Henbury Meteorite Craters

About 145 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, a cluster of twelve craters pockmarks the red desert – the Henbury Meteorite Craters. Formed around 4,700 years ago when a meteorite broke apart before impact, this is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth. Walking among these silent scars, you can almost feel the immense energy that once struck here. It’s a humbling, otherworldly experience that perfectly complements a drive along the Lasseter Highway.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Crater: The largest crater, measuring 180 metres across and 15 metres deep, is a dramatic bowl in the ochre landscape. A short walking track leads to its rim, offering a powerful perspective.
• Interpretive Trail: A 1.5-kilometre loop trail winds past several craters, with informative signs explaining the science and the site’s significance to the Arrernte people, who have known of the craters for millennia.
• Meteorite Fragments: While you can’t collect them, the site’s displays include iron meteorite fragments – you might spot small pieces glinting in the sun near the car park (strictly look, don’t touch).
• Stargazing: The remote location and minimal light pollution make this an exceptional spot to gaze at the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky – the same sky that witnessed the meteorite’s fiery arrival.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow one to two hours to explore the crater loop and absorb the eerie silence. It’s a perfect half-hour detour from the Lasseter Highway, best visited in the late afternoon when the low sun casts long shadows across the craters. Combine with a stop at the nearby Henbury Station homestead for a cold drink or a chat with locals.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: The gateway to the Red Centre, 145 km north-east, with its vibrant art scene, Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park): About 200 km south-west, this dramatic sandstone canyon offers the iconic Rim Walk and lush palm-filled gorges.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Approximately 300 km south-west, home to the monumental Uluru and the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta – a must-see on any Red Centre itinerary.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: Stretching west of Alice Springs, these ancient ranges feature gorges, waterholes, and walking trails like the Larapinta Trail.
• Finke Gorge National Park: About 200 km east, this park protects the ancient Finke River and the towering red sandstone walls of Palm Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.