Trail summary

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Quick overview: Experience the culturally significant Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit, a moderate, 3km circuit-style hike in the stunning West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory. Taking approximately 1.25 hours to complete, this trail offers breathtaking views over Alice Springs from the prominent ridge of Heavitree Gap, located within Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park. Not just a hiker's delight, this trail is steeped in Arrernte history and has been immortalised by artists like Albert Namatjira, making it an enriching experience for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Length: 3km

Duration: 1.25 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: MacDonnell Range Holiday Park

End: MacDonnell Range Holiday Park

Location: Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park

State: Northern Territory

Nearby town: Alice Springs

From state capital: 1501km

Latitude: -23.733168743395062

Longitude: 133.87274801865843

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Hike overview

The Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit is a 3-kilometre, grade 3 hike in West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory, which typically takes around 1.25 hours to complete. This unofficial and unmarked trail leads to Heavitree Gap, a prominent ridge overlooking Alice Springs, located at the eastern end of Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Heavitree Gap, known as Ntaripe in the Arrernte language, is a significant water gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. It serves as the southern entrance to Alice Springs and is integral to the region's main road and rail access, alongside the Todd River.

The Gap holds cultural importance for the Arrernte people, who traditionally avoided using it as a thoroughfare. It was named by William Mills, the surveyor for the Overland Telegraph line, after his former school in Heavitree, Devon. On the southwest side of the Gap stands the historic Heavitree Gap Police Station. The scenic views and cultural significance of the area have inspired numerous artists, including Albert Namatjira, Oscar Namatjira, Basel Rangea, and John Borrack.

Map and GPX file

Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit Walk (3km)

Total distance: 3058 m
Max elevation: 723 m
Min elevation: 567 m
Total climbing: 180 m
Total descent: -180 m

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Getting there

Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit Walk (3km)

Access to the trailhead is at the rear of the MacDonnell Range Holiday Park.

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Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

About the region

Emily and Jessie Gaps, small Gaps in the Heavitree Range are the first features you come to on your trip into the East MacDonnell Ranges. They contain interesting Aboriginal paintings and are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Many places in the landscape are associated with the same dreamtime story. Together these places form a 'dreaming trail'. Emily and Jessie Gap are both associated with the caterpillar trail. Emily Gap is probably the most significant, as this is where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) originated. These caterpillars formed Emily Gap and many of the topographic features around Alice Springs, then radiated out to the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Emily Gap (Anthwerrke) is a registered sacred site. A large rock painting depicts the caterpillar dreaming. Please respect the site and do not touch any Aboriginal art.

The first European sighting of Emily and Jessie Gap was in 1871. It was thought that 'Emily' and 'Jessie' were the daughters of Sir Charles Todd, but this was found to be untrue. The basis on which the names are derived is unknown.

Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, 'The Alice' (Alice Springs) is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, opportunities for adventure and a strong Aboriginal culture. Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia's Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both 1,500km away. It's a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country's interior desert region.

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Looking for things to do in Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit Walk (3km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

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Acknowledgement of Country

Heavitree gap yeperenye circuit walk (3km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Heavitree Gap Yeperenye Circuit Walk (3km)