Photo Gallery for Past Trips

MacDonnell Ranges 2015

MacDonnell Ranges May-June 2015

Rain and last-minute road closures on the Oodnadatta Track didn’t deter us from having an enjoyable 10 days of holiday. Our trip leader, Russell, made some changes the day before departure and instead of heading for Maree and across the Oodnadatta Track and back roads to Alice Springs; we headed straight up the bitumen to find the sunshine as quickly as possible. We had a dry trip to Cadney Park (north of Coober Pedy) but the suggestion by Toni to pre-book before departure for motel & cabins at Cadney Park was a good one, as the ground was very muddy and the rain continued during the night. The weather for the rest of the trip was fine, and a welcome break from Adelaide’s winter.

On the trip was Russell, leading in the Jeep Wrangler, Toni & Trev in a Toyota Prado 90 series & Roger, Heather & Nicole in a Toyota Prado 150. Toni used the trip as a shake down for the Canning Stock Route trip next year especially regarding storage of extra fuel and water.

We were off the bitumen by the afternoon on day 2 to spend a couple of days in the Western MacDonnell Ranges. This was an addition to the original itinerary courtesy of our diversion due to road closures in northern SA. We had a look at the Henbury Meteorite Craters, and then headed to Finke Gorge NP to bush-camp along the river-bed. The track roughly followed the river bed and scenic stops included Boggy Hole, Police Station ruins and a walk through the picturesque Palm Valley before an overnight camp at the picturesque Palm Valley camping area.

The following day we headed via Alice Springs across to the eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Over the next couple of days we visited Emily & Jessie Gaps, Corroborree Rock, Trephina NP and D’Hala Gorge. There was a lot to see at Arltunga Historical Reserve and we easily filled an interesting 3-4 hours looking around this early gold rush town and mines. Self-guided walks allowed us to explore various sites including government battery, residential buildings, and going underground in the shallow mines. Next stop was Ruby Gap NP with the last 2 km of track through Ruby Gap to Glen Annie Gorge having a few tricky sections.

We spent our last Saturday in Alice Springs before leaving for the trip home. Many thanks to Russell for leading the trip and to Toni for assisting in trip planning including checking out accommodation and carrying firewood on her roof-racks.
Postal
Summit Trax 4wd Club Inc.
Postal Address PO Box 594 Littlehampton SA 5250
Contact
info@summittrax.com.au
Location
Anembo Park Sports and Recreation Clubrooms
Princes Highway, Littlehampton