To ride through the West MacDonnell Ranges is to travel in a landscape created before time began
Mountains and rivers formed over 300 million years ago.
What an experience to camp beside and swim in the oldest river in the world.
Ormiston Gorge at sunrise is a spectacular site from the Ghost Gum Lookout
The colours changing on the red rocks as the sun rose
The recent rains had filled the gorge with flowing water
So much water that on the Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk at one crossing it was strip off and carry packs high across the creek
But from this small inconvenience was worth it as the views from the walk were just beautiful
Ocre is prized by Aboriginal Australians for a range of purposes but primarily rock and body painting.
The Ocre pits here have provided this precious colouring for millennia
Gaps and chasms fill the length of the ranges.
Some of the creeks that run through then provide big swimming holes.
Like the Ellery Creek Big Hole
Or are a trickle that over the millennia have carved a chasm.
Tjoritja is vast and I visited only half of its amazing gorges. Maybe another visit is required
Fantastic photos Michael. Brings back fond memories of the scenery from our trip with the kids in 2001
Thanks Peter
Fantastic post, Mick, the intensity of the colours, the textures in the rocks, the crystal clear water… it really is the Red Centre!
It was just amazing. I’m slowly catching up to where I am now. Longreach. It’s 37 outside and I’m.on siesta in a hotel room air con on !
Could do with air con here too! It is hot and sticky. We are hoping we can finally leave the Gold Coast by the end of next week and start sailing north!
I can understand. Last 4 days has been high 30s it’s just sapped my energy. So a couple of days rest and a Max of 32 tomorrow sounds good. I will be in Ipswich on Wed. So not too far to the Gold Coast. Bet you can’t wait to get going again
Spectacular Mick. The recent rains have transformed the whole area.
Thanks Larry, the rain just made the scenery etc amazing. Some locals I spoke to said it was 30 years since they have had such good summer rains.
I’m blown away by your pics. I feel like I’ve just been on holiday without leaving my recliner. Thank you so much for showing us the beauty of Oz. Good job. Best wishes from FNQ. 💋
Thanks so much Margaret. Really the beauty that surrounded me in the Red Centre deserves the credit. I’m in Longreach at the moment. May be in FNQ later this year again.
Beautiful pics! I loved the one of your little tent. Have you had any critters bother you while you are sleeping?
No No critters bothering me really. A grasshopper jumper around one night that was about it
It’s funny….here in the US, there is the perception that dangerous bugs and animals are EVERYWHERE in Australia😊
No we have spiders and snakes that are best avoided that is about it. You have to be very unlucky to get into trouble. I camp a lot never had a problem.
That is good to hear!