Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve

About 145 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve preserves one of the world's most impressive meteorite impact sites. Around 4,700 years ago, a fragment of a larger meteorite broke up before impact, creating at least 12 craters scattered across a remote, rocky plain. The largest crater measures 180 metres across and 15 metres deep. This is a place of stark beauty and deep time — you can walk among the craters, see twisted fragments of the original meteorite (the largest ever found in Australia), and feel the immensity of an event that forever changed this landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk the crater rim trail — a short, marked loop leads you past several craters, with interpretive signs explaining the impact sequence and geology.
• See the meteorite fragments — the largest recovered piece, weighing about 10 kilograms, is on display near the main crater; many smaller fragments are embedded in the rock.
• Photograph the lunar-like landscape — the red earth, spinifex, and stark craters create an otherworldly scene, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
• Learn the Arrernte connection — the site is culturally significant to the local Arrernte people, who have oral traditions describing the fireball that fell from the sky.
• Enjoy the remote solitude — far from light pollution, this is a superb spot for stargazing; the clear desert skies reveal the Milky Way in astonishing detail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the reserve, which is enough to walk the main trail, see the fragments, and absorb the setting. If you're a keen photographer or geology enthusiast, allow up to 2 hours. The reserve is unstaffed and has no facilities, so plan to visit as a stop on a day trip from Alice Springs or as part of a longer Red Centre itinerary. Early morning or late afternoon offers the most comfortable temperatures and best light.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs — the gateway town with museums, galleries, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, ideal for provisioning before heading out.
• West MacDonnell National Park — stunning gorges and waterholes such as Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen, about a 90-minute drive north-east.
• Finke Gorge National Park — home to the ancient Palm Valley, with a four-wheel-drive track and rare red cabbage palms, a few hours south-east.
• Kings Canyon — the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Watarrka National Park, about 3 hours south-west, often combined on a multi-day loop.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — the iconic monolith and domes, roughly 4 hours south-west, perfect for a longer Red Centre road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.