N’Dhala Gorge - East Macdonnell Ranges - Northern Territory
N’Dhala Gorge, or Irlwentye as the Eastern Arrente People know it, is reached by travelling 85kms east of Alice Springs along the Ross Highway in the East Macdonnell Rangesto Ross River Homestead and 15km beyond the homestead on a narrow, sandy 4WD track following the Ross River. The track crosses the river several times and can become impassable after heavy rain. The Nature Park has two deep gorges, in which can be found beautiful and interesting flora, fossils and hundreds of examples of some of Central Australia’s most important Aboriginal rock carvings. All can be discovered by an easy walk through the spectacularly dramatic cliffs of the gorges from the car park. The Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory sign at the base of the gorge states... East Macdonnell Ranges, including the scenic and historically rich N'DhalaGorge, the historic Arltunga Goldfields, the magnificent Trephina Gorge and the isolated beauty of Ruby Gap.
Alice Springs along the sealed road to Ross River Homestead and 15km beyond the homestead on a narrow, sandy 4WD track following the Ross River. The track crosses the river several times and can become impassable after heavy rain. The Nature Park has two deep gorges, in which can be found beautiful and interesting flora, fossils and thousands of examples of some of Central Australia’s most important Aboriginal rock carvings. All can be discovered by an easy walk through the spectacularly dramatic cliffs of the gorges from the car park. The Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory sign at the base of the gorge states...
'This park was declared to protect the hundreds of rock carvings that line N'Dhala Gorge. They are evidence of an Aboriginal presence that dates back many centuries. It isn't known what the carvings mean but they express Aboriginal cultural beliefs and have helped to pass these beliefs from one generation to the next. The area's oldest carvings are weather–worn and difficult to see, but the younger carvings - maybe 300 years old - are more easily seen... Take drinking water and strong ankle-supporting footwear...Please do not touch or stand on any of the carvings and do respect the area's continued significance for Aborigines.'
Further research reveals that the abundance and diversity of petroglyph engravings at N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park is of major significance for the Northern Territory's cultural and natural heritage because it is unparalleled by any other ‘pecked’ engraving site in Central Australia. The rock engravings have been broadly categorised as representing the Panaramitee style, a very old engraving culture which prevailed over a wide area of the Australian continent. Anthropologists estimate that the petroglyphs are generally about 2000 years old but some could be as old as 10,000 years. The presence of unusual motifs at N'Dhala Gorge, such as anthropomorphs (animal figures with human form) displaying head-dresses and rayed stalk figures, suggest a possible regional adaptation or divergence from the more widely known styles. Along with other archaeological material in the gorge, the art provides a very good source of information which helps to contribute to our understanding of human adaptations to the arid zone. Not to mention that the spectacular scenic situation of the site makes the trip to view these amazing art works all the more worthwhile.
Accommodation
There is a Campground at N'Dhala Gorge, with fireplaces, toilets and picnic facilities. National Parks camping fees apply. Accommodation is also available at Ross River Homestead, including Suites, Cabins and Camping.
Tours To N'Dhala Gorge
Alice Springs is a tourism hub. There are hundreds of tour options in and around the Alice Springs, You are bound to find a good one to N'Dhala Gorge and the East Macdonnell Ranges.
Whatever your style, you'll find a great Tour in Alice Springs.
Things To See and Do
The Ross Highway From Alice Springs to Arltunga has several other very interesting natural sites to visit inluding Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Corroboree Rock, Trephina Gorge, Ross River Homestead, and N'Dhala Gorge.
Start with a visit to the Alice Springs Visitor Centre before You leave.
Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre
60 Gregory Terrace
Alice Springs
Northern Territory,
PO Box 0870
Alice Springs
Northern Territory, 0871
Phone 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800
Fax (08) 8953 0295
Email: visinfo@tourismca.asn.au
http://www.centralaustraliantourism.com/
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