Kimberley Adventure

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Day 12 10/8/2009 Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
We have a half day scenic flight booked for early Tuesday morning so we are heading to Alice Springs today after the a canyon walk.
9.30am a guided tour started for the “King Canyon Creek walk” so we joined in. Brian originally wanted us to take up the challenge of the “Canyon Rim Walk” which starts with 500 steps straight up, affectionately referred to as Heart Break hill and after seeing the beginning of the climb the name fits!. Brian’s calf muscles were a bit sore from the Ayres Rock climb so we chose the low road.

It was interesting to hear what the guide had to say but we both agreed that NSW would have a canyon equally as beautiful that may not be as well known. Don’t get me wrong we did think that the canyon was awesome but I am glad we took a scenic ride the day before as you just would not appreciate as much it if you only saw it from the ground. Once again a mix of nationalities participated in the walk and some of them just did not shut up and give the guide a chance or the others a fair go to hear what he was trying to say. Some had kids that were allowed to run ahead, climbing trees and large rocks or play in creek beds - disaster waiting to happen. I wondered if they were aware of the snakes and spiders that live in the NT.

From here we went back to the Mobil services station at the resort to purchase our permit for the Mereeni Loop Road. It was really expensive - a hole $5.50! On our way again and it did not take long to find more corrugations! The road was very rough and hard to see the corrugations when the sun was directly above or behind you. We found air a couple times - I think the truck thought it was a dirt bike with a huge load on its back!
The MacDonnell Ranges ran down our right hand side - very spectacular. The mix of colours and the formation kept my mind of the corrugations (except when we go air!).

The first port of call in Alice Springs was Super Cheap - the battery clamp on the deep cycle battery under the bonnet did not like the corrugations either and gave up the ghost so we bought 2 because we have a lot of corrugations yet to travel. Next was Repco for a piece of concertina pipe as dust is getting in through the zipper of the tent at the back of the car.
We camped at the MacDonnell Ranges (Big 4) Caravan Park. This was the dearest we have had so far $36 per night. Very structured accommodation with a lot of amenities available - best laundry set up that we have had as well.
We have decided to spend another day in Alice Springs so after the flight tomorrow we are going to have a catchup day before taking on the Tanami Road to WA

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Photos

Rock face 1
The rock face is a brilliant red with the sun shining on it.

The walks available
Details of the walks in and around Kings Canyon.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk
This is the first 500 steps of the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, straight up and then an easy walk around the edge.

Bridge for Rim Walk
The Rim walk goes aroundd the edge including over the walk way shown in the picture.

Landscape in the canyon
The landscape seen on the walk into the canyon. Awesome mix of red, yellow, green and grey.

Mereeni Loop Road
The beginning of the Mereeni Loop Road and the biginning of the corrugations!

Dust
The dust kicked up is incredible - no chance of seeing from behind. If you were lucky enough the wind would be on your side and you would not be blinded by the dust from oncoming traffic.

MacDonnell Ranges
The MacDonnell Ranges on our right were amazing.