Exploring the Hidden Gems of the West MacDonnell Ranges

At Heavitree Gap in Alice Springs , a mountain range effectively snaps in half. To the gap’s east stretch the East MacDonnell Ranges, while the more popular West MacDonnell Ranges unfurl to the west. They are mountains made familiar to many by their gorges – Ormiston Gorge, Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap – and the presence of the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia ’s headline multi-day hikes.

Along the river’s largely dry course through Rodna, we pass waterholes that form part of a dog Dreaming story with the souls of dogs from around the country said to come to this place.Rodna’s immense beauty is truly revealed as the track heads down onto the Finke’s stony riverbed and the cliffs of the gorge close in. A deep, green waterhole stretches from cliff to cliff and, beyond it, I can see the back of the famous gorge that, even now as we stand in silence, will be crawling with visitors.

The largest-ever investment in infrastructure by an Aboriginal group in Central Australia, the 8.2-kilometre Yeperenye Trail was constructed by the Eastern Arrernte traditional owners in 2021, connecting Jessie Gap to Emily Gap, the closest gorge to Alice Springs. It’s at about this point, as I approach the gap, that signs of desert life return: a sand goanna scuttling through the bush, dingo scat beside the trail, bloodwood trees weighed down with bush coconuts like Christmas baubles, and the return of finches, which interpretive signs along the trail have told me used to be eaten by the Arrernte people and, yes, tasted like chicken.

The flight is almost silent, broken only by the intermittent blast of the balloon’s burner. After about 20 minutes the sun emerges, as red as a stoplight, over the eastern horizon, which is topped by the Opera House-like figure of Mount Undoolya in the East MacDonnells.

West Macdonnell Ranges Alice Springs Australia Gorges Rodna Waterhole Hidden Gems

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

'Mouldy sheep shed' used as netball change room closed by Macedon Ranges council amid health concernsThe Macedon Ranges Shire Council has closed a dual-use showgrounds sheep pavilion and netball change room after conducting an air quality assessment and hygienist report.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

WFH economy: Golf ranges are booming on weekdaysMost office workers are splitting their workdays between home and the office. Golf driving ranges have been a major beneficiary. But not everyone is happy about the trend.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

Critically endangered eastern bristlebirds bred in captivity released into Border Ranges National ParkEarly success for a program to boost numbers of the eastern bristlebird in north-eastern NSW, with signs birds bred by researchers are 'bonding' with their wild counterparts.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Exploring why we photograph animalsA new book Why We Photograph Animals by Huw Lewis-Jones explores the animal in photography through the work of more than 100 photographers supported by thematic essays that provide historical context.
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Bombers star ‘exploring Islamic faith’Essendon star Jake Stringer has opened up on his exploration of Islam faith after another matchwinning performance on Friday night.
Source: newscomauHQ - 🏆 9. / 77 Read more »

Understanding the Masters: Exploring Art Through Expressionism, Sculpture, and VideoDiscover the key pieces of art that can help you navigate the vast and varied world of the art scene, from masters old to new.
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »