Alice Springs, at Australia's Red centre is a fun place to explore. There is so much to see and do in and around Alice. It rained heavily most of the evening the first day we arrived in Alice Springs. Fortunately, before it started to rain we toured the town, had lunch at Olive Pink Botanical Park and visited Alice Springs Desert Park (see earlier post ). The next morning we awoke to rain soaked ground and moist clouds hanging low over the MacDonnell Range. Rain did not damper our enthusiasm, and soon we were off on our Red Centre explorations. No matter the timing rains are always appreciated in the desert. Besides there were amazing desert smells, as we travelled towards West MacDonnell National Park.
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| After the Rain, MacDonnell Range © Spaswinefood |
As we entered the park the clouds were already starting to disappear.
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| Into the MacDonnell Range © Spaswinefood |
Throughout our Australian road trip we saw signs at the side of the highway, for indicating water levels. I can see where these markers would come in handy during the wet season. Clearly this rainfall was nothing to worry about.
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| Water Level Markers, Central Australia © Spaswinefood |
That day we explored the national park areas of Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
Simpsons Gap
The Simpsons Gap provides a window onto the West MacDonnell National Park. We took a brief look through that window. Here are some of my finds:
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| Things to do in the Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood |
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| Simpsons Gap's Rock-Wallabies are Threatened © Spaswinefood |
We walked the entrance to the gap via a sandy river bed.
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Walking the Dry river Bed, Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood
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As we walked along the dry river bed, soon we arrived at the narrow part of Simpsons Gap.
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Admiring Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood
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Sometimes you read about animals and do not see them. This time however, while walking into the gap and returning we saw Black-footed Rock-wallabies.
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| Rock-wallabies, Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood |
There they were hanging out on the large boulders lining the gap.
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| Rock-Wallabies, Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood |
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| Black-footed Rock-Wallabies, Simpsons Gap © Spaswinefood |
It was such a special treat to see these wallabies hanging out on the boulders.
Standley Chasm
It was a hike over varying terrain to get to Standley Chasm but, it is well worth it.
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Standley Chasm © Spaswinefood
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After leaving the parking area the trail head takes you along a river bed. I could not be help but notice the majestic trees in the river bed.
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| Majestic Trees, Stanley Chasm River Bed © Spaswinefood |
This part of the trail was easy walking.
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| Walking Standley Chasm © Spaswinefood |
Later, you travel along a trail, which becomes narrow, and moderately challenging before giving away to boulders, as you enter the chasm.
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| Trees, Standley Chasm © Spaswinefood |
The day we visited the light in the chasm was stunning.
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Light filtering into Standley Chasm © Spaswinefood
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After visiting Standley Chasm you can relax at the cafe, near the trail entrance. There are also souvenirs to purchase.
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| Cafe, Standley Chasm © Spaswinefood |
My how time flies when you are exploring these beautiful natural sites.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
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| Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell National Park © Spaswinefood |
At Ellery Creek Big Hole we ate lunch not far from the water hole, where people sometimes swim.
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| Ellery Creek Big Hole, MacDonnell Range © Spaswinefood |
Certainly the water looked liked an inviting place for a swim.
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| Ellery Creek Big Hole, MacDonnell Range © Spaswinefood |
Swimming at natural water spots however, can be a challenge because often there is such a temperature difference between the water and the surrounding air.
For us this site was a good place to relax over a picnic lunch. After lunch we returned to the Desert Park for the bird show, which was cancelled yesterday due to the rain. We enjoyed the show and then returned to Alice. We took in our final view of the town before calling it a day.
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| Alice Springs, Central Australia © Spaswinefood |
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| Alice Springs with MacDonnell Range in the Distance © Spaswinefood |
Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Bright and early next morning we were off to the red rock. Yes, it rained again overnight. It was foggy at the start of our 450 km journey. We made a quick stop at the "Big M" for coffee before leaving Alice. We arrived in Uluru just in time for sunset. Nothing beats sunset at the Red Centre! It was time to celebrate with some Australian bubbly.
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| Sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) ©Spaswinefood |
There is so much to do and see in the Central Australia region of Australia's Northern Territory. I invite you to join me in my travels in Australia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
June 2015
Alice Springs
Northern Territory, Australia
© Spaswinefood
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Central Australia © Spaswinefood
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