3 states 3 days - day 3

Rob recounting the 'old' days at Little Topar

Ahh well here's the entry with not much to say as this road has been much travelled.
We travelled through Broken Hill and on towards Bourke, Cobar and Nyngan - stoping in a bush camp just 10k short of Nyngan. The area is looking good although another couple of inches of rain now would do the crops good. Had a great last night camping and then arrived in Trangie the next morning ready for a few days with Rob's sister and mum. Next stop Narromine and not long to Bec & Glen's bub due

3 states in 3 days - day 2

Salt lakes north of Port Augusta

Salt Lakes

Port Augusta harbor 

Road to Peterborough 

Another big day of travel. Much the same outside Coober Pedy but as you close in on Port Augusta the salt lakes are incredible. Reading up on them several are 100km x 40km give or take and all feed into the much larger Lake Eyre. This is on our must do list.
Port Augusta much smaller than we imagined but oh the smell of sea air - how we miss it.
From Port Augusta through to Peterborough such a change in countryside and the history and old buildings - again on our must list. You could spend weeks in this area alone just exploring.
Found a great spot to camp about 200k's from Broken Hill and just sat back and enjoyed the quiet and the night sky.

3 states in 3 days - Day 1

Opal mining at Coober Pedy

Looks like moles at work

Dining at the Underground Restuarant 

Ribba's van park

underground camping 

Robs a bit like my old horse 'Silver' and when we turned for home (well not really our home but back to our greatly missed family) there was no stopping him.
First night was Coober Pedy. The road was long and pretty boring until approx 60km from Coober Pedy and then we were amazed by the 'mole' hills everywhere. Opal fever has certainly stuck this town and it's just so interesting to see the diggings.
With a population of around 3,500 and 45 different nationalities it's a real mixed bag and pretty rough looking town. Apparently the town produces something like 90% of the worlds opals.
We were happy to take a recommendation and stay out of town at Riba's caravan park which is an old mine site. They have underground accommodation and even underground tent sites. Great hospitality and free water / everywhere else in town you have to pay for any water you use.
On the owners recommendation we went into town to the Underground Restaurant. Another amazing setup, underground obviously, and the owner certainly has customer service down pat - right to the free drinks and yarn at the end of your night out.

Uluru

Kings Creek Station

Mount Connor

Uluru

Enjoying Sunrise

Uluru

One of the caves 

Are farewell big rock!

An early start away from Kings Canyon and Uluru here we come! Is that it in the distance - wow we must be still 150km away. Oops no that's Mount Conner which is pretty impressive in its own right.
A quick stop at Curtain Springs for some over priced Diesel ($1.91 although cheap compared to Kings Canyon at $2.19)
Carton of XXXX was $91.80 so we figured we still had plenty of that.
And at last there is the monolith in the distance.
We checked in at Yulara Resorts & Campground (campground for us) and then checked out the whole place. Pretty amazing and you need the free shuttle bus to get around - not that it was that great a distance but the flies drive you crazy.
We headed out to Uluru in the afternoon and had a drive round and checked out the cultural centre which is really well done. The bar was calling by then so back to Yulara for a few quiet beers before sunset at one of the lookouts.
Up at 5am we headed out to the rock for sunrise - it's a must do. Just beautiful to watch although we had a full moon and I reckon it would be better with little or no moon.
We walked around the rock and marveled at its .... Hard to explain the beauty of something as simple as a rock. But note by 8am flies where impossible again. We didn't do the climb and I have to say that this should be banned. You can see the damage that is being caused and due to cultural importance they should have the right to stop it.
Now on the road to Narromine and some gorgeous grandchildren to see.

Kings Canyon

Kings Creek Station at sunset

Start of climb at Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon

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Well we still haven't made the Rock. Just a little detour to view Kings Canyon first.
One belief I need to clarify is that neither of these places are within a stones throw of Alice Springs. It was a good 5hour drive yesterday to get to Kings Canyon. Deciding to stay at Kings Creek Station meant we are still 45km from the Canyon anyway! However whilst the station is so remote and just miles of red sand and mulga - the quietness is amazing. It's not 5 star by any means but after looking at Kings Canyon Resort this morning - neither is it.
Sadly it's a full moon (99% I'd say Jen) so you don't get the beautiful stars at night but .....
Just a short walk from our spot in the Sand dunes is 'Tank Hill' which we walked up yesterday afternoon and enjoyed sunset on the mountains behind and the plains in front. Just beautiful.
This morning saw us up bright and early ready to tackle the rim walk at Kings Canyon. A small thanks to the group of campers nearby who took it upon themselves to wake us up.
Driving into the Canyon car park Rob & I were ready to turn around already. We could see some climbers as little dots working there way up to the top!
But we are hardier than that and donned our hiking boots and hats, backpack on and headed forth. A 6km walk which is rated moderate to hard which goes straight up the face of the canyon and then meanders right around the top and then a slightly easier route down to the start. Easy stuff - didn't we just see a 5yr old head off with her family.
Well lets say we think they gave her something to keep her going - we didn't hear a single complaint out of her (although we did pass them once we reached the top and left them to it).
The views are absolutely amazing. Such stunning scenery and lots of plaques to tell you about how it all formed and continues today. This is a must do if you can get the opportunity.
Once we reached the bottom we still had some energy so then completed the creek walk through the base of the canyon. Again beautiful scenery.
So what next - off to the Dingo Bar at Kings Canyon Resort for a celebratory drink and then home for a much needed rest!!

West MacDonnell Ranges

Simpsons Gsp

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Serpentine Girge

Our campsite Ormiston Gorge

After enjoying the East MacDonnell Ranges so much we set off the explore the west wondering if it could get any better.
First stop was Simpsons Gap. Beautiful spot although I have to say we were a wee over 'gaps' by now. We skipped Stanley's Chasm as we were too early in the day to get the best of this. Midday is the best time to view this spot.
We continued onto Ellery Creek Big Hole which surprisingly had water still in it, although a bit green for our liking there were others swimming in it.
Next stop was Serpentine Gorge which was a bit over-rated and as a word of warning the access road was one of the worst bits of gravel road we've been on so far.
Our next stop was Ormiston Gorge where we set up camp for the night. Now after a day of feeling a bit let down, this place really did deliver. The bird life was amazing and we even had a dingo walk right across in front of us. Rob cooked me a awesome roast dinner for my birthday and we sat back and enjoyed the stars and the quiet over a nice bottle of red. Yes a bottle - thought we would lash out. Cask wine has been the go since we set off on our journey as it travels safer but dam it is hard to buy in NT. apparently favorite drink of the locals and each town has restrictions on access. Alice Springs you can only buy 2 litres per person per day and only between 6pm and 9pm AND only at 2 outlets in town. Ahhhhhh
Anyway I digress. The next morning we were up bright & early to complete the Ormiston Pound walk which completes a circuit from the car park, meandering around scenic slopes, dropping into the flat expanse of the pound and returning along Ormiston Gorge via the main waterhole. A walk said to be 7km, 3-4 hours medium difficultly. Now our problem was we didn't decipher the description properly. Scenic slopes meant you should be a goat and returning via main waterhole meant you would spend over an hour an half scrambling over boulders & rocks. All said though it was a magnificent walk and we both enjoyed it so much (ps I clocked it and it was 9.2km - cannot trust NPWS)
Glen Helen was our next stop before heading back to Alice but to be honest after our walk we couldn't get any real enthusiasm up for it so just a quick look and back to town to get ready for the Rock!!

East MacDonnell Ranges

Emily Gap

Jessie Gap

Corroboree Rock

Trephina Gorge

Trephina Gorge

Our campsite

Rob enjoying the view

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After a couple of days in Alice Springs exploring we decided it was time to head out of town for a few days to check out the lessor viewed East MacDonnell Ranges. First stop was Emily Gap just a few km from town. A large natural gap in the ranges which has aboriginal art showcasing caterpillars from the dreamtime. Just another few km out is Jessie Gap which is similar but to a smaller scale.
Continuing on you come to Corroboree Rock which is an amazing single rock formation only a few metres wide. There is a lovely walk around the rock and some stunning background views.
Continuing on we arrived at Trephina Gorge Nature Park - what a beautiful bush setting and campspot.
We found a lovely spot to camp right next to a fire pit and just a short walk to a loo - what more could you ask for? Once settled in Rob and I set off to tackle the Gorge walk which takes you up on the top Eastern side overlooking the Gorge and surrounds. Certainly got our heart rate up!
After a trip out to gather firewood we settled in to enjoy a lovely night - good food, wine and a starlit night!
The next morning we headed off to do the Panorama Walk to the top of the western side. A bit more challenging but certainly worth the effort. The scenery here is so impressive we can hardly wait to see the rest.
We also took a drive out to Arltunga Historical Reserve which is the site of Central Australia's first town (due to gold rush). Amazing how some of the buildings have survived - mainly we are told due to the hot dry climate. The gold rush failed as did the town due to the lack of available water. So maybe there's still gold out there in them hills (and going by the number of people camping out there a lot think so).
We also enjoyed a stopover at the historical Ross River Homestead which was built in the late 1890's. Amazingly preserved.
After a second night of serenity lack of supplies sent us back to Alice to restock. Must be prepared for longer !!

Wildflower Season

View top Trephina Gorge

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Mum & Dad have always talked of doing the West coast in spring for all the beautiful flowers. Can I say that the area around Alice Springs does pretty well too. We've only just started and we're blown away by the types of wild flowers and how the rocky hilltops can look barren but when you get there they are a mass of plant types.
Below are some of what we saw at the top of Trephina Gorge. There is also wattle in full bloom everywhere.

Alice Springs

Tennant Creek telegraph station

Rob enjoying Devil's Mables

The Devil's Marbles - amazing rock formations & my photos don't do it justice

Barrow Creek Telegraph station

Cementry at Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Photo showing cementry in 

1902Just before Tennant Creek is the beautiful Telegraph Station & out building. This is to become a feature of our travels but it is wonderful to see them still standing and show casing European history.

We didn't stop in Tennant Creek itself. As the 5 largest town in NT we just didn't find it appealing. However 50km south are the Devils Marbles and we enjoyed walking around and viewing the different formations and learning about the rock. It has huge aboriginal significance as a meeting ground between numerous tribes and sitting in the cool beside one of the rocks we could see why. Sadly I don't think my photos do it justice.

Our next stop was Barrow Creek and apart from Peter Falcioni's murder in recent times, this small town (pub & telegraph station) has a gruesome history with regards to the Telegraph Station and in 2 separate incidents over 150 aboriginals were murdered by Europeans with no consequence. Buildings have been nicely kept and lots of information on the area.

Our next stop was Aileron which has 2 large statues - 1 on the top of the hill of an aboriginal man and 1 near the service station of an aboriginal women with a child & a Goanna. All very well done. But don't buy fuel here -$2.00/litre. Like most towns along the Stuart Highway this town is an aboriginal community and they are certainly ripping them off.
We also stopped at Ryan's Well and Glen Maggie Homestead.

Then finally Alice Springs!
Yesterday we spent the day looking around town and searching for the YWCA where I used to work. Ironically after a few hours walking around I realized that the vacant block we had parked on was all that was left of the building - so much for memory lane. We also checked out the AS Telegraph Station. Fantastically restored. Towards the end of its days as a Telegraph Station it became a home for aboriginal children and then when on to become a aboriginal settlement before being restored to its original state. They certainly built them to last. And so cool inside. Check out cemetery against photo from 1920's.
Local schools take the kids (around 10) on overnight stays to experience life as it was in the 1920's. Talking to a 20ish girl working in cafe and she said she had done it when she was little and loved the experience.

And we saw this gorgeous parrot - Lovely yellow ring around its neck.