.: Central Australia: The Western MacDonnell Ranges
Category:Home / Recreation and Leisure / Travel / Destinations
The ancient landscape of Western MacDonnell Ranges stretch west from the Central Australian outback town of Alice Springs for over 200 kilometres, forming a rugged red barrier across the vast desert plains of Central Australia. The ranges hold a wealth of spectacular natural features and landscapes, all within an easy hour or two from Alice Springs by car.
The long parallel ridges of the Western MacDonnell Ranges rise up to 600 metres high above the valley floors, cut at regular intervals by deep gorges carved by ancient rivers such as the Finke and Hugh Rivers which meander south to empty into the shimmering red sands of the Simpson Desert. Although situated in an arid desert landscape, the Western MacDonnell Ranges are home to an astonishing variety of unique flora and fauna, including majestic ghost gums and rare relict palms left over from an age when Central Australia enjoyed a wetter tropical environment many thousands of years ago.
The Western MacDonnells are home to a many very popular destinations which are all easily accessible by road from Alice Springs in the course of a day tour. These sites include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Roma Gorge, Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) and Palm Valley.
Ellery Creek has beautiful clear, deep waters suitable for swimming, but take care when diving in as the water can be extremely cold below the surface. On the opposite side of the Ellery Creek waterhole is a pristine white sandy beach from where it is possible to further explore the gorge. There is also a pleasant walk from the Ellery Creek campsite through higher terrain and back along creek bed to the main waterhole.
Ormiston Gorge is a spectacular sight and one of the Western MacDonnell's must-see destinations. The towering red rock walls of the gorge are accessible with an easy 1 kilometre walk to the gorge entrance, but there is also an excellent 7 kilometre Ormiston Pound loop track which is well worth the effort during cooler weather or early morning. Serpentine Gorge has an easy 1km walking track from the car park to the gorge entrance. There is also an optional 600 metre track that ascends rugged cliffs to a lookout offering excellent views of the Western MacDonnells.
Glen Helen Gorge is located on the ancient Finke River, reputedly the oldest river in the world that still follows its original course. It is less than 1 kilometre to the lookout, and only slightly further to the rocks at the waterhole. The entrance to the gorge is behind the Glen Helen Homestead, now a comfortable outback hotel and restaurant and a great spot to stop for a meal.
Camping facilities are excellent throughout the Western MacDonnell Ranges, and particularly so at Redbank Gorge. There are two camp areas, the larger Woodlands area being well provisioned with shady camps and cooking facilities, each site having a shady sandy patch under the trees to pitch a tent in an otherwise rocky area. Redbank Gorge is close to Mt Sonder, one of the tallest mountains in Central Australia and the Northern Territory, and a favourite subject of famous aboriginal watercolour artist Albert Namatjira.
West of Redbank Gorge lies Roma Gorge, a great location to visit but overnight camping is not allowed. Access is along a sandy and sometimes rocky creekbed for 8 kilometres, so this is one of the few locations where a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable. Roma Gorge is home to an important site rich in high quality Aboriginal rock art. Further west lies Tnorala (Gosse Bluff), a spectacular crater formed when a comet crashed to earth some 140 million years ago. Local indigenous Arrernte legend tells of a baby falling to earth from the heavens at this site during the Dreamtime.
Article keywords: alice, springs, central, australia, western, macdonnell, ranges, tour, travel, holiday, vacation
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Joe Dallessandro writes regularly on Alice Springs Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Alice Springs Tour itineraries.
.: New Destinations Articles
1). Travelling in Chamonix
An article which provides a brief description of travelling in Chamonix, including topics such as; the scenery and history of the area, aswell as background information and the best places to shop, eat and drink.
2). A Holiday To Crete
An article which provides a brief description of travelling around Crete, including topics such as; the scenery of the area, aswell as background information on how to get there and the best places to shop, eat and drink.
3). Travelling In The Algarve
An article which provides a brief description of travelling around the Algarve, including topics such as; the scenery and history of the area, aswell as background information and the best places to shop.
4). Cancun, MX: One Of The Most Popular College Student Destinations
One of the most popular destinations college students enjoy for spring break trips, Cancun, Mexico has only been a resort area since about 1970.
5). Biking Down Haleakala Volcano
If you are interested in a little physical activity while vacationing in Maui, you should consider biking down the Haleakala Volcano.
6). Ocean City, New Jersey - A Model For Wholesome Family Fun
This Jersey Shore beach resort sets itself apart from other beachfront towns in going all out to insure that its reputation as Americas Greatest Family Resort is true to its motto
7). Chocolate, Cowbells & Cable Cars Swizerland and Italy
Planes, trains, motorcoaches, boats, cable cars, gondolas, lake steamer, funicular, cog wheel train and ferry were our modes of transport. We were 62 singles with 124 bags who came, who saw, who conquered Switzerland & Italy. Aside from the traffic delays of high holiday season, it went without a hitch.
.: Top Destinations Articles
1). Discover The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach California
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near the waterfront in The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in the city of Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.
2). The Best Places to See Spectacular Fall Leaf Colors
A few recommendations for the best places to see the autumn leaf change in the mountains of North Carolina.
3). European Cities - Top Five To Visit
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe's best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country's north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs.
4). Discover JJ Steak House In Pasadena California
Have you been looking for that perfect romantic restaurant to take a date or spouse to? Do you like old fashion elegant steak houses with lots of dark rich wood, plenty of marble and romantic lighting? Do you like the idea of a large fireplace? Do you like soft romantic harp music played by a very talented harpist? Do you like excellent leisurely attentive.
5). Towns of south eastern Spain
Almunecar
Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east.
There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments.
6). Discover Old Town Pasadena California
Old Town Pasadena which basically runs down Colorado Blvd. from Pasadena Avenue on the West to Marengo Avenue on the east and on either side of Colorado Blvd. from Holly St. on the north to Green St. on the south is quickly becoming one of Los Angeles Countys busiest and most entertaining local gathering places.
Day or night, weekday or weekend the area is always "jumpin".
7). Barbados the Popular Tourist Destination in The West Indies Island
Barbados is a pear-shaped island in the Caribbean and is a popular tourist destination. The people of Barbados are West Indian and call themselves “Bajans”...