The Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve is a place of international scientific interest as well as a place of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.
Located about 175 kilometres from Alice Springs, it is also the site of a huge crater.
Stop off at the Tylers Pass Lookout on the adjacent ridge for a good vista of the landscape. Rising 180 metres above the desert, the crater is an astounding five kilometres in circumference. Much of the crater has eroded away, with the original bed of the crater now two kilometres below the surface.
The crater was created approximately 142 million years ago, when a huge comet struck Central Australia, leaving one of the largest impact craters in the world.
The Reserve is of great significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who believe Tnorala was formed when a group of women danced across the sky as the Milky Way. During this dance a mother put her baby aside in its wooden baby carrier. The carrier toppled over the edge of the dancing area and crashed to earth where it was transformed into the circular rock formation of Tnorala.
Camping and fires are not permitted within the Reserve.
Pass information
If you're a visitor to the NT, you need an NT Parks Visitor Pass to visit most national parks and reserves. The pass allows you to visit all parks and reserves managed by the NT Government within your valid dates.
|
Price per:
|
1-day pass | 3-day pass | 2-week pass | 1-month pass | Annual pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 18 years and over | $10 | $20 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| Child 5 to 17 years | $5 | $10 | $15 | $22 | $30 |
| Family 2 adults and 4 children | $25 | $50 | $75 | $110 | $150 |
| Concession Holders of Australian Government issued Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Card. | $8 | $16 | $24 | $36 | $48 |
NT residents don't need a visitor pass but may be asked to show proof of residency, such as a valid NT driver licence.
Buy your pass online or find out more about passes & permits in the NT.
Entry cost
- Indicative Prices tickets from $10 to $60
Park entry fees - NT Parks Visitor Pass applies. (NT residents exempt). - Child tickets from $5 to $30
Park entry fees - NT Parks Visitor Pass applies. (NT residents exempt).
Facilities
- Carpark
- Lookouts
- Picnic area
- Public toilet
Activities
- Four-wheel driving
- Walks
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