Central Australia

Hi bundy my mate just came back from the red centre one place he said was palm valley great camping spots he said he did the uluru thing then on to kings cannan but to stay there you have to book in advance so they stayed out at kings creek .then they went on to the Alice via palm valley ,it,s a good idea to do day trips out to the gorges as thats what we did last year dont miss Ellery creek big hole nice place bloody freezing cold water it took me 10 mins to get in the water but then again the wife reckons i,m a woose .any way have a great time happy planning cheer,s greendog

3 - 4 weeks is enough time to see the area quite well and there is heaps to see.

Suggest that you are all well equipped for walking because there is plenty of it and you will be well rewarded for the effort. Be prepared to carry water and food (backpacks/web belt) so you can take your time and see the areas really well.

The walk from John Hayes Rock Holes to Trephina Gorge in the East Macs is a must do. About 10km and spectacular scenery. Trephina Gorge is a nice spot to camp too. The walk through John Hayes Rock Holes is also excellent and about 3 - 4 km.

After Palm Valley (do the walk through the valley) keep heading West to Gosse Bluff. No camping but well worth the look. The road eventually goes through the West Macs and you can visit the gorges starting from the Western end.

A walk through the Olgas and sunset over the Olgas.

Kings Canyon of course and try to get to the actual spot where the water cascades into the canyon itself.

There are plenty of places to 'bush camp' if you research it well.

We got our cubs to write diaries and my wife did a detailed one too. They often refer to them for school projects.

:)

Bundy,
We are off on a similar trip in June 2005. Possibly four vehicles going. We are going down through Innaminka, Marree, Oodnadatta, Ullaru, Alice Springs, Tanami Rd and over to Broome. If nobody ends up comming with us we will only go as far a Alice and back through the Plenty Highway as our contingency plan. More time in the area anyway if that happens and not as much travelling. Love to hear what you come up with. I have a lot of tourist brouchers from freinds who did a bus tour recently. the place looks very interesting.

Wayne

Bundy

Bundy,

We did the centre Sept/Oct last year and really it was all spectacular.

The place I would have liked to have more time was Redbank Gorge. After swiming across the first pool you can follow the creek up the gorge from pool to pool and it is truly amazing. The creek bed is polished rock and maybe 100m below the top of the cliffs above. In many places as you work your way up the gorge you are touching both sides at once (anyone who has been in canyons in the Blue Mts will know what I mean).

I was running out of time and the water was colder in each successive pool, so much so that the first one felt warm when I got back.

There is bush camping permitted on the road in to Redbank. Looked very basic and perhaps a bit exposed but definatley quiet.

Palm Valley also great, as was Chambers Pillar. At both of these get there early as the good campsites go first.

Have a good trip
Jealous again
Duncs.

Redbank Gorge is off the beaten track but well worth the visit. Itr was the highlight of our last trip to the Centre. The ridgetop campsite near Redbank Gorge has magnificent views, if you ignore the rocky ground.
Palm Valley is a must-see.
If you have a real 4WD, the drive to Boggy Hole is great, and we liked the campsite. No facilities but beautiful scenery.
Other than that, there's lots of spots to explore in the West Macs. Haven't done the East Macs yet.

I'm taking a group of friends around the Centre in June 2005 - that will be my third tour of the area.

Cheers
John
Oodnadatta

Hi Bundy,
We spent 2 weeks in the area a couple of years ago and it wasn't long enough. Standley Chasm is worth a look and is an easy day trip out of Alice. Palm Gorge/Finke National Park was definalty a highlight but set up camp early and then explore. We did it the other way and nearly missed out on a spot.

The Plenty H'way is a comfortable 2 day trip from Boulia. We overnighted at Jervois Station but you can bush camp on the Plenty River just west of Jervois.

Had hoped to catch up with you for a cordial at Gin Gin but you got away too quickly. Maybe next year.

See Ya
PatC

Hi Bundy
We camped Jervois Station for the night for a couple of bucks. Peaceful spot off the road with hot showers. They've got fuel there and do tyre repairs. There's a Trek Note with some photos on this site and David and Michelle travelled the Plenty in 1999. Their travel journal is worthwhile reading as well.

We all had a ball at the Camp Oven Cookout and am looking forward to next year and maybe a bigger group. Don't forget to send us some flyers to put around the place. My email is Pat_Cronin at bigpond dot com

See Ya
PatC