Bore sealed unsealed 30 Track (Woolla Downs) 4WD L Track Woodgreen " 'Atartinga' 'Chianina'

Sando

sealed unsealed

Local Road

Arlparra

sealed unsealed

Irrultja

B u nde

Binns Track Sub-Arterial Road

8G O

sealed unsealed

Outback Way

sealed unsealed

Explorer’s Way

rain it transforms into a vibrant escarpment, set against the hues of trees, rocks and hills.

NORTHERN REGION

Continue your adventure through the Davenport and Murchison Ranges, head around to the smaller waterhole at Whistleduck Creek. This route is challenging (narrow with some extended overgrown tree branches) and whilst picturesque is winding and slow going in parts. There are two gates to open and shut. Epenarra Station are happy for tourists to use the track on their property, but have asked that travellers stop in and buy something from their shop. Whistleduck Creek is located in the north – west section Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park. The waterhole provides an important refuge for wildlife, particularly a large variety of bird species. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite. Restock your supplies at Kurundi Station and join the Stuart Highway 27 km north of Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.

Multi-Day 2

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is 106 km south of Tennant Creek. The site of Karlu Karlu is of great significance to a number of Aboriginal language groups in the area. Made of granite,

these massive boulders change colour throughout the day glowing at their most spectacular at early sunrise or sunset. Camping permitted. Camping fees apply and are payable onsite. Explore Tennant Creek a genuine outback Territorian town. Experience life in the 1930s gold rush at Battery Hill Mining and Visitor Centre. Enjoy an Underground Mine tour and watch the Gold Stamp Battery machinery at work. It is home of three unique museum exhibits and the Visitor Information Centre. Picnic or swim at Tingkkarli / Lake Mary Ann, a man-made lake 5 km north of Tennant Creek. Take a self-guided tour of the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station. Collect an access key from the Visitors Centre at Battery Hill. Finish the day with a sunset experience from Kunjarra / The Pebbles located 11 km (6 km unsealed) north of Tennant Creek.

3 Tanami Road and up to Kalkarindji Traversing the Tanami Desert, this track is a great short-cut linking the Red Centre to the Kimberley. It runs over 1097 km from Alice Springs to Halls Creek. The Tanami is sealed from Stuart Highway turnoff for 186 km and unsealed thereafter. Check road conditions before departing. Tilmouth Well is located 195 km from Alice Springs, and is known as the oasis on the Tanami. Stop and refresh they have cabins, campground with green lawns, meals, swimming pool and fuel. Bird watchers should make a detour to enjoy what is on offer at Newhaven Station, owned by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Visitors are welcome at their campground in the cooler months (April to September) for more information visit australianwildlife. org/sanctuaries/newhavensanctuary.aspx Bookings are essential phone 08 8964 6000, email newhaven@australianwildlife.org Stop and spend some time at Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu.

1 11

Red Centre Way

sealed unsealed

Outback Woods LakeWay

sealed unsealed

8C Elliott

Conservation Binns Track Covenant sealed

NOTE: Ensure you have enough fuel for the 560 km section between Yuendumu and Balgo Community (Balgo is located 34 km off the Tanami Road in Western Australia)

L WWII

Springs'

Local Road

sealed unsealed Historic

Track

Site

c 'Banka Banka' River Memorial c L National Park StuartReserve R eq ui r e John Flynn AccrediteddVisitor Centre Memorial iL Road 24hr Fuel; Unleaded and Diesel :8 Opal; Diesel Tennant Creek ;5 L Caravan Park 87 i: C CA Camping with Facilities c Lookout Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Con] Res Ryan Well Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Point of Interest 8C 0 Historic Res. Wauchope UFO Centre :

227

sealed unsealed

Sub-Arterial Road'Renner sealed unsealed

4WD Track

"! !

! !

25 50

unsealed

Overlander’s Track

Lajamanu

Warlukurlangu means ‘belonging to fire’ in Warlpiri. All purchases from this Aboriginal-owned art centre supports the local community.

Lake Woods L

sealed unsealed

100

L L

150

The Tanami and Granites Mines found just off the track are among the largest gold producing mines in Australia.

! ! ! !

Turn north off the Tanami Road 340 km north west of Yuendumu to Kalkarindji (Wave Hill) via Lajamanu.

! ! ! !

Ta mi na

! !

Lake Lewis L 15 87

;5 44

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell NP

i: C

14 6

L 13

Alice Springs

Hwy

Papunya

Reserve

'Tilmouth Well Ryan Well L Roadhouse' ! Historic

Woodgreen L Con Res L

Liebig Bore Plaque

McDouall Stuart Memorial

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

! ! ! ! ! !

Visit the impressive Warnayaka Art centre at Lajamanu, where traditional stories are told by Warlpiri people. Lajamanu has a small campground with no facilities on the outskirts of community. A permit to stay overnight or longer is required and can be purchased through Central Lands Council in Alice Springs or online. Refer to page 56 for contact details.

Barn Owl

Travel north 104 km to Kalkarindji. Visit the Wave Hill walk-off route, which was listed as a National Heritage Place in 2007. The selfguided interpretation route tells the story of the 1966 walk-off from Wave Hill Station by Aboriginal pastoral workers. Stay at the Kalkarindji Caravan Park and Campground. Continue your trip north to the Judbarra / Gregory National Park or continue west along the Buntine Highway to Halls Creek.

Multi-Day 3

! !

L 71

! ! John

Mount Liebig L

! !

;5c Ti-Tree Yuendumu : L 73

c] 8

Lake Bennett

NOTE: Ensure you have enough fuel for the 570 km section between Yuendumu and Lajamanu

Barrow Creek

137

'Newhaven'

! !

ad Ro 55

Barrow Creek Telegraph Station

d La n e r R iv er

283

Wirliyatjarrayi/ Willowra L

Nyirripi/ Waite Creek

NORTHERN REGION

L Kalkarindji/ Wave Hill

Explorer’s Way

art

To Tennant Creek

S tu

To Top Springs

FUEL LOCATIONS Aileron Roadhouse Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9703 Daily 6am–9.30pm D



Barrow Creek Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9753 Daily 7am–10pm D



Devils Marbles Hotel Stuart Hwy Wauchope Tel: 08 8964 1963 Daily 6am–10pm D



Epenarra Station Epenara / Murray Downs Road Tel: 08 8964 1511 Mon – Fri 7am–4pm Sat 7.30am–1pm, Sun 8am–1pm D



Gemtree Plenty Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9855 Daily 8am–5pm D



Harts Range Store Plenty Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9773 Mon – Fri 9am–12pm & 2pm–5pm Sat 9am–1pm, Sun Closed D



TANAMI / NORTH WEST REGION

KEY TO FACILITIES

Kalkarindji Service Station & Store Buntine Hwy Tel: 08 8975 0788

Facilities are correct at time of printing. Please phone directly for further facility information.

Jervois Station Plenty Hwy Tel: 08 8956 6307 Daily 7:30am–6pm D



Tobermorey Station Plenty Hwy Tel: 07 4748 3280 Mon – Fri 7am–6pm Sat – Sun 8am–5pm D

Wycliffe Well Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8964 1966 Daily 6.30am–8.30pm D



Tilmouth Well Roadhouse Tel: 08 8956 8777 Daily 7am–8.30pm CC

Ti-Tree Roadhouse Stuart Hwy Tel: 08 8956 9741 Daily 6am–10pm

Larjamanu Service Station & Store Lajamanu Tel: 08 8975 0644 D

Kurundi Station Kurundi Road Tel: 08 8964 1964 Daily 9am–5pm

Yuendumu Mining Yuendumu Tel: 08 8956 4040 Daily 9am–5pm CC



Autogas

Auto repairs

Diesel

Opal fuel

Premium unleaded

Store

Unleaded



Food

SAFETY

The Northern Territory is a big place and there are long distances to be travelled between different iconic locations, but good planning prior to departure can help you to break up the long stints and make each day behind the wheel a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Always phone and check road conditions before departure. The NT Government provides a 24-hour recorded message service on 1800 246 199 or visit roadreport.nt.gov.au Roads may become flooded following rain. Avoid fast moving waters, and don’t cross flooded roads. Do not access closed roads.

When buying or renting a satellite phone ensure it has reliable coverage to the network and an adequate airtime plan has been purchased. Make sure the phones battery is charged at all times.

Fuel

If you don’t have a satellite telephone a distress beacon is another way to ensure safety along with an UHF or HF radio. For further information or to register a distress beacon visit beacons.amsa.gov.au.

Your fuel economy will vary greatly on the tracks you take. Make sure you plan ahead and carry enough fuel between all stops. Be aware that heavy track conditions such as soft sand, muddy tracks and slow hilly terrains will increase fuel consumption.

If you break down, do not leave your vehicle. A missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people

HF Radios require a licence from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) visit acma. gov.au/theACMA/amateur-licensing. You may elect to join a network that carries inbuilt licencing for their own frequencies. Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc.(VKS737) prime role is to provide safety to travellers in remote areas. To join the Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc. (VKS737) visit vks737.radio.

Safety Communication

Water

Confirm you know how to use all safety communication equipment and that they suit your critical personal communications needs.

It is essential to always carry adequate supplies of water, plus a 3-4 day reserve supply. During mild weather estimate 6 litres per person per day. During the warmer weather estimate 10 litres of water per person per day.

Always advise someone of your travel plans and times just in case you run into trouble.

There may be many kilometres between petrol stations. Check that you have enough fuel to reach your next stop.

Fuel location contact details are provided in each section of this guide. 4WD Tracks If the track is mostly sandy, ensure your hubs are locked in and fourwheel drive is engaged. Deflate tyres to 30psi (200kpa) to increase their surface area. Further deflation may be required in softer sections. Drive in the existing wheel ruts to avoid getting bogged or cause erosion.

CONTACTS

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

TOURIST INFORMATION

VEHICLE RECOVERY

Call 000 (triple zero) for emergency fire, police and ambulance assistance throughout Australia or if a crime is in progress. Call 112 from mobile phone.

For more information on the many experiences available in the Northern Territory, visit: northernterritory.com

Outback Vehicle Recovery 24 hour service 7 days a week AANT agent and contractor Tel: 08 8952 1087

If not able to access 000: The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tel: 1800 630 784 or 08 86489501 flyingdoctor.org.au Hire appropriate emergency communication equipment e.g. satellite phones, High Frequency (HF) radio.

Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information Centre Cnr Todd Mall & Parsons Street Alice Springs NT 0870 Tel: 1800 645 199 discovercentralaustralia.com

In an emergency, stay with your vehicle. Non-emergency Police attendance Tel: 131 444

Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre

ROAD REPORTS

Peko Road Tennant Creek NT 0860

Get advice on the terrain, condition and safety requirements of all NT Government controlled roads. roadreport.nt.gov.au

Tel: 08 8962 1281 barklytourism.com.au

24-hour recorded message service Tel: 1800 246 199

58 Sargent Street Alice Springs NT 0870 Jett Towing 24 hour service 7 days a week Tel: 0419 809 540 31b George Crescent Alice Springs NT 0870 Towing and mechanical assistance is also available from other locations across Central Australia and other businesses in Alice Springs. Call the local Visitor Information Centre for their contact details.

PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION NT nt.gov.au/find-a-park nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/ check-park-open-alice-springs Tel: 08 8951 8250

ABORIGINAL LAND & COMMUNITY ACCESS PERMITS The Mereenie Loop Road permit can be purchased at: Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, Glen Helen Homestead, Ntaria / Hermannsburg Ntaria Store and Kings Canyon Resort. Central Land Council 27 North Stuart Highway Alice Springs NT 0870 Mon – Fri 8am–5pm Tel: 08 8951 6211 Email: permits@clc.org.au www.clc.org.au Permit requirement map for transit roads, visit clc.org.au/files/pdf/ Roads_Map.pdf

Direct 4WD Awareness for Hay River Track transit permit and Batton Hill Camping direct4wd.com.au/hay-river-batton-hill Tel: 0408 485 641 National Parks South Australia – Desert Parks Pass environment.sa.gov.au/parks/entryfees/parks-passes/desert-parks-pass Tel: 08 8648 5328 Queensland National Parks – Munga-Thirri (Simpsons Desert) National Park qpws.usedirect.com/QPWS/Default. aspx npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/munga-thirri/ camping.html

Ngaanyatjarra Council for WA sections of the Sandy Blight Junction Road ngaanyatjarra.org.au/ngaanyatjarracouncil/permits Tel: 08 8950 1711 Email: reception@ngaanyatjarra.org.au PRINTED 2018

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4WD Guide Central Australia

Articles inside

Central Australia

4WD Checklist and 4WD

Safety

Contacts

4WD Apps and websites

Driving Tips and Information