As we drove into the far west end of the MacDonnell Ranges, the scenery before our eyes changed again.  The landscape was filled with a variety of greens and mountain ranges coated in spinifex, had formed on either side of the highway.  Now, we had both learnt a lot about spinifex over the information boards we read, a very interesting plant which thrives in desert conditions and has a root system 10m deep so it could reach a suitable water source.  All kinds of wildlife are dependant on these plants for shelter and protection in their day to day lives.  The first night we dropped in on a riverbed camp spot where we met another two couples.  We enjoyed some delightful beverages in front of the fire and shared stories from the past and future adventures we were to experience.  Lets not lie… it did get a little out of control!
A local spinifex shrub and its MacDonnell Ranges habitat

As an overall sum up of the ranges, you would call it a “mixed bag” of adventures.  We spent a good few days in here and each gorge or site had things to do for everyone.  Starting at the far west end we had Redbank Gorge.  We were informed by the info sign to bring an inflatable mattress to enjoy the float down the gorge.  Not knowing what to expect we reluctantly spent 15 mins in stinking hot weather blowing up the lilo.  Then carrying the lilo for further 20 minute walk in, we hoped it was worth it.  Well it was!  We spent a good 45 mins – 1hr floating down the beautiful gorge where some areas were as narrow as 600mm and others as wide as a car.  Light trickled in to bounce off spectacular cuts in the cliff edges which were a variety of colours.  We  also passed many a happy (We all know frogs go “La Di Da Di Da!!”) and well camouflaged frogs along the way.  Starting to get bloody cold we had to turn back with the unknown of how far the gorge would last..

As we traveled further east we dropped in on a few sandy gorges with great big waterholes.  Others were just lovely walking tracks to smaller gorges and an abundance of other treks from there.  Each turn off down the main drag was also scattered with history and local knowledge of what the place means to the Aboriginal people.  An example of this were the Ochre Pits.  A short 300m walk to the info board and it had all the knowledge on a substance we never knew existed.  Mined in only a few places around Australia (including the MacDonnell Ranges), Ochre is still used today in many traditional ways including medicinal needs and body paint.  After writing words on rocks and drawing on each other with this chalk like substance, we moved on to the next place of mystery.

As we headed towards the far east end getting closer to Alice Springs we came across more luxurious hideaways, deep water holes and little slices of paradise.  You could easily forget you were once driving through a baron desert..