MacDonnell Ranges Heavitree Gap (3.0km), West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory

MacDonnell Ranges Heavitree Gap is a 3km, grade 3 hike located in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.

Length: 3km

Duration: 1.25 hrs

Grade: 3

Style: Circuit

Start: MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park

End: MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park

Location: West MacDonnell Ranges National Park

Closest town: Alice Springs

Northern Territory

From state capital: 1501km

Longitude: 133.8727681

Latitude: -23.73309178

Hike summary

This spectacular, un-formalised and un-signposted walk takes you to the MacDonnell Ranges at Heavitree Gap; the prominent ridge standing sentry over Alice Springs.

Route and GPX file

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

Download file: MacDonnell Ranges Heavitree Gap.gpx

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About the region

The Heavitree Gap, or Ntaripe in the Arrernte language, is a water gap in the Northern Territory of Australia in the MacDonnell Ranges. It is the southern 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.

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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Acknowledgement of Country

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.

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