Ruby Gap Nature Park

Ruby Gap Nature Park is a hidden gem (quite literally) in the far eastern end of the MacDonnell Ranges, about 150 km east of Alice Springs. It’s named after a significant chapter in outback history: in 1886, “rubies” were found in the bed of the Hale River here, sparking Australia’s first mining rush in Central Australia. Dozens of hopeful miners flocked to this rugged gorge – only to discover that the stones were not rubies but garnets of little value. The rush dissipated, but the name Ruby Gap remained. Today, the park is a pristine wilderness with no facilities, reachable only by high-clearance 4WD and then by foot. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking scenery: sheer red cliffs flank the Hale River’s sandy and pebbly bed, majestic ghost gums and river reds provide shade, and permanent waterholes glisten in the gorge’s deeper recesses (the last one named Glen Annie Gorge). The riverbed is full of tiny garnet stones that still sparkle in the sunlight. The typical visit involves driving to the end of the track at Ruby Gap, camping by the river under the gum trees, and perhaps hiking 4 km further upstream to Glen Annie Gorge where cooler deep pools invite a refreshing dip. Birdlife is abundant (you may see budgerigars, finches, herons and birds of prey) and at dusk euros come to drink. There are no marked trails – just follow the riverbed, wading through shallow sections as needed. With few visitors, the silence is profound, broken only by wind or the calls of wildlife. The feeling of isolation – surrounded by towering gorge walls glowing in late light – is extraordinary. This park, while remote, captures the essence of Central Australia’s beauty and its quirky history. It’s essential to be self-sufficient (carry water, recovery gear, etc.) and check conditions before going. Those who make the effort to reach Ruby Gap often regard it as one of the most special, unspoiled places in the entire MacDonnell Ranges.