Walking in the West MacDonnells

Over 9 days we walked 77 km’s through some amazing country in the West MacDonnell Ranges.  The ranges were named by the explorer, John McDouall Stuart in 1860 after the South Australian Govenor.  Since 1993 the area has been known as the West MacDonnells National Park.  It is now called Tjoritja (pronounced Choor-it-ja) / West MacDonnell NP but will soon just be  known as Tjoritja NP.  So many of the places we are visiting in the Northern Territory are being renamed with their aboriginal names.  Sometimes its hard to keep up with the changes.

The Larapinta Trail follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges.  This time on the Larapinta we decided to pick a selection of walks from the Trail, often starting at a trail head and then retracing our steps back, doing a loop walk or even hitchhiking back to the Lestervan. Enjoyed great bushcamps, NP camps and private campgrounds. We met some hardy Larapinta Trekkers tackling the 220 km iconic trail (which is rated as one of the planets top 20 treks), and had quite a social time as we trekked along.  Most were surprised to see us on the track doing day walks, and most were young although the walkers came in all shapes, ages and sizes; solo trekkers, couples, fathers and sons, and a couple of guided groups of women.

Its kind of dangerouse leaving me in the wilderness for too long, as hiking on day nine I got an idea for a book.  Must still be some publishing blood running in my veins!

These photos tell the story of our walks………

Day One in Standley Chasm – Walking in the Chasm and doing the loop walk – 5.2 kms

Inside Standley Chasm
The loop walk at Standley Chasm
More from the loop walk lookout at the end of the day

Day Two – Larapinta Trail – Section 4 from Standley Chasm to Reveal Saddle return – 11 km/5.5 hours

Climbing the ridge to get to the Saddle
The view from Reveal Saddle

 

The view from Bridle Path Lookout

Day Three – Ormiston Gorge – Ghost Gum Walk – 3 km

The pool in the middle of the Gorge
A very rocky scramble getting out of the gorge
The end of the gorge (people were swimming here but it looked cold!)
Feeling pleased to be getting out of the gorge after scrambling over all those rocks.

Day Four – Larapinta Trail Section 10 from Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen turnoff – 13 kms/5.25 hours

Half way to Glen Helen, the range in the distance
Mt Sonder loomed in the distance
Crossing a very dry Finke riverbed
Back at the natural arch (wearing the same red top I wore here two years ago)

Day Five – Ormiston Pound Walk – 9.3 km/4 hours

Looking into Ormiston Pound from the lookout
Walking across Ormiston Pound
Heading into Ormiston Gorge (the colors were brilliant)
A very long rock scramble to get through the whole gorge

DAY SIX – Serpentine Gorge Walk & Lookout (3 km/1.5 hrs) plus Ellery Creek Big Hole (1km)

Serpentine Gorge Lookout

 

Serpentine Gorge
Ellery Creek Big Hole at sunset

DAY SEVEN – Larapinta Trail Section 8 from Serpentine Gorge to Counts Point return – 15 km/8 hours

 

Getting up to the views
Walking along this ridge for ages

 

The view from Counts Point
Heading back down

 

A final glimpse at the top

DAY EIGHT – Redbank Gorge Walk and Lookout Walk – 3km plus Woodlands Campground walk -1.5 km

In Redbank Gorge
Getting out of Redbank Gorge; over the rocks
The view of Mt Sonder from Redbank Gorge Lookout

DAY NINE – Larapinta Trail Section 11 from Redbank Gorge heading to Rocky Bar Gap – 12 km/4 hrs

Skirting the base of Mt Sonder
A relatively easy trail which was a pleasant change

 

Lunch stop sitting on the trail as there were no rocks and lots of spinifex to avoid

 

Glen Helen at sunset. We had two separate nights here as they had hot showers, a laundry, a restaurant and internet.

 

 

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5 thoughts on “Walking in the West MacDonnells

  1. No wonder I hadn’t heard from you for so long – do hope the Lester Van has been fixed and that your next adventures are trouble free – what a wonderful time in Alice. Are you on your way home yet? Love from Jeanette xx

  2. What wonderful adventures, and spectacular photographs. I’m so enjoying your travels. I hope you enjoy the next stages.

  3. There are some wonderful colours and skies in this post Pat and Dick!
    I’m so pleased you didn’t hurt yourself on the Larapinta walks this time Pat.
    Continue to enjoy yourselves and safe home.

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