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

Alice Springs

Alice Springs - The heart of Central Australia is comprised of cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and 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 situations 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 - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober Pedy (Opal field) - Woomera - Port Augusta areas.

East MacDonnell National Park and West MacDonnell National Park
in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central Australia
A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information

East MacDonnell National Park and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia
• West MacDonnell Map • West MacDonnell National Park • East MacDonnell National-Park
• East MacDonnell Map

West MacDonnell National Park and surrounding areas
• Larapinta Trail • Glen Helen Gorge • Glen Helen Lodge accommodation • Ellery Creek Big Hole • Ochre Pits • Ormiston Gorge • Redbank Gorge Waterhole • Roma Gorge • Serpentine Chalet • Serpentine Gorge • Simpsons Gap • Standley Chasm • Honeymoon Gap • Palm Valley

• Albert Namatjiras Monument • Namatjira Drive • Namatjira Twin Gums • Hermannsburg • Ghost Gum • Wallace Rockhole • Palm Valley

East MacDonnell National Park and surrounding areas
• Arltunga Historical Reserve and hotel or camping • Trephina Gorge • Emily Jessie Gap • Corroboree Rock • Ross River Resort • Ruby Gap • N'Dhala Gorge Nature Reserve • Gemtree • Chambers Pillar • Rainbow Valley

Other Highways, Scenic Routes, Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia
• The Mereenie Loop • Red Centre Way • Explorers Way • Stuart Highway • Ernest Giles Road • Namatjira Drive • Larapinta Drive • Luritja Road • Lasseter Highway • Binns Track

Top End - Natures Way in Northern Territory Australia
• Darwin • Tropical Darwin • Map of Northern Territory • Katherine Gorge • Tennant Creek • Devils Marbles • Kakadu National Park • Natures Way Top End • Katherine Gorge • Litchfield National Park

Alice Springs and Uluru and on the way
• Alice Springs • Alice Springs Airport • The Ghan Alice Springs • Alice Springs Heavitree Gap • Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park • Uluru Ayers Rock • Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara • Voyages Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara • Ayers Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' • Kata Tjuta 'The Olgas' • Sounds of Silence dinner • Mount Sonder • Mount Connnor • Mount Ebenezer • Curtin Springs • Stuarts Well • Erldunda

Kings Canyon
• Watarrka National Park • Kings Canyon • Kings Creek Station • Kings Canyon Resort • Glen Helen Lodge accommodation

Remote access sites
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve • Gosse Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass • Haasts Bluff - lkuntji

Alice Springs camper hire and Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way
• Alice Springs campervan hire and camper rentals
• Alice Springs motorhome hire and RV rentals

Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire
• 4WD Hire from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin

Uluru guided camping tours and Kakadu guided camping safaris
• Across Australia Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/
• Uluru Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com
• Kakadu Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com
• Way outback Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com
• Way outback Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at www.kakadusafaris.com
• Instant availability on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/
• Instant availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/

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