About Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve
Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is a protected archaeological reserve about 35 km south of Alice Springs in the MacDonnell Region, Northern Territory. It preserves one of Central Australia's most significant petroglyph sites, with hundreds of Aboriginal rock carvings pecked into sandstone outcrops. The reserve is jointly managed and interprets the cultural landscape of the Arrernte people.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small, arid conservation reserve centred on a low sandstone outcrop with extensive petroglyphs. A short sealed walking track with interpretive signs and a viewing platform leads around the rock carvings, which include circles, lines, animal tracks and geometric motifs. The surrounding landscape is open mulga and desert plain with picnic area, car park and information shelter. No water or shade beyond the shelter.
Key highlights
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Extensive petroglyph field with approximately 600 motifs pecked into sandstone
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Interpretive walking track with viewing platform and information panels explaining carvings
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Cultural landscape of the Arrernte people known as Napwerte
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Desert setting with views over the James Ranges and open mulga plains