What happened at Henbury
NT Parks describes the event like this:
- About 4,700 years ago, a meteor weighing several tonnes hurtled towards earth at about 40,000 km an hour.
- It fragmented on impact, leaving 12 craters in the Central Australian desert.
- Each crater is quite different, and some are barely noticeable.
- The largest crater is 180 m wide and 15 m deep. It's best seen in the early morning or late afternoon, when low light shows its shape.
Scattered fragments of the meteor are displayed at the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs. Visit before or after the reserve to see what the craters' makers looked like.
Aboriginal traditions
A 2013 study of Aboriginal oral traditions of Australian impact craters, published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, records accounts linked to Henbury. These describe a fire devil that came from the sun and made its home in the earth, and say people avoided the craters and wouldn't drink water that collected there. Traditions belong to their custodians, and accounts vary. Treat the site with respect, and leave everything as you find it.
Getting there
- NT Parks says the reserve is 145 km south-west of Alice Springs.
- The route follows the Stuart Highway and then the unsealed Ernest Giles Road.
- NT Parks describes the reserve as accessible by two-wheel drive along these roads. However, its current park status notes High clearance 4WD only. Check the park status page and the NT Road Report before you go.
- The reserve is open all year, but roads may close after heavy rain.
The Ernest Giles Road continues west towards Kings Canyon, and many travellers stop at Henbury on the way. See the Stuart Highway and fuel, permits and road conditions.
The walk
A walking track takes you around the craters for the best views. It's a short walk, but the desert sun is strong. Walk early or late in the day, carry water, and stay on the track. Information signs on site explain the craters.
Camping
You can camp in the reserve.
- Book online and pay before you go. You can't pay at the site.
- Bring your own firewood and water. Firewood collection isn't permitted in the reserve, and fires are only allowed in the designated fire pits.
- Be self-sufficient. The current park status says there are no toilet facilities available on site, and campers and day visitors need to prepare before travelling. Check the status page for updates.
Camping lets you see the craters in the soft light of sunset and sunrise, under a huge night sky. See stargazing and dark skies.
When to visit
NT Parks says the best time is in the cooler months, from April to September. Between October and April, temperatures across the NT can exceed 40°C. Check heatwave warnings with the Bureau of Meteorology before you visit.
Park rules
- Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass.
- Stay on designated roads and tracks.
- Historic and cultural items, and wildlife, are protected.
- No firewood collection. Fires only in designated fire pits.
- No bins. Take your rubbish with you.
- Pets are permitted on a leash in the car park area only.
- No generators.
- A permit is required for drone use. Conditions apply, and you must get it before you arrive.
Safety
- Observe park safety signs.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and suitable clothing and footwear.
- Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day.
For park information, contact Parks and Wildlife on 08 8951 8250. See outback summer heat.
Henbury and Wolfe Creek
If meteorite craters fascinate you, compare Henbury's cluster of small craters with WA's single giant Wolfe Creek Crater. DBCA says that's the second-largest crater in the world from which meteorite fragments have been collected.
Combine with
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Henbury meteorite?
NT Parks says the meteor crashed into the earth about 4,700 years ago, leaving 12 craters. It weighed several tonnes and hit at about 40,000 km an hour before fragmenting on impact.
What is the largest meteorite crater in Australia?
By size, it's not Henbury. Henbury's largest crater is 180 m wide and 15 m deep. Western Australia's Wolfe Creek Crater is much bigger, and DBCA says it's the second-largest crater in the world from which meteorite fragments have been collected.
Can you see the Henbury meteorite fragments?
NT Parks says scattered fragments of the meteor can be seen at the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs. Collecting rocks or fragments in the reserve isn't allowed. All historic and cultural items are protected.
How far is Henbury Meteorites from Alice Springs?
NT Parks says the reserve is 145 km south-west of Alice Springs, via the Stuart Highway and the unsealed Ernest Giles Road.
Which is the biggest impact crater in the world?
The largest confirmed impact structure on Earth is generally regarded as the Vredefort structure in South Africa, which is far older and larger than anything at Henbury. In Australia, Wolfe Creek Crater in WA is one of the best-preserved large meteorite craters.
Do you need a 4WD for Henbury Meteorites?
NT Parks says the reserve can be reached by two-wheel drive via the Stuart Highway and the unsealed Ernest Giles Road, but its current status notes high-clearance 4WD only. Check the park status page and the NT Road Report before you go.
Is Henbury Meteorites worth visiting?
Yes, if you're driving the Ernest Giles Road towards Kings Canyon. It's a rare chance to walk among 12 meteorite craters formed about 4,700 years ago. Allow an hour or two, or camp overnight if you're self-sufficient.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve — NT Government
- Aboriginal oral traditions of Australian impact craters — Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage
- Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park — Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (WA)
- NT Road Report — NT Government
