Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve

About Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve

Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is a things to do venue in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

It features low sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and a claypan that attracts various animals and birds. The reserve, established in 1996, is an important archaeological site with a rich history.

The reserve is known for its collection of prehistoric rock carvings made by the Arrernte people. There are approximately 1,000 petroglyphs distributed among the rock outcrops in the southern and southeastern areas of the reserve.

These carvings hold cultural significance and provide valuable insights into the early activities of the Arrernte people. Most of the petroglyphs are non-representational, consisting of circles, lines, and geometric motifs, with some depicting animal tracks.

Experts estimate that the carvings could be up to 30,000 years old. The panaramitee-style petroglyphs at the reserve are particularly noteworthy, showcasing exceptional examples of central Australian rock art.

Similar petroglyphs have been found in other parts of Central Australia and Tasmania. In 2005, an Indigenous land use agreement was signed, granting the conservation reserve as Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976.

This agreement recognizes the reserve’s significance as a connection to the early Arrernte people. Access to the site is granted by the Arrente custodians.

The Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is notable for its combination

Good to know

• Type: Things to Do
• Area: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
• Phone: (08) 8951 8250
• Website: visit ↗

Frequently asked questions

Find more things to do in Alice Springs or browse the Alice Springs local guide.