N'Dhala Gorge Camping Area - N'dhala Gorge National Park NT
N'Dhala Gorge is an important site for the Eastern Arrernte people known as Irlwentye (pronounced Eel-oonja).
The Gorge is a cultural treasure house containing over 5,900 individual petroglyph's (rock engravings), several art sites, shelter areas and other sites of cultural significance. The petroglyph's in this shady gorge are relict's of the art and stories of an ancient, but still living culture. The petroglyph's are of two styles, the finely pecked and the pounded. They possibly represent two time periods. It is difficult to estimate the age of the art. Most were probably done within the past 2,000 years, but some could be as old as 10,000 years. It is illegal to tamper with the art, report any irregularities to the Park Rangers at Trephina Gorge on (08) 8956 9765.
Aboriginal custodians for the site, now living in Santa Teresa, indicate that some of the designs are connected with a Caterpillar Dreaming story. In addition to the cultural significance of the Gorge, it is also an important site for fire sensitive plants including Hayes Wattle (Acacia undoolyana) and White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla).
A 1.5 km (1 hour return) marked walking track leads into the gorge. Signs along the track interpret some of the petroglyph's and the rare Acacia undoolyana.
A small, simple bush camping area is located at the entrance to the Park. No water is provided and you should bring your own supplies. Camping fees are payable at the site.
REGION: > NT > N'dhala Gorge National Park
Ndhala Gorge Rd - W
N'dhala Gorge National Park NT 871
GPS:-23.638778,134.463194
GPS:S23 38 19,E134 27 47
GPS:S23 38.3267,E134 27.7916
