Alice Springs on the Todd River

The Australian Outback provides some of the greatest wonders that you will ever see. Alice Springs sits a on the shore of the Todd River, known as Lhere Mparntwe by the Arrernte people and pronounced ler-ra m-barn-twa. Running through the center of Alice Springs, this ephemeral river is dry for approximately 95% of the year. During heavy rainfall, the catchment area fills with water and the Todd River’s flow reaches Alice Springs 6 – 8 hours later. The river fills from bank to bank in about 15 minutes. As it begins to flow through the town, you can walk as you follow the leading edge of the river.

When the river flows it is cause for celebration. People gather on the causeways and Telegraph Station to play in the murky water even though it can be quite dangerous because of the debris that gets carried by the water. In 1997, a man drowned while riding the waters of the Todd River on an inflatable mattress.

Before the river reaches Alice Springs, it drops 100 meters from Junction Waterhole, winds over an 8 km stretch and reaches the bottom of the drop at Telegraph Station. The area is rocky and hilly creating a series of grade 2 to 3 rapids. The locals haul out their kayaks and take to the water to traverse the rapids. Since the river flow is so fleeting, everyone seizes the time that it flows to make the most of it.

Beginning in 1961 to poke fun at early British settlers, Alice Springs hosts the annual mock regatta, Henley-on-Todd Regatta, every spring. The Henley-on-Todd Regatta is held on the dry Todd River bed. “Boats” are made from metal frames with no bottom and festooned with banners with the “rowers” standing inside of the frame. The rowers pick up the frame and run along the riverbed, It is the only dry river regatta in the world and it holds the distinction of being the only regatta that has been cancelled due to water in the venue. The festivities are a daylong affair and tourists and locals love it. Only in the Australian Outback would you find this kind of humor.

Alice Spring is also home to the Alice Desert Festival, a cultural celebration of the talents that call Central Australia home with a bit of international flavor thrown into the mix.. The spotlight is on the diverse talents of artists and performers with more than 100 events, the organizers are also able to pay homage to the aboriginal culture throughout the festival. The Alice Desert Festival runs for more than a week and allows one to be submerged in the festival culture.

Alice Springs truly is one of the best places to visit in the Australian Outback. There is so much to do there that you could easily stay a while and never get bored.

The West MacDonnell Ranges

The mountains around Alice Springs are called the MacDonnells Ranges. Set in the Heavitree Gap, Alice Springs has the West MacDonnell Ranges to its west and the East MacDonnell Ranges lie to the east. The easy vehicle access to these mountains makes them a popular attraction to visitors exploring the area around Alice Springs. Covering a distance of 250 km in length, a jewel in the Australian Outback, the West MacDonnell National Park offers many sights to see and explore. The area offers The Larapinta Trail, the Ellery Creek Bighole, and Mount Sonder..

Stretching more than 220 km from Alice Springs, through the West MacDonnell National Park to Redbank Gorge, the famed Larapinta Trail has to be one of the Outback’s most incredible walks. To walk the entire Larapinta Trail takes about 2 weeks and National Geographic has deemed it to be one of the planet’s top 20 trekking experiences. Although it offers a challenge to hikers of all levels, the Larapinta Trail has been broken into 12 walks as it weaves through some of the world’s oldest igneous and metamorphic rock and rare flora from some 600 species. There is a section of the trail to appeal to everyone.

Ellery Creek Big Hole Nature Park is a great picnic site and is just 2 km from the roadway. The beauty of the deep, clear waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole lures the visitor into taking a 150m swim across the waterhole to the other side. Across the pool, the picturesque fine white sand of the beach contrasts with the red cliff walls. There are some very nice walks that will allow you to enjoy the full beauty of the waterhole.

Rwetyepme, better known as Mount Sonder, is at one end of the Larapinta Trail. There is a clearly marked 12 km walking trail on the western side. This trail takes you to the summit that, although not the actual summit has been selected to keep visitors safe. The view from the summit is breathtaking. There is water available from a water tank near the parking area.

Among the other sights to see are Simpson’s Gap where the black-footed rock wallabies can be seen at dawn and dusk, Standley Chasm offers an incredible botanical experience, Serpentine Gorge with walking trails lined by River Red gumtrees, Ormiston Pound a ring of mountains encompassing Mount Giles, and Redbank Gorge that offers breathtaking water exploration. By no means are the sights in the West MacDonnell National Park limited to these areas. There is so much more to see when you visit the West MacDonnell National Park that you need a week or so to explore in the main areas.

One more incredible Outback experience to create amazing memories.

Watarrka National Park

Approximately 300 km to the south west of Alice Springs, Watarrka National Park spreads itself over 720 square kilometers. Watarrka National Park is home to the mighty chasm known as Kings Canyon, the second most visited attraction in the Australian Outback. Although the Watarrka National Park protects the rugged western edge of the George Gill Range where Kings Canyon is located, most tourists are unaware of the real name and refer to the park as Kings Canyon. The red sandstone walls of Kings Canyon majestically rise more than 300 meters to tower over Kings Creek below. Looking up from below, or down from above, will leave you awestruck.

That nature carved this incredible canyon leaves visitors looking at it with wonderment. At the bottom of the canyon walls, protected from the elements by the chasm, lush foliage of cycads, palms, and ferns thrive.

The walks offered to the public are: the 2.6 km Kings Creek Walk, the 6 hour Kings Canyon Rim Walk, the 2.6 km Kathleen Springs Walk and the 22 km Giles Track. He public is requested not to leave the walking tracks to avoid inadvertently walking on sacred ground.

The Kings Creek Walk is a gentle 2,6 km walk that the family can enjoy together. The walk Takes you along the canyon floor to a lookout. The lookout provides stunning views of the canyon walls.

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is not for those of below average fitness. The walk is physically taxing in parts and the walk is nicknamed Heart Attack Hill for good reason. The initial part of the walk is up a relatively steep incline. The walk takes you from the canyon floor to the canyon rim where you can drink in the spectacular vista and then back down again. You are required to walk in a clockwise direction so there is no traffic that you may meet and there is no avoiding the steep climb.

The Kathleen Springs Walk is a leisurely 2.6 stroll though picturesque scenery to an idyllic spring-fed water hole.

The Giles Track is for the seasoned walker. This walk connects the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to Kathleen Springs Walk by way of the range rims and is an overnight walk. The breathtaking vistas spread before you as you make your way along the trail. This walk must be planned to accommodate the weather and environment.

The Watarrka National Park in the Australian Outback offers you some of the most awe inspiring landscape in the world.

Alice Springs

Known as Stuart until 1930 and located in the Northern Territory of Australia, Alice Springs is second only to Darwin in population. This former service city is now reliant on the tourists that flood in to take in the sights and activities in the area. Accommodations abound ranging from luxury to caravan parks making it appealing to all sorts of travelers. Home to the Alice Springs Desert Park, this park is the epitome what the Australian Outback is. The animals, the plants, the landscape, and the dry harsh desert clime are all hallmarks of the Outback.

When visiting this wonderful park, plan on spending most of the day there because you will lose track of time as you wander the different habitats, sit through the shows and presentations (especially the Birds of Prey), and learn about the desert. This truly is a “must go to” destination.

With Australia having some of the deadliest snakes in the world, it is not surprising to find the Alice Springs Reptile Center in the city center. It should be on every tourist’s itinerary as a “must see” attraction. It houses more than 100 reptiles representing over 30 species, from the harmless olive python that is used in the hands on demonstrations to some of the deadliest snakes in the world and a wide assortment of lizards to fascinate the visitor. In addition, although not native to the area, Terry the saltwater crocodile was found in the Darwin harbor and given a home at the Alice Springs Reptile Center. Overall, the visit is well worth the price of admission.

Every visit has to include a trip out to Gemtree. This is a unique experience that will bring out the adventurer in young and old alike. At Gemtree, you get to search for Australian gemstones and they supply all the equipment, guides and appraisals. You keep the gems that you find. There is even a gem cutting service on site from April to September. Make sure that you take water with you.

The sheer number of activities to take part in, sights to see, and tours to go on will keep you busy for days. There is so much to do in the area that it boggles the mind. When you go to Alice Springs, make sure to stay for several days so that you are able to fully explore the city and area surrounding it.

The Australian Outback offers you a world of discovery. Come and explore it.

Keep River National Park

Nestled in the Australian Outback near the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, 468 km west of Katherine, is the small but incredible Keep River National Park. This is one park that you have to call ahead of your visit to find out what the access road conditions are since, between November and April, the roads are sometimes flooded. Some say that the best time of year to visit the park is May to August when the temperatures and weather is better. However, there are those that say visiting the park during the rainy season is wondrous.

The wetlands are alive and teeming with life during those months and the woodlands turn to a lush green. Since most visitors prefer to visits during the drier months, the quiet campgrounds are a bonus.

For a small park, just over 700 square km, there is a plethora of things to do and see in Keep River National Park. The park has it all: dramatic landscapes and incredible rock formations, aboriginal cultural sites, rock art, a wide range of wildlife, and incredible habitats. The walks, the views, the wildlife and the aboriginal heritage combine to make this a little park that packs an amazing punch and creates awe filled memories.

The two campgrounds in Keep River National Park, Jarnem and Gurrandalng, give you several walk options with, in my opinion the Jarnem 4 hour walk is the best option. Jarnem has three walk options: a 2 hour walk to the lookout and back, a 2 hour walk to the art sites and back, and a walk that encompasses the complete loop. Gurrandalng, on the other hand has a 2 hour that follows the Keep River bed to an old wet season shelter site of the Miniwoong people and offers up absolutely stunning views.

In addition, there is the Ginger’s Hill Walk, the Jinumum Walk, and the Nganalam Walk to keep your interest piqued and take you to aboriginal heritage sites. Make sure to take lots of water with you although there is some drinking water available in the park and walk in the cool of the day. It’s important that you don’t leave your trash behind, pack it out.

Remember that, although your pet is a member of the family, pets are not allowed in Keep River National Park. So leave them in the safekeeping of a kennel or home. Following the park’s rules will ensure that you don’t leave an indelible footprint on this jewel.

The Australian Outback is a world apart from anything else you may have experienced. Once you get a taste of the Outback, you’ll be left wanting more!

Uluru/Ayers Rock

Designated a national park in 1950, one of the best-known and spectacular places to visit in the Australian Outback is Uluru/Ayers Rock. Named in 1973 after the Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers, this awe-inspiring sandstone outcropping was designated, with the surrounding Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and as a World Heritage cultural landscape in 1994. Rising from the desert floor, Uluru/Ayers Rock is 1141 feet ( 348m) high, 2.2 miles ( 3.6km) long, and 1.2 miles (1.9km) wide. As the light changes throughout the day, the rock appears to change color.

Sunset is the most dramatic time when the formation appears to glow red. If you are fortunate enough to be there during a seldom seen rain, the rock turns to a silver gray color with black streaks.

For those with a better than average fitness level, climbing up to the top of Uluru/Ayers Rock is a magnet. Although the aboriginal people, Anangu, ask that tourists respect their culture and refrain from climbing the rock, they do not interfere with those that do choose to make the assent. The climb is about an hour and, even though there are chain holds to make it easier, is not for the faint of heart. There have been about 35 deaths related to climbing, with most being heart attacks. The harsh environment does take its toll on climbers.

There are no accommodations at Ayers Rock. The only place to stay is about 15 km away at a designated town called Yulara, just outside of the park. Buses and planes travel daily to Ayers Rock from Alice Springs. A flood of more than 400,000 tourists visit Ayers Rock each year.

Ayers Rock shot to worldwide attention with the disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain in 1980. Her mother, Lindy Chamberlain, was accused of killing the 9-week old baby and was convicted of murder in 1982 only to be exonerated in 1988. She had maintained that a dingo had taken the child but media bias and public perception negated the findings of the first inquest. Subsequently, evidence was found to substantiate her innocence.

This geographical wonder is very close to the center of Australia and is steeped in aboriginal spirituality and is considered sacred. In 1985, the government returned the area to the local Pitjantjatjara Aborigines with the land being leased by the government for 99 years. Jointly managed, preservation of the area is the foremost concern to both the government and the Pitjantjatjara Aborigines.

One, even two days, is just not enough time to drink in all that this area has. Even the town of Yulara will take a day to explore, never mind the many walks, the incredible wildlife or the Kata Tjuta, the Olgas. Tour packages of two days are perhaps the least expensive way to see the area but ideally, a stay of three days or more gives you time to take in most of what this incredible area has to offer.

The Australian Outback awaits you. What are yo waiting for?

The Kata Tjuta

One of the two major attractions inside of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Kata Tjuta, or “the Olgas” as they are known locally, are comprised of 36 incredible domed sandstone formations. Located deep in the Australian Outback, about 25 km from Uluru/Ayers Rock, these unique domes cover approximately 22 square km. At the highest point, Mount Olga, the tallest peak towers 546m (approx 1800 feet) above the plains below. The name, Kata Tjuta, means “many heads” in the Pitjantjajara language. This area has great spiritual significance to the aboriginal people of Australia and is as important as Uluru/Ayers Rock to them. They still carry out spiritual ceremonies here, usually at night.

Legend has it that the great serpent Wanambi lives at the top of Mount Olga. Because a mystical serpent runs through many aboriginal legends, it has become known as the Rainbow Serpent. Typically this enormous serpent lives in the deepest waterways and reveals itself as a rainbow as it moves through rain and water.

Kata Tjuta offers two walks, The Valley of the Winds Walk and the Olga Gorge Walk. It is advisable to get there early before the heat of the day. The Valley of the Winds Walk takes you 7 km around several of the Olgas. On this walk, if the temperature rises above 36 C, they close the walk at the scenic Kalpa Lookout. The 2 km Olga Gorge Walk is a short, comfortable walk that takes you into the breathtaking beauty of the gorge.

If you are driving from Alice Springs, the drive is a picturesque 4.5 hours and there are accommodations at Yulara, a town just outside of the park. Flights from almost anywhere in Australia arrive daily at the Ayers Rock Airport at Yulara. Plan on staying at least two full days so that you can explore the sights and make sure to book your accommodations well in advance to ensure that you are not disappointed. Three to four days allow you to leisurely drink in the sights of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and absorb the cultural experiences that you will be exposed to.

Australia’s Outback opens up a world of contrast between incredible beauty and a harsh enviroment to those that visit it. Visitors are left wanting more of the Outback experience and often vist repeatedly.

The Town of Katherine

On the shores of the Katherine River is nestled the town of Katherine, the third largest town in the Australian Outback with a population of just under 8000. For thousands of years, the Jawoyn people have found this area to be a rich and vibrant food source. The area was settled in 1878 with the arrival of Alfred Giles, a cattle rancher. In 1884, Gilles built his homestead, which stands to this day on the banks of the Katherine River to this day. Conducted tours out to the homestead are available. While there are many multi-day tours that start in Darwin and stop for a visit in Katherine, it is worth your time to visit Katherine for several days to visit the surrounding area. The stunning Outback landscapes will pull you back time and time again.

The wild beauty of the Nitmiluk National Park will captivate you. The crown jewel of the park is the 50 km Katherine Gorge. With its deep gorges carved into the red sandstone over the past 1.6 million years, Katherine Gorge is best explored on a Jawoyn guided boat tour. If you are truly an adventurer, you can rent canoes for a self-guided exploration.

To the west of Nitmiluk National Park is the idyllic Edith Falls. At the base of the falls, enjoy a dip in the pandanus ad paperbark fringed natural pool. Leliyn Trail will take you on a challenging walk that is physically demanding. Although the trail is only 2.6 km, the walk is rather steep and rocky but absolutely worth the exertion. Edith Falls marks the end of the Jatbula Trail, a 58 km trail that starts at the Katherine Gorge headquarters. Easy vehicle access is available to those that prefer not to hike 58 km. There is camping at Edith Falls so you need not rush to see the sights.

Just 27 km south of Katherine are the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. A colony of rare orange horseshoe bat and ghost bats, an endangered species, call these caves home. Although there are guided tours, the tours do not venture into the areas that the bats inhabit so that they won’t be disturbed. As opposed to the temperate caves of Southern Australia that are not occupied by animals, the Cutta Cutta caves are tropical caves inhabited by animals.

As with many of the Australian Outback attractions, your breath will be stolen by the incredible beauty of the natural environment. There are the parks, the caves, thermal springs, plateaus, wildlife, and more…so much more…to do and see in the Katherine area.