The West Macdonnell Ranges

Saturday we discovered the West Macdonnell Ranges and it was a stunning day. First stop was the Standley Chasm, we did the 1.2km return walk up to the Chasm. It was a lovely walk along a dry creek bed, with tall gum trees, cycad bushes, lots of wattles and wildflowers and rock cliffs, it was such a lovely walk and then we reached the chasm which was very striking. The sun was coming overhead so the light was coming into the chasm. Mum did well, it was slightly uphill on the way down so a bit easier on the way back. 

John Flynn memorial- started the Royal Flying Doctor

The walk up to Standley Chasm

Our hire car 

Then we drove on to the Ellery Creek Big Waterhole, I can see why people talk about the light out here, it is just so clear and crisp, the mountain range is stunning and the view changes. It was a short walk down to the waterhole at Ellery Creek, with water one side and then a wide dry creek bed running into it. 

One of many dry river beds- this one a rocky one. Would be interesting to fly over the area when the rivers are flowing.

We headed to the Ochre Pits next, a sacred site for the aboriginals and the colours and layers in the rocks were fascinating, more great views. 

It was then another 20km on to Ormiston Gorge, more stunning scenery. Mum and I walked down to the waterhole, then I headed back with mum following at her pace. I went ahead and went up to the Ghost Gum lookout which gave you a view across the top of the gorge. I have been lucky with my knee holding up with the walking. 

We then drove a few kilometres up the road to Glen Helen Gorge for a brief look, then up to a scenic lookout over the Finke River and Mt Sonder. You could look back down the ranges where we had come from. 

Then it was 135 km back to Alice Springs, we had a break halfway at the Eric Hargvreave Lookout ( more great views) then our last stop was Simpson Gap just out of Alice. I am glad we didn’t miss this one, it was a short walk along a lovely red track beside a wide dry river bed, to the Gap, the light was stunning, the cliffs staggering, it was such a lovely spot, quite magical. It was a fitting last stop to end a great day out.

 Simpsons Gap

A sandy dry river bed