Henbury Meteorites

About 145 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve is one of the world's most accessible meteorite impact sites. A cluster of 12 craters, formed some 4,700 years ago when a meteorite broke apart before hitting the red desert, it's a place that feels both ancient and otherworldly. Walking among the craters, you can see fragments of the iron meteorite still scattered across the ochre earth – a rare chance to touch a piece of outer space.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Crater Walk: A short, easy 1.3-kilometre loop trail leads you past the largest crater (180 metres across) and several smaller ones, with interpretive signs explaining the science and Aboriginal stories associated with the site.
• Meteorite Fragments: Look for small, rusty iron fragments on the ground near the craters – the reserve is one of the few places where you can legally pick up a meteorite (check current rules).
• Desert Landscape: The surrounding spinifex and red sand dunes create a starkly beautiful backdrop, especially in the late-afternoon light.
• Aboriginal Cultural Significance: The site is sacred to the Arrernte people, who know it as 'the place where the star fell'; take time to appreciate the cultural layers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow one to two hours to explore the craters and walk the loop. The site is compact, so it works well as a half-day detour from Alice Springs or a stop on a longer drive to Kings Canyon or Uluru. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and capture the best light for photography.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Finke Gorge National Park: About 40 minutes south, this park protects the ancient Finke River and Palm Valley, with its rare red cabbage palms and 4WD tracks.
• Alice Springs: The regional hub, 1.5 hours north, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, Alice Springs Desert Park, and the historic Telegraph Station.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: A scenic drive west of Alice Springs, featuring gorges, waterholes, and walking trails – perfect for a multi-day self-drive itinerary.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve: A striking sandstone pillar rising from the desert, about 1.5 hours east of Henbury, with Aboriginal rock art and a historic explorer's cairn.

Please check official sources for current details.