Sunday we had a big Bacon and Eggs breakfast before heading off to the Alice Springs Markets at Todd Street Mall. Pretty much the same as most markets and given we are travelling we didn't purchase too much. They were very busy however and parking was difficult to find. Interestingly enough we ran into a number of people that we knew from our trip. We also ran into a couple of friends of Di and Terry. We went home and had some lunch before setting off for the Alice Springs Telegraph Station which is where Alice Springs originated from. The park is done up beautifully and we did a walk up to the top of the hill and the cemetary. Lots of green space with picnic tables, gas barbeques, and a number of walks. From there we went up to Anzac Hill where you get a good 360 degree view of Alice Springs. We left our camera at home so you will be spared photos for this section of our trip. Overall we were quite impressed by Alice Springs. There is a huge amount of shopping centres, lots of nice tourist and sporting facilities, and is relatively clean. There does appear to be a large indigenous population which seem to be loitering everywhere. They haven't bothered us directly but it would appear to be a large problem in the community. Once again Alice Springs was totally different from what I expected as it is very green and surrounded by mountain ranges. I was expecting it to be located in a flat, dry, red desert.
Monday morning Carol, Stephen, Sandra, and I were up early for a day trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges. We travelled out about 140Km to Glen Helen Gorge from where we gradually made our way back. Glen Helen was a lovely surprise as only a short 500m walk took us down to the gorge and waterhole. A surprising amount of water surrounded by sheer red rock faces.
We had a quick break at the Resort?? before travelling a short distance across the river to the Mount Sonder lookout. From there we travelled back to Ormiston Gorge. We did a fairly good walk from here up to a lookout and then down across the river bed and back down the far side. Unfortunately at the end of this there was water and a rock wall. John climbed over the wall and back the short distance to the car. The other three retraced their steps back around the walking trail. The views were wonderful with the water and sheer cliff faces. The water itself was a bit pungent as there were many dead fish in it.
We had a picnic lunch at the campground at the base before continuing on to the Ochre Pits. These were interesting as there are so many colours. Short walk to view.
Quickly back in the car and off to the Serpentine Gorge. We took a wrong turn into the bush camping area. Looks like an interesting place to stay but is strictly bush camping and 4WD. We eventually got in to the proper Serpentine Gorge. This had a short rather rough dirt road into the parking area. The trip was well worth it as a 2Km walk took you in to the base of the Gorge which had a beautiful waterhole with an abundance of different vegetations. You could actually see Palm Trees and Cycads through the Gorge behind the waterhole. A rather steep 15 minute walk took us to a lookout at the top of cliff. Not and easy walk but well worth it. We made it back to the car and decided we had had enough for one day.
Tuesday we had an easy morning to catch our breath and of course do a bit of cleaning. After lunch the six of us went to the Alice Springs Desert Park. This is a wonderful facility and a must see in Alice Springs. Several different displays and shows over a large natural area. Lots of wildlife especially birds in natural environments. Highlights for me was the Nocturnal Centre and the Birds of Prey show. The Birds of Prey show has a number of birds such as Falcons and Kites feeding from a Park employee. The show is out in the open and the birds are not caged so is quite amazing. We spent most of the afternoon at the Park and we certainly could have spent more time to see it all. I would have spent more time at the Nocturnal display if given the opportunity. I have attached a number of photos but make sure you go see this one yourself if in Alice Springs.
Wednesday the six of us ventured East of Alice Springs to the East MacDonnell Ranges. While not as dramatic at the more well know West MacDonnell ranges we had a very enjoyable day. The road is much less busy and narrow in some spots. We travelled out to Trephina Gorge where we enjoyed a nice walk to the top of the Gorge, across to the other side, returning via Trephina Creek which actually has water in it. This meant we all had to remove our shoes and walk through the water until we got to the starting point. It was very nice and we had some good fun. We dried off and enjoyed a nice picnic lunch. There is a campground there suited for tents and small campers. The site was very nice with Drinking water, Toilets, gas Barbeques, and a number of Picnic tables. This area was amazingly green, almost tropical. I think it was more lush than our trip along the East Coast of NSW earlier this year. Beautiful!
From there we travelled a further 12Km East to the misnamed Ross River Resort. Very basic cabin accomodation which looks like nothing has been done to them in over 20 years. Not recommended from our drive by opinion. We quickly backtracked and drove West stopping at Corroboree Rock. Did a short 15 minute walk around the base before travelling further West to Jesse Gap. Again had a short walk into the gorge before returning to Alice Springs in mid afternoon.
Thursday morning saw me up early to deliver our car for a service at the local Mitsubishi Dealer. From there Carol, Stephen, Sandra, and I met some friends we have met along our journey at the Alice Springs Golf Course. John and Stephen played nine holes with Geoff, Harley, and Sandy from their Group. Sandra, Carol, and Anna walked around with us and caddied. We had a good time although Stephen and I had our asses kicked as usual when it comes to Golf. The eight of us then met Di and Terry at BoJangles Saloon in Alice Springs for lunch. It is a very unique place to say the least and we had a meal, a few drinks, and lots of laughs with our new friends. We hope to meet up with them again some where along our travels. We did a bit of shopping after lunch before picking up the Pajero in the late afternoon.
Friday the six of us had an easy morning before heading off to the annual Alice Springs Show. We spent most of the afternoon watching the grand parade, having a few rides (Carol and Di), viewing a of displays (agricultural etc) and a very not nutricious lunch. Can't say it is something I would do again but it was another experience to file in our memory banks.
Saturday we had a day cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Girls did loads of laundry and cleaned caravans. We did some grocery shopping and minor van repairs. Had a big baked dinner with all the fixings and desert. Yum! Already to depart tomorrow morning to the West MacDonnell Ranges for a couple of days of free camping hopefully. Talk to you again soon.
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