9 July West MacDonnell Ranges

The West MacDonnell Ranges start only a short drive out of Alice. We stopped first at Standley Chasm which the guide book had highlighted was best seen at midday. Apparently everyone else had the same guidebook tip as the place was Wynyard station at peak hour when we arrived. Ahhh well still best to support the local aboriginal community so we handed over our $$ and went on the short walk through the chasm. Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me…We made it past the crowds taking photos of the chasm to the far end where we could clamber up the valley away from all the people wearing name tags. Worth the climb as we had great views back over the chasm and valley. This area was also of interest for me because a number of the ladies I hike with back in Sydney would soon be walking the Larapinta trail out of Alice Springs through the West MacDonnell Ranges. It was nice to think they will be walking through here in a couple of weeks seeing these beautiful views.
Stopped at Ellery Creek Big Hole for lunch, should have been called Ellery Creek Stagnant Hole.
In the mid afternoon we arrived at Ormiston Gorge and got what I think was probably the last campsite. The canvas on our tent almost touched the people next to us. We quickly changed our plans of staying here 2 days and set up for a 1 night camp – this involves putting up only 1 tent and Nicky sleeping in the car. The gorge, which was only a 5 min walk away, was worth a visit if not a swim. The colour and temperature put the kids off. Still a beautiful spot.
Did a leisurely pack up in the morning and then went on the Ghost Gum walk that skirted the rim of the gorge. Well worth doing.By lunchtime we had left the West MacDonnell Ranges behind us (a very quick visit) and drove onto Palm Valley. Here we have a shady campsite by the dry creek bed with views of the red cliffs. Now this is more like it! Think we’ll stay for a few days to do some walks…