Henbury Meteorites

About 150 km south-west of Alice Springs, a cluster of craters marks the site where a meteorite shattered on impact some 4700 years ago. The Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve protects twelve craters, the largest of which is 180 m across and 15 m deep. Scattered fragments of iron-nickel meteorite still litter the area, offering a rare glimpse into the raw forces that shape our solar system. The site is sacred to the local Arrernte people, who call it ‘the sun walk fire devil stone’.

Highlights & What to See

• Crater Walk: Follow the short loop trail that leads to the main crater and several smaller depressions. Interpretive signs explain the impact mechanics and the significance of the site.
• Meteorite Fragments: Look for dark, rusty rocks among the spinifex. Many are genuine meteorite pieces; please leave them in place for others to see.
• Sunrise or Sunset: The low-angle light emphasises the craters’ contours and casts long shadows across the red desert.
• Aboriginal Cultural Context: Take time to read the cultural signage that tells the Arrernte story of the falling star.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours to explore the crater rim walk and absorb the landscape. The site is compact, so it works well as a short stop en route to Kings Canyon or Uluru. Combine it with a picnic to make the most of the remote setting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon): A 100 km drive north, offering the famous Rim Walk and permanent waterholes.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: About 300 km south-west – a full day’s drive but unmissable for the iconic monolith and domes.
• Alice Springs: 150 km north-east, the regional hub with the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum and the Desert Park.
• Finke Gorge National Park: Explore Palm Valley and its ancient cycads, about 200 km north-east.
• Erldunda Roadhouse: A convenient stop for fuel and supplies at the junction of the Stuart and Lasseter highways.

Please check official sources for current details.