Ross Highway Drive

The Ross Highway Drive is a scenic 85-kilometer route from Alice Springs to the Ross River Resort, winding through the rugged East MacDonnell Ranges. This lesser-traveled road offers a raw, outback experience with ancient landscapes, historic sites, and a sense of solitude that defines the Red Centre.

Highlights & What to See

• Emily Gap & Jessie Gap: Vibrant waterholes flanked by red cliffs, with Aboriginal rock art at Emily Gap that tells Dreamtime stories.
• Corroboree Rock Conservation Area: A striking dolomite outcrop used for ceremonial purposes by the Arrernte people; the short walk reveals fascinating geology.
• Trephina Gorge: A stunning chasm with permanent waterholes and ghost gums; hike the John Hayes Walk for panoramic views or the shorter riverbed walk.
• N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park: Home to over 5,000 ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back thousands of years—a must for history buffs.
• Ross River Resort: A classic outback pub and accommodation at the drive's end, perfect for a cold beer and a yarn with locals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to drive the route and explore the gorges and walks. If you're short on time, focus on Trephina Gorge and N'Dhala Gorge, which are the standout highlights. Many travellers combine this drive with a night at the Ross River Resort, making it a relaxed two-day trip from Alice Springs—drive out in the afternoon, stay overnight, and return the next morning with stops at any missed sites.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: The gateway town; stock up on supplies and fuel before heading east.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: The western counterpart with iconic sites like Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge—ideal for a full circuit.
• Simpson Gap: A short detour on the way back, with a permanent waterhole and a walk to a gap in the range.
• Arltunga Historical Reserve: About 100 km east of Alice Springs, this gold rush ghost town offers a glimpse into the 19th-century mining era.

Please check official sources for current details.