West MacDonnell Ranges 23/4

We arrived in Alice Springs and took a day trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs to our great amazement is nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Mountain Ranges, maybe we should have looked at our map a little more closely. First stop was Simpson's Gap.



We were disappointed that we couldn't take a swim in the creek, but you have to obey the signs here.



Here's Jayne at the end of the gap where there was a little waterhole.



Next stop was Standley Chasm. Here we had to pay an extortionate $8 a person as it was on aboriginal land. Poor value considering other attractions and National Park charges. We went a walk into the "jungle" in order to reach the chasm.



Here is the chasm itself. The walls were red when the sun was shining on them, but it was slightly overcast most of the time. After months of good weather, it took a turn for the worse now that we were in the 'hot' red centre.



Here's Jayne at the top of the chasm having warily trekked the "jungle" and climbed the boulders.



The Ellery Creek big hole was next. We didn't venture into the freezing cold water as we didn't know what else was in there.



The Ochre Pits were amazing colours and are where the aboriginies get their coloured ochre from for their drawings and rock art.

Ormiston Gorge was quite spectacular and very red in its appearance. We ventured over creeks and rocks to reach the gorge...

...but it was well worth it, the view when we turned the corner was quite breathtaking in the afternoon sun.