We took off today out west to explore the MacDonnell Range. We had Seven different areas to go and see. We decided to drive to the furthest away which was Glen Helen 134km from Alice Springs. We managed to cover five areas today so tomorrow we will drive back to see the other two which are the nearest to Alice Springs. Got back to camp at 4.30pm.
We are out west from Alice Springs driving past this unusual looking row of hills. Very rocky on top and growth on the sides.
Our first stop was Howard lookout which looked out over a portion of the MacDonnell Range,
The kept going until we reached GLEN HELEN GORGE as far as we were going to go today. A quiet peaceful spot. We had to walk down a 800m track to get to the gorge.
Once we were down there this was the view further up the gorge.
Next stop ORMISTON GORGE. Where many people describe as Outback Australia’s only beach. Hence people come out to spend a good part of the day. Just about 12km on from Glen Helen Gorge. Having a muffin before our walk. This place is so popular it has its own kiosk.
The short walk down towards the Gorge.
A great way to spend a hot day at the beach. The gorge rings through the two hills. Without walking forever to get to
the point was the only way to see around the corner to see the true Gorge. I could see the far hill had very steep sides.would have loved to go and have a look but time was against us.
Above and below just close ups of the previous photo.
I tried to bend out to get a photo of the cave in the rocks but wasn’t really far out enough to see in.
Looking back the further up the other way where people had been swimming
As we were leaving we could have hiked up this hill to get a good look right down the Gorge, around that corner I couldn’t get to. By now it was getting hotter and we just couldn’t face another hike after our big one at Kings Canyon.
Driving back out we passed these mighty rock formations, where the river that flows into the gorge had dried up. Most rivers are dry this time of year but really glow in the wet season
Looking up the dry river bed.
Continuing up the main road to our next stop we could get a good look over to the MacDonnell Range
We have now arrived at the OCHRE PITS looking along a wall of different colours. The Aborigines use all the different colours to paint on their faces for celebrations. Nobody is allowed to touch the walls except the Aborigines.
Colours are amazing above and below are the close ups.
At more of a distance
You can imagine all these colours painted on the faces
We cross over steams that turn into rivers in the wet season. The road goes down to stream level then up the other side, so instead of bridges cars share with the stream/rivers. Taking some sand with them.
Imaging trying to get through this in the wet season. Often they have to close roads.
ELLERY CREEK BIG HOLE.
This place attracts people to come out to relax and swim. I read that the water is very cold. No we didn’t go swimming.
Went a bit mad on these stones scattered around everywhere so amazing.
All so different
And to match them these very pretty grass flowers.
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