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  • Classic Destinations
    • Ormiston Gorge
    • Glen Helen
    • Redbank Gorge
    • Standley Chasm
    • Ellery Creek Big Hole
    • Simpsons Gap
    • Ross River Resort
    • Trephina Gorge
    • Uluru
    • Kings Canyon
  • 4x4 Around Alice
    • Euro Ridge
    • Fence Line - Ridge Loop
    • Northern Plains
    • Alice Lookout
    • Widow Maker
    • Wigley Waterhole
    • Undoolya Hill
    • Gillen to Ilparpa
    • Ilparpa Summit
    • Ilpara Quarry
    • Ilparpa Claypans
    • Gillen Climb
    • Airport Ridge Line
    • Emily Gap Back Roads
    • East Mac Lookout
  • 4x4 Further Afield
    • Boggy Hole - Finke River
    • Palm Valley - Finke River
    • John Heyes Rockhole
    • Ruby Gap
  • Walking Trails
    • Mount Gillen Walk
    • Telegraph Station
    • Larapinta Trail

Ruby Gap

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

Resources

NT Government - Ruby Gap Nature Park
Park Facts Sheet And Map - NT Gov Aug 2018
File Size: 1121 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


LIVE GOOGLE MAPS - TRAIL DIRECTIONS

​Live Google Maps - How to use


Ruby Gap Map
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: kmz
Download File

Offline Maps - How to use


Picture
Picture
(Maps generated courtesy of Google Maps / Google Earth)

More photos.....


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​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

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.

Location

What Our Visitors Are Saying

This region is the Padagonia of Australia, and Alice Springs is located at its heart.  Nestled in the hills of the MacDonnell Ranges, this town is only one footprint away from its ancient secrets. Once covered by the golden sunsets which illuminate these trails, your soul is destined to wander the desert long after you've left"

Follow Us

  • Unreal Alice Springs
    • Live Google Maps
    • Offline Maps
    • 4x4 Safety / Tips
    • #Unrealalice
    • Contact Us
  • Classic Destinations
    • Ormiston Gorge
    • Glen Helen
    • Redbank Gorge
    • Standley Chasm
    • Ellery Creek Big Hole
    • Simpsons Gap
    • Ross River Resort
    • Trephina Gorge
    • Uluru
    • Kings Canyon
  • 4x4 Around Alice
    • Euro Ridge
    • Fence Line - Ridge Loop
    • Northern Plains
    • Alice Lookout
    • Widow Maker
    • Wigley Waterhole
    • Undoolya Hill
    • Gillen to Ilparpa
    • Ilparpa Summit
    • Ilpara Quarry
    • Ilparpa Claypans
    • Gillen Climb
    • Airport Ridge Line
    • Emily Gap Back Roads
    • East Mac Lookout
  • 4x4 Further Afield
    • Boggy Hole - Finke River
    • Palm Valley - Finke River
    • John Heyes Rockhole
    • Ruby Gap
  • Walking Trails
    • Mount Gillen Walk
    • Telegraph Station
    • Larapinta Trail