Outback Adventure - Day 5

Trephina Gorge - Alice Springs - Simpson's Gap - Ormiston Gorge

Today's route.

Eli gets out of the tent at dawn to get the water going for coffee. After coffee and a meusli breakfast we go for a walk through the gorge. We decide to return via the rim, rather than the riverbed. We have barely started climbing when Eli spots a wallaby about 20m away! Quite shy and well camouflaged in the shadows. Not sure, but probably a Common Wallaroo. But our first view of an authentic wild marsupial. On par with coming face to face with elephants.

Our first sight!

After a bit of stalking, we ge a better view.

Back at the car we break camp and head back to Alice. The local Arrernte people believe that the mountains were made by three caterpillar ancestors. Looking at the rolling shapes, combined with the apparent ancientness, makes it easy to see why they would believe this.

We see a swarm of budgeriars, flying over the road like airborne emeralds.

One of the reasons why I want to go back to Alice is to attend a didgeridoo lesson. I am taught some techniques for circular breathing. I consider buying a didge, but upon reflection, I realise that I have at best a dubious musical aptitude. More importantly, I definitely do not have any time for a new pastime in my life.

We head west out of Alice into the West MacDonnell Ranges. First stop is Simpson's gap where we have lunch. Not as awe inspiring as Trephina Gorge.

About 100 km further we stop at Ormiston Gorge. The campsite is quite full, but we find a good spot eventually. They also have showers and flushing loos! Luxury! After a clean-up, we go for a walk through the gorge.

This gorge has permanent rockpools. We even see fish in a few of them. This is a magnificent spot. It is hot as hell, here in the middle of the desert, but we are sitting on a shady riverbank surrounded by River Red Gums and sheer rock faces, overlooking quiet rockpools that have supplied people and animals with water since the end of the Ice Age.

The last of the series of roclkpools.

There are no barbies here so we do pan-fried, medium rare, t-bone steak, green peppercorn and red wine reduction sauce, boiled potatoes with sour cream, fresh salad with a dijon vinaigrette. Washed down with aussie red, of course. Well, yes, you have to know how to live.

Bushed again and in bed by 9pm.


Day 6 is a big day. Read on...