MACDONNELL RANGES

July 11-24, 2004

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Hilltop view
  • Two separate walks. Either can be done on its own. Those doing both need to carry their food for only one section at a time.
  • The only tour that takes you far beyond the Larapinta Trail and the 4WD tracks deep into the Macdonnell Range wilderness.
  • Spectacular scenery. Pools, gorges, spectacular hilltop views and more.
Section 1: Larapinta East & More: July 11-18
Our walk takes place in the area near Hugh and Spencer Gorges and Brinkley Bluff. We begin with a drive to Standley Chasm where we join the Larapinta Trail and start our trek toward Hugh Gorge. By going beyond the trail, we include some spectacular views the trail omits. On top of Brinkley Bluff
Swim stop

This section includes a choice of several possible routes. This allows us to tailor the walk to the needs and wishes of those who take part. The water will be cold, but the days should be warm so you may want a quick swim.

We finish with a walk back to the road and a drive back to Alice Springs for lunch and to replenish supplies for the second section.
Section 2: Larapinta West & More: July 18-24
This section will take us even further from the trail as we visit one of the most unusual places in the Macdonnells. We begin at Ormiston Pound, head to Bowmans Gap
Crossing the Alice Valley One of the many wildflowers
The walk across the valley takes most of the day. It is fairly strenuous but our reward makes it all worthwhile. We camp below a small fern-lined gorge where a permanent creek (the only one we know of in the area) flows gently on its way.
Creek near the bottom of the gorge View from the upper gorge
From here we work out way west toward Ormiston Pound. Some of the walking is flat and easy. Some is rocky and rough.
Easy walking along Ormiston Creek Rock hopping along a different part of Ormiston Creek
Along the way, we enjoy many beautiful views and outstanding campsites.
View of Mt Giles from Ormiston Pound Sunrise at Bowmans Gap

We finish at Ormiston Gorge where we are met by the vehicle which will return us to Alice Springs.

Terrain and difficulty. Both walks include a mix of easy, flat ground, rock hopping and occasional steep climbs. In some areas, the spinifex is likely to be dense enough so that heavy gaiters and long trousers are essential.

We rate this trip as average difficulty.

Your rewards are spectacular scenery, wildflowers and an incredible wilderness experience no other operator can offer you.

Click here to see a PDF file of the detailed trip notes.

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