The Heavitree Gap

The Heavitree Gap, or Ntaripe in the Arrernte language, is a gap in the MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia.

It is the entrance to the city of Alice Springs and in addition to the Todd River it carries the main road and rail access to the South.

The Gap was and still is a most important sacred site for the Arrernte people of the area.

History

On 21 April 1886 The Heavitree Gap Police Station was established which is of significance to the Northern Territory as the first permanent police base in Central Australia. Initially, the police station comprised of bough wurleys and a tent for stores. By 1887 a thatched log hut had been added and in the following year an old hut from the Telegraph Station was erected for use as living quarters. Today, owing to flooding from the Todd River, railway construction and use of the area for Telstra cabling no trace of these early buildings remain.

The old stories about town when I lived there where those non law abiding would travel 100's of kilomettres to flee the south to the top end would be nabbed at the entrance 'Heavitree Gap' as it was the only way though still flourish.

Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge

Nestled among eucalypts at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges is Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge.

At the southern entrance to Alice Springs it is only a 5 minute drive from the town centre. Every evening, native Australian Black Footed Rock Wallabies descend the MacDonnell ranges surrounding Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge.

The Ghan - Rail

The Journey The Ghan. It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on, in 2004, that dream has become reality.

Route: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Duration: 2 nights in either direction
Distance: 2979 kilometres
Frequency: Twice weekly Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin.
http://www.gsr.com.au/site/home.jsp

Alice Springs

Alice Springs - The heart of Central Australia is comprised of cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities aond a charming pioneering history.

Alice Springs was established by the early explorers and remains as the centre of activity in this region. From the early 1900s, the vast desert of Central Australia was explored for its promise of rubies and gold. Today, north of Alice Springs is an adventure travel destination where visitors can still fossick for gems and explore the Australian desert while trekking, camping or four-wheel driving.

Year round blue skies, stunning landscapes and a vibrant, diverse community - that's Alice Springs! Only a two hour flight from most Australian cities, Alice Springs is a must see destination renowned for its unique identity and rich cultural heritage.

The Goholi
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As one of Australia's largest licensed Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome hire and rentals. We will source the different options for you. We will look at all the extras and find the best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option for you to choose from. With our head Office in the heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you of the current situatuions of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia and the - Erlunda - Kulgera - Odnadatta Track - Coober Pedy (Opal field) - Woomera - Port Augusta areas.

We have pickup locations in Sydney in New South Wales, Brisbane and Cairns in Queensland, Darwin and Alice Springs in Northern Territory, Ayers Rock (Uluru) for 2WD cars, Perth and Broome in Western Australia, Adelaide in South Australia, Melbourne in Victoria and Hobart in Tasmania Australia's Island State. As one of Australia's largest campervan, recreational vehicle, motorhome and 4WD rental brokers, we search for availability and the best deals from campervan, motorhome, winnebago's, RV Recreational Vehicles, Mobile Homes and 4WD reputable companies throughout Australia for the vehicle of your choice with so that your Australian vacation will be the best you've ever had. At Goholi, we pride ourselves on our knowledge and contacts in the car rental and travel industry.

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