Glen Helen Gorge

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Day 14

We found the ‘best’ way to see the West Macdonnell Ranges was to drive the Mereenie Loop from Kings Canyon to Glen Helen Gorge. I say ‘best’ as it was certainly the most direct route and saved us doubling back from Alice to see the ranges but it was by no means easy. The Mereenie Loop runs through Aboriginal land and requires a permit but that wasn’t the problem. The Mereenie Loop is unsealed road…4 hours of unsealed, corrugated road. It was bumpy (to state the obvious), but also very noisy meaning no one could talk or even listen to music. It was a relief to arrive at Glen Helen Resort; a ‘resort’ nestled below the deep orange cliffs and near the Glen Helen Gorge. Our relief was shortlived as I soon learned they sold no provisions, not even bread and milk but they did have alcohol and petrol so I guess it just depends on how you define ‘necessities’. Clearly water was not an essential as it was not drinkable (or even washable in) so we found ourselves buying bottled water from the bar for the duration of our stay. (@ $5/bottle).

Our campsite is in the middle of an open grassed area, a bonus as it meant we could toast marshmallows over a campfire at night (I think that’s got to be one of the best family camping experiences there is). But the downside is there is no protection from the freezing cold nights. It’s so cold my phone won’t even tell me how cold it is. I turn on the Weather App and it just stares back at me – screen frozen. Ha! (Could be something to do with the fact there is absolutely no mobile/internet coverage out here…)

Glen Helen is a good base from which to explore neighbouring gorges and other sites. During our stay we hiked into both Redbank Gorge and the beautiful Ormiston Gorge.

Day 16

Unfortunately, our car battery thought now would be a good time to cark it. So after a fellow traveller helped us jump start the beast, we drove straight in to Alice Springs. We didn’t dare stop for any sightseeing along the way for fear we’d be stranded. In any case. Alice wasn’t that far away and it didn’t take long to get the car sorted. After being so remote it was nice to be back in civilisation with proper roads, street lights, Woolworths…(OMG this place is huge…).

The kids loved the caravan park because it had a jumping pillow. I loved it because it had a drive through site (no reversing!) and an ensuite bathroom Woohoo!! No more traipsing through the scrub to the toilet block, well at least for the next 3 days.

The nightly temps were now dropping to the negatives but we weren’t as cold here as we were in Glen Helen, this is a much more sheltered spot.

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Photos

Lift Um Foot
The local Aboriginals have their own way of telling motoritst to slow down!

Camper is Christened
Well, our camper trailer is not new anymore! After 4 hours on the Mereenie Loop, it is now covered in dust. The kids all left their handprints in the dust on the spare tyre

Our campsite, Glen Helen Gorge
The Gorge is dipping down behind the camper trailer

Drinks at Sunset
Maarten, Matthew and I enjoyed a drink on the back verandah of the pub overlooking the gorge.

Ormiston Gorge1
Daniel and Ryan are playing on the bank (to the right of the shot)

Ormiston Gorge4
The boys skimming stones in Ormiston Gorge

Comments

[mumtoo]

Lucky you have a sense of humour Angela. That sure comes in handy. After this you will be a seasoned campmother and will have seen it all. Truly beautiful scenery. Say hi to the boys from us. mum xxx

[paula]

love reading your daily adventures and what amazing photos

[Krista]

What's this??!? There's actually WATER in central Australia?? :P Lovely scenery. I especially loved the picture of the boys skimming rocks. Also really liked the Lift Um Foot. Little nuggets like that make it that extra bit special :)