Welcome to
Trephina Gorge - EarthCache
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Gaze in awe at the sheer quartzite cliffs, Red River Gums, and sandy creekbed in the East MacDonnell Ranges
Situated 85 km east of Alice Springs, the Park is accessible to all vehicles. Access is via the sealed Ross Highway, then a 9 km drive into Trephina Gorge, the last 5 km on a gravel road.
Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and John Hayes Rock Hole with steep, narrow rock walls.
350-300 million years ago a mountain building event created the MacDonnell Ranges. Since that time, folding, faulting and erosion have shaped the range and created numerous gaps and gorges. The ranges are composed of many rock types, but are most famous for their red quartzite peaks and gorges. Other rock types include granite, limestone, sandstone and siltstone. Some of the valleys of the range contain fossil evidence of the inland sea that once covered central Australia.
Questions to log this EarthCache
Q1 What is the texture of the rock wall along the creek bed? how does it feel and what has caused it?
Q2 What is the composition of this cliff face, ie, granite, limestone, quartzite, sandstone?
Q3 Why is the colour moslty red in the rocks and what do you think causes some parts to be black?
Hope you enjoyed this EarthCache & please feel free to upload a photo too 
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