Background

Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve

Explore an ancient meteor crater and sacred Aboriginal site in the heart of Australia's West MacDonnell Ranges.

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Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) is a meteor crater of great significance to both the Western Aranda Aboriginal people and the scientific community. Formed by a large comet impact 142.5 million years ago, the site offers walking tracks, a picnic area, and a chance to contemplate the cosmos in the heart of Australia's outback.

A brief summary to Gosses Bluff Crater

Local tips

  • A 4WD is recommended for the last 5 km to the reserve.
  • Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for the most pleasant experience.
  • Bring plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and use insect repellent.
  • Respect the cultural significance of the site and obey all signs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Alice Springs, take Larapinta Drive or Namatjira Drive heading west. The drive is approximately 175 km to the Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve. A 4WD is recommended for the last 5 km on the unsealed access road. Note that roads may be impassable after heavy rain. Park entry fees apply.

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Discover more about Gosses Bluff Crater

Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve is a testament to the power of cosmic events and the enduring connection of Aboriginal culture to the land. Located approximately 175 km west of Alice Springs, this unique geological formation is the eroded remnant of a meteor crater believed to have been created by a comet impact around 142.5 million years ago. According to Western Aranda beliefs, Tnorala was formed in the Dreamtime when a group of women danced across the sky as the Milky Way. During their dance, a mother set her baby down in a wooden carrier (turna), which then toppled over the edge and crashed to earth, forming the circular rock walls of Tnorala. This Aboriginal interpretation shares a celestial origin with the scientific explanation. Scientists estimate that the original crater was much larger, around 20 km in diameter. Today, erosion has reduced the visible remnant to a diameter of approximately 5 km, with the bluff rising about 180 meters above the surrounding plain. Visitors can explore the reserve via short walking tracks that lead to lookouts offering panoramic views of the crater's interior. Walking along the crater rim is not permitted, respecting the wishes of the Traditional Owners. The reserve provides a picnic area with tables, a pit toilet, and a shade shelter with informative signage about the area's history and significance. It's a place where visitors can connect with both the ancient geological past and the rich cultural heritage of the Western Aranda people.

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