Heavitree Gap: Gateway to Alice Springs
Discover the natural beauty and cultural significance of Heavitree Gap, the iconic gateway to Alice Springs and the Red Centre.
Heavitree Gap, or The Gap as it's commonly known, is a significant geological and cultural landmark that serves as the southern entrance to Alice Springs. This natural gateway through the MacDonnell Ranges has been a thoroughfare for millennia, and continues to be a vital passage for road and rail.
A brief summary to The Gap
- Stuart Hwy, The Gap, Northern Territory, 0873, AU
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Gap.
- Take a moment to appreciate the views from The Gap, especially at sunrise or sunset, for a memorable experience.
- Learn about the cultural significance of The Gap to the Arrernte people, and respect the area's heritage.
- Visit the nearby Heavitree Gap Police Station Historical Reserve to learn about the early law enforcement in Central Australia.
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Getting There
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Walking
From the Alice Springs town center, The Gap is approximately a 5km walk south along the Stuart Highway. The walk takes around 1 hour. Be mindful of the traffic and the heat, especially during the day. Ensure you have adequate water and sun protection.
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Public Transport
Alice Springs has a public bus network that operates Monday to Saturday. Check the local bus schedule for routes that pass near The Gap. Bus services are free from July 1, 2025. The Alice Springs bus interchange is located in the center of town.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Alice Springs. A taxi from the town center to The Gap will take approximately 10 minutes and cost around $30 - $40. Taxi ranks are located at the airport and in the town center.
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Driving
The Gap is located on the Stuart Highway, the main road running through Alice Springs. From the town center, head south on the Stuart Highway. The Gap is approximately 5km south of the town center. Parking is available at The Gap.
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More about Macdonnell Ranges
Discover the awe-inspiring MacDonnell Ranges in Australia, where ancient landscapes, stunning gorges, and rich Aboriginal culture converge in the heart of the Outback.
Tell me more about Macdonnell Ranges
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Explore The Gap, a stunning natural attraction in Northern Territory offering breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and a serene escape for nature lovers.
