If you only have time for a couple of stops in the East MacDonnell Ranges, make Trephina Gorge Nature Park (75km from Alice) one of them. The play between the pale sandy river beds, the red and purple gorge walls, the white tree trunks, the eucalyptus-green foliage and the blue sky is spectacular. You'll also find deep swimming holes and abundant wildlife.
There's a rangers station and camping grounds with barbecues, water and toilets.
The Trephina Gorge Walk (45 minutes, 2km) loops around the gorge's rim. The Ridgetop Walk (five hours, 10km one-way) traverses the ridges from the gorge to John Hayes Rockhole; the 8km return along the road takes about two hours.
The delightful John Hayes Rockhole, 9km from the Trephina Gorge turn-off (the last 4km is 4WD only) has three basic camping sites. From here, the gorgeous Chain of Ponds walk (1½ hours, 4km loop) leads past rock pools and up to a lookout above the gorge.
