Road into Trephina Gorge, east of Alice Springs.
John Hayes Rockhole.
Situated on the Trephina Ck which you cross twice accessing the gorge, it has walks, spectacular scenery, BBQs, and shady camp spots.
On the way in is a turn off (4WD recommended) to John Hayes Rockhole, a 4 km. trip from the junction of the roads, 4 km in from the highway. The Bluff, to the right of the road just before reaching the gorge, is a spectacular sight.
Signs at several points around the park illustrate attractions and walks and there is an excellent example of Ghost Gums only 100 metres or so off the road in to the east. The last section of the road to the gorge is loose surface.
When I was there in November 2000 there were some brilliant displays of the Desert Rose, the Northern Territory floral emblem, around the creek crossing and these should be in bloom from around September to December each year.
The John Hayes Rockhole takes its name from the son of William and Mary Hayes who had Undoolya Station. Trephina Gorge is believed to be a misnomer of the name of the wife of Bill Benstead, 'Tryphina'. Bill and Tryphina in 1889 bought 2 blocks of land in Alice Springs on which they built the Stuart Arms Hotel, now the Alice Plaza, at the corner of Todd Mall and Parsons St.
Mount Benstead, and Mt. Benstead Creek, which are near to the gorge were named after them.
The 'Valley Of The Eagles' is the canyon and valley, behind the ranges, between John Hayes Rockhole and Trephina Gorge. A walking trail along the ridge between the two points affords spectacular views.
Click on map for enlargement.