Shopping Cart
Agents Login
Attractions
Ewaninga Rock Carvings The small, six hectare Reserve protects rock engravings or petroglyphs which are a valuable link to the activities of early Arrernte Aboriginal people. Here outcrops of soft sandstone beside a small claypan form natural galleries for petroglyphs featuring a great variety of symbols or motifs. Much of the meaning of the petroglyphs, according to the senior Arrernte custodians, is sacred and too dangerous to reveal to people not initiated into Aboriginal law. It is easy to imagine the small claypan as a natural bowl, trapping and holding scarce rains and making this a favourite site for longer stays by early nomads. For a while after rain, there would be ample water, game animals and time. Time to patiently peck into the soft sandstone a record of their important beliefs. It is not known exactly how old the petroglyphs are. Arrernte custodians are happy for people to visit the site but ask that they don't climb over the rocks, touch or interfere with the petroglyphs in any way. An interference can attract heavy fines. Access Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is 39 kilometres south of Alice Springs. To get there, you take the unsealed, Old South Road ( see map). The road is generally suitable for conventional 2WD vehicles, however it can be impassable after heavy rain. When To Visit The Reserve is generally accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to September) are the most pleasant times of year to visit. The petroglyphs are best photographed in early morning and late afternoon, when shadow effects make the shallow engravings more obvious. These times of the day also offer the best conditions for walking during the summer months. What To Do
Protect Your Reserve
Safety
More Information Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
|
|
