Hike at a glance

6,992

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges on the challenging 10km Trephina Ridgetop Walk. This Grade 5 trek, accessible from either John Hayes Rockhole or Trephina Gorge, offers panoramic views of Alice Springs and a unique chance to spot Thozet’s Box (Eucalyptus thozetiana) in its only NT habitat. Remember to inform someone reliable of your route and plans before undertaking this four-hour adventure.

Hike length

10km

Average duration

4 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

One Way

Technical details

Max elevation: 893m
Min elevation: 552m
Total Ascent: 465m

Start: Rockhole Campground

End: Trephina Gorge Carpark

Location: Trephina Gorge Nature Park

State: Northern Territory

Nearest town: Alice Springs

State capital distance: 1,575km

Latitude: -23.54013210336506

Longitude: 134.3550118803978

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Temperatures at Trephina Gorge in summer can be extremely hot, so carry plenty of water with you when walking.

Hike summary

Trephina Ridgetop Walk is a hike for experienced walkers from John Hayes Rockhole through to Trephina Gorge. You can start this walk at either, John Hayes Rockhole or Trephina Gorge and return along the road or arrange with friends for a vehicle pick-up. This walk offers spectacular views of the rugged East MacDonnell Ranges and a view of Alice Springs is possible from Turners Lookout. This stunning hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and wildlife of the area. This is the only area in the NT you can see Thozet’s Box (Eucalyptus thozetiana).

Allow an extra two hours if you plan to walk back to Trephina Gorge via the main road. Walkers planning extended walks are strongly advised to notify a friend or reliable person of your intended route and plans.

Additional Information:

Camping

Campgrounds with pit toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, communal firepits and gas barbecues are provided at Trephina Bluff, Trephina Gorge and the Panorama Campgrounds. No drinking water is provided at the John Hayes Rockhole campground. Camping fees apply and campsites must be booked online before you arrive.

Swimming

John Hayes Rockhole is a popular swimming location during warmer months. However during prolonged dry periods the waterholes at Trephina Gorge and John Hayes Rockhole can evaporate, leaving only a sandy creekbed. Swimmers should be aware that most swimming holes are extremely cold. Prolonged exposure, even during summer, can result in hypothermia. Beware of submerged logs and rocks.

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

When visiting the park remember all of the following:

Stay on designated roads and tracks
All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
Firewood collection is not permitted in the park
Fires are only permitted in designated fire pits
Bins are not provided so take your rubbish with you
Pets are not permitted in the park
Generators are not permitted
Drones are not permitted in the park.
If you're swimming be aware that most swimming holes are very cold and long exposure, even during summer, can lead to hypothermia.
Temperatures at Trephina Gorge in summer can be extremely hot, so carry plenty of water with you when walking.

Trail Features:

Trail Running
Rivers
Gorges
Scenic Viewpoints
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
River Crossings
Untreated Water
Swimming Spots

Map and GPX file

Trephina Ridgetop Walk (10km)

Total distance: 10202 m
Max elevation: 893 m
Min elevation: 552 m
Total climbing: 465 m
Total descent: -494 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

Trephina Gorge Nature Park is situated 85 km east of Alice Springs, the Park is accessible to all vehicles. Access is via the sealed Ross Highway, then a 9 km drive into Trephina Gorge, the last 5 km is on a gravel road. The John Hayes Rockhole track within the Park is recommended for high clearance vehicles only. Heavy rains may cause all roads to become impassable. Check road conditions before you go.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Access Conditions:

2WD Access
4WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Untreated Water
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Alice Springs, Ross River

Discover more

About the region

Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) lined watercourses. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and John Hayes Rockhole with steep, narrow rock walls. Water holes in this area attract much wildlife, including a diverse range of birds.

There are a number of short walks around Trephina Gorge, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and around John Hayes Rockhole that has steep narrow rock walls. Experienced walkers can complete the Trephina Ridgetop Trail to John Hayes Rockhole and take in sweeping views of the East MacDonnell Ranges.

Trephina Gorge Nature Park is ideal for exploring on foot. Several walking tracks varying in length and difficulty allow you to discover and enjoy a number of habitats, each with its own diverse flora and fauna. Choose a walk that suits your level of fitness, interests and available time. In addition to the advice on the right hand side of this sheet, please remember:

There is no drinking water on any of the walking tracks
If walking alone, tell someone of your plans
Ensure you have enough time to complete the walk during daylight hours.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

Acknowledgement of Country

Trephina ridgetop walk (10km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Camping

Swimming

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Turners Lookout & Chain of Ponds Hike (12.5km)

Chain of Ponds Walk (4km)

Trephina Panorama Walk (2.6km)

Trephina Gorge Walk (1.8km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

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Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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