The Heavitree Gap, or Ntaripe in the Arrernte language, is a water gap in the Northern Territory of Australia in the MacDonnell Ranges. It is the southern entrance to the city of Alice Springs and in addition to the Todd River it carries the main road and rail access to the south.

The Gap is an important sacred site for the Arrernte people and its use as a thoroughfare was avoided by women prior to the construction of the road and later Central Australia Railway.

Heavitree Gap

The Gap was named by William Mills, the Overland Telegraph line surveyor who discovered the location for Alice Springs. It was named after his former school in Heavitree, Devon.

Heavitree Gap

On the southwest side of The Gap is the historic Heavitree Gap Police Station.

Heavitree Gap

The Gap has been painted by numerous artists including Albert Namatjira, Oscar Namatjira, Basel Rangea, and John Borrack.

References

External links

1923 photograph of Heavitree Gap

Heavitree Gap, watercolour painting by Albert Namatjira

Alice Springs

Canyons and gorges in the Northern Territory

Water gaps

Valleys of Australia