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The MacDonnell Ranges
 The
MacDonnell Ranges to both the east and west of Alice Springs are
an awesome collection of mountains and gorges, offering visitors
a thrilling Outback experience. The vivid colours of the rock, which
change constantly with the shifting light, are simply magnificent.
The most famous of
the gorges and camping spots are found in the West MacDonnell National
Park. Ormiston Gorge is the most well-established campsite and even
boasts solar heated showers, as well as a visitor centre and live-in
rangers. As with all of the gorges, there are some wonderful walks
to be enjoyed and there are swimming opportunities along the way.
Not too far away is
the commercial camping area of Glen Helen Lodge for those of you
who enjoy your luxuries. Further east, there is a more 'bushy' camping
opportunity - complete with drop toilets - at Ellery Creek Big Hole,
which is truly spectacular. Sheer rock faces climb either side of
a beautiful water hole. The amount of water varies dramatically
with the season and it can get bone-numbingly cold, too, so be careful.
Stanley Chasm is best
visited at noon as the light is perfect and enables you to fully
appreciate its beauty. This an Aboriginal site and there is a charge
to enter. There is no camping here.
East of The Alice,
there are some other interesting gorges including the fascinating
Trephina Gorge. Further east still, along a dirt track, is the old
goldmining town of Arltunga. This township is well worth a visit
although it's probably smart to drop the van at one of the gorges,
if you are towing, and take a day trip.
The MacDonnell Ranges
are rightly famed as a genuine Aussie icon and are a must do for
anyone venturing up the Centre. The distances here are huge so plan
your trip carefully and remember to put your shoes and other bits
and bobs in at night as the dingoes do roam. So, get yourself a
nice campfire going, uncork a bottle of something, gaze up at the
stars and listen to the sound of the dingoes howling. It doesn't
get much better than this.
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Have you read?
 "Will you be home for my birthday?"
 Twenty years and still counting
 Host
your way to free camping in WA
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