Trail Information: Difficulty - Medium
The Reward:
Fancy a gorge and adventure that is completely off the tourist grid? If Ormiston is the jewel of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Ruby Gap is its sister in the East MacDonnells. This is the ideal location to camp under the stars and take in the beauty that is Central Australia.
Trail Description:
The difficulty with this trail is navigating there and then getting in and out safely. The trail's primary challenge is the softness of the sand in the riverbed. You need to be well versed in sand driving and in vehicle recovery if you get stuck. It's strongly advised that you check in at Ross River Resort and they know your itinerary, and check in again on the way out. They will send for help if you are not back in time.
Getting there:
Head east to Ross River Resort, check in, then the road in begins about 1km back towards Alice, and turns off going north west (a dirt road). If you reach the turn off to Trephina Gorge you've gone too far. GPS and the google map will help you locate it.
As there is no cell phone coverage out of Alice Springs, to track your progress you will need to use the offline map supplied below. Please study the trail information supplied carefully.
Equipment:
Standard 4x4 with standard wheels.
A spare, two is better and equipment to change it
Recovery gear (Tracks, snap strap, winch if you or your friends have one)
Water, always bring water and some food
Car Lights definitely preferable but not essential, just makes the drive home after sunset much easier
A second 4x4
Navigation:
Mobile phone with GPS, in-car phone charger (consider a second phone/charger as a backup)
Trail map downloaded to your phone(s) for offline usage
Paper map of the region as a backup and to check the offline map
Fancy a gorge and adventure that is completely off the tourist grid? If Ormiston is the jewel of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Ruby Gap is its sister in the East MacDonnells. This is the ideal location to camp under the stars and take in the beauty that is Central Australia.
Trail Description:
The difficulty with this trail is navigating there and then getting in and out safely. The trail's primary challenge is the softness of the sand in the riverbed. You need to be well versed in sand driving and in vehicle recovery if you get stuck. It's strongly advised that you check in at Ross River Resort and they know your itinerary, and check in again on the way out. They will send for help if you are not back in time.
Getting there:
Head east to Ross River Resort, check in, then the road in begins about 1km back towards Alice, and turns off going north west (a dirt road). If you reach the turn off to Trephina Gorge you've gone too far. GPS and the google map will help you locate it.
As there is no cell phone coverage out of Alice Springs, to track your progress you will need to use the offline map supplied below. Please study the trail information supplied carefully.
Equipment:
Standard 4x4 with standard wheels.
A spare, two is better and equipment to change it
Recovery gear (Tracks, snap strap, winch if you or your friends have one)
Water, always bring water and some food
Car Lights definitely preferable but not essential, just makes the drive home after sunset much easier
A second 4x4
Navigation:
Mobile phone with GPS, in-car phone charger (consider a second phone/charger as a backup)
Trail map downloaded to your phone(s) for offline usage
Paper map of the region as a backup and to check the offline map
Resources
| Park Facts Sheet And Map - NT Gov Aug 2018 |
|
Offline Maps - How to use | ||
(Maps generated courtesy of Google Maps / Google Earth)
More photos.....
Mark your photos in Instagram to share you stories:
#Unrealalice - To help build a collection of photos which highlight the beauty of Central Australia, and/or
@Unrealalice - To send us your photos for possible publication on the official 'Unrealalice' instagram account
#Unrealalice - To help build a collection of photos which highlight the beauty of Central Australia, and/or
@Unrealalice - To send us your photos for possible publication on the official 'Unrealalice' instagram account
4x4 Safety / Tips
A basic introduction on how to stay safe on the trails of the red centre.
Traditional Owners
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the area the Arrente people.
"They have been here since time immemorial. In the beginning, Altyerrenge - ancestral figures - created the landscape and its features, as well as Arrernte Law. According to the traditional owners, the landscape was shaped by caterpillars, wild dogs, travelling boys, two sisters, euros and other ancestral figures, and as such contains many sites of importance to its traditional owners. Some of the first Dreaming stories ever recorded were those of the Arrernte people of Central Australia." - Alice Springs Town Council
"They have been here since time immemorial. In the beginning, Altyerrenge - ancestral figures - created the landscape and its features, as well as Arrernte Law. According to the traditional owners, the landscape was shaped by caterpillars, wild dogs, travelling boys, two sisters, euros and other ancestral figures, and as such contains many sites of importance to its traditional owners. Some of the first Dreaming stories ever recorded were those of the Arrernte people of Central Australia." - Alice Springs Town Council
Disclaimer
Whilst the information provided within this page is as accurate as possible, the author provides no warranty regarding the condition of the trail, the conditions, and takes no responsibility for any injury to person or property as a result of using this map, or any other maps on this website. As with all four wheel driving, prepare, ensure your vehicle is appropriate to the trail and in good working order, bring recovery gear, first aid, communications, food, water, etc, and do not attempt trails which are beyond your off-road experience and ability.