Activities
Something for everyone
At Gemtree guests are able to escape from the hustle and bustle of tourism to relax in the spacious site of their own van, however, when the moment comes that you are seeking a memorable and unique experience, Gemtree has ‘Plenty’ on offer!
Fiona reviewed Gemtree as a place for ‘fantastic family fun’.
Evenings at Gemtree
A set menu is on offer 2 nights a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) in the Campoven Kitchen from Easter weekend until October, numbers permitting and we can deliver take-away meals to your site at other times.
Nature Trail
Gemtree has 250 acres of natural bushland for you to enjoy. Borrow a full colour booklet from Reception, featuring a popular self-guided nature trail meandering for three and a half kilometers through the property. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy and learn about the native flora and fauna of the area. This trail is particularly popular in the late afternoons when the birds are playing along the sandy creek bed or around the billabong. The perfect location for avid photographers, bushwalkers and birdwatchers. Gemtree is well known for abundant birdlife.
Outdoor Gallery, Outback Way
Drive the Plenty Highway and experience the stunning landscape of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, with 12 of the 14 double sided billboards located for easy viewing on the Plenty Highway. In total the Outdoor Gallery, Outback Way is comprised of 14 double sided artworks showcasing 28 artworks from Queensland, Northern Territory, West Australian artists.
The Outdoor Gallery is an exciting and original concept that takes art out of the traditional gallery spaces and into the wide red landscape of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, traditionally a part of the Eastern Arrernte nation.
Billboards 1 and 2 are located around 130kms from Alice Springs, just before the turnoff to the Gemtree Caravan Park. Continue your travels another 111kms towards the Queensland border for the final 2 billboards.
For more information about the exhibition, go to the website: outbackway.gallery
Artwork prints and originals are available for sale via the website.
To choose the perfect present or memento for you or your loved ones, you will find a Redbubble button on selected artists pages.
Click the Redbubble button to take you to the Outdoor Gallery, Outback Way Redbubble store where you can order a t-shirt or scarf with your artwork selection. This will be printed, packed and posted to your address, a great way to remember your adventure on the Plenty Highway section of the Outback Way.
See the map below for the locations of the billboards.
The Creek at Gemtree
Endless hours of family fun can be spent down in the sandy creek bed! When numbers permit we host sandcastle-building competitions… you would be amazied at how determined some of the Dads get!
Self Drive Tours
There are a few interesting self-drive options on tracks around the area, at no cost, requiring 4WD. These destinations will take you through local pastoral properties and the nearby scenic Harts Ranges. We ask guests to please show consideration when entering private properties taking care to avoid cattle watering points and not disturb the cattle. The Mac and Rose Chalmers Conservation Park at Tower Rock is a popular day trip from Gemtree. Box Hole Meteorite Crater is also an interesting trip. We will provide mud maps with directions.
Arltunga and Hale River Homestead
Another 4WD experience try travelling into the beautiful eastern MacDonnells from Gemtree via the nearby Binns Track to the Arltunga goldmining ghost town – stay at the Arltunga Bush Pub campground) and Old Ambalindum (Hale River), where you can camp overnight on a cattle station and experience other 4WD options, providing an interesting alternative scenic route back to Alice Spring via Ross River and Trephina Gorge. Spend some time strolling through the wonderful old historic stone buildings from the gold rush days at the turn of the 20th Century. A loop back to Gemtree through the rugged Cattlewater Pass is no longer available since the police closed it indefinitely and 4×4 travellers returning to Gemtree must now follow the Binns Track.
History Museum
The original Webb family Mount Riddock Homestead has been relocated to Gemtree and displays interesting story boards of the twelve neighbours of the Webb family in the 1920’s. A pleasant way to relax and enjoy the fascinating pioneering history of the families of our district.
