Day 39 Western MacDonnell Ranges part 1

To explore the Western MacDonnell Ranges we decided to have an early start but due too the very cold temperatures to drive to the last point of interest before the Mereenie Loop Road and visit the lookouts and sights on the way back to Alice Springs, when the temperature was risen to around 20C. First stop on the way was the Tyler Pass Lookout for some views on Glosse Bluff (Tnorala), which was our next stop. Glosse Bluff/Tnorala is reached by a not so good 4x4 gravel road, but it is worth the drive: you are in the middle of the crater. There is a short walk and a lookout point offering some stunning views on the crater wall (unfortunately, I cannot upload any movies or the full panorama photos, so the photos don´t look as impressive as they could...)

Next on the road was Redback Gorge. The information board described the walk as a 30min one-way family stroll – well, it was walking through the sandy & dry river with more and more rock climbing to finally reach the gorge. The smell was horrible, as all the fish (naturally every summer) died and slowly decompose. The views on the walk and at the gorge are well worth the effort, just make sure you bring good shoes and the time for the walk.

After a short revival break, we were heading to the Mt Sonder Lookout for some nice views of the area. Just next to the Mt Sonder Lookout is the Helen Gorge campground, where we got our permit for driving the Mereenie Loop Road to Kings Canyon later in the week. There is an easy walk down to Helen Gorge, where you can also jump in and go for a swim. Stuart was ready but decided that it was by far too cold – water & air for a swim today, so he enjoyed the little bridges over the water. From Helen Gorge we were heading back to Alice Springs leaving all the other points of interest for another day of exploring the Western MacDonnell Ranges.

Back in Alice Springs we decided to watch a sunset at Anzac Hill. It is a steep drive (or walk) up to the hill with limited parking. On the hill are information available about the wars of the last years & decades and plenty of information to read til the sun sets and sky turns reddish.