The gentle Yeperenye Trail (The Three Caterpillars) takes you along the foothills of the East MacDonnell Ranges, allowing you to explore the local flora and fauna. It is wheelchair accessible (with assistance) for 500m from Emily Gap. You can also ride your bike along the trail.
A Yeperenye trail was officially opened in mid 2021. The trail is the biggest investment in public infrastructure by an Aboriginal group in Central Australia. More than 30 Aboriginal workers put their hands together to set up the 7.2-kilometre trail. What’s impressive is the fact that all the work was done by hand and cultural supervisors were there during every step of the way to protect the important cultural and spiritual sights in the park.
White this is described as a one way hike from Emily to Jessie Gap, it can be completed in the opposite direction or as a 16km return hike. If you are completing this as a one way hike, a car shuffle will be required.
The Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps are probably the first and the most noticeable features of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Labelled a nature park, they provide lovely opportunities to enjoy hiking, cycling, rock painting exploration and exciting meetings with local wildlife.
The two gaps belong to the Heavitree Range and they’ve long been considered key spiritual sights to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Various other spots in the region have a similar statute and together, they form a Song Line or a so-called dream trail through the region.
Emily Gap is a registered sacred site. It is the home of a large rock painting. The gap is associated with a dreamtime story about the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe / Alice Springs. These caterpillars were the ones that formed the gap, as well as many other topographical features of the region. In the painting, you will get to see the caterpillar sleeping. It’s one of the most popular landmarks in the nature reserve.
- Prams & Strollers
- Manual Wheelchair
- Motorised Wheelchair
- Bicycle Trail
- Mountain Bike Trail
- Trail Running
- Aboriginal Art
- Swimming Spots
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 7997 m
Max elevation: 600 m
Min elevation: 548 m
Total climbing: 312 m
Total descent: -332 m
Getting to the trailhead: Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.
The Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park welcomes visitors year-round but the best time to go there is considered from April to September. The park is located about 10 kilometres east of Alice Springs on Ross Highway.
Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Parking
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Campfire Pit
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Favourite
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
/Yeperenye-Trail%20(8).jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_7.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_4.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_6.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_12.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_13.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail%20(5).jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail%20(4).jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_9.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail%20(7).jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_1.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_10.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_11.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail-Walk_2.jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
/Yeperenye-Trail%20(2).jpg "Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)")
8 Reviews on “Yeperenye Trail Walk (8km)”
This is an enjoyable walk. Not at all challenging but has some great scenery.