Gem Tree and East McDonnell Ranges

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 14:30
ThreadID: 85682 Views:2087 Replies:9 FollowUps:3
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Hi
Planning a trip to the East McDonnell's in June. We have done a fair bit of camping around the Red Centre but not the East McDonnell's. As a general rule we prefer bush camping and usually try to avoid caravan and tourist parks. Some fossicking around Gem Tree seems appealing but not sure if Gem Tree would turn out to be a busy tourist trap with little real original bush appeal. I would value any opinions and information on both Gem Tree as a destination and any other advice on the best places to camp in the East McDonnell's.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers
Dave
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Reply By: Hairy (WA) - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 14:56

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 14:56
Gday,
You can camp at Gem Tree in the caravan park or out on the Gem fields if you prefer bush camping. There was a long drop out on the field supplied by the Alice gem club but was full last time I was there. Might have been shifted by now?
There are a couple of different ways you can go......Straight up the bitumen, Cattle water pass, or another track through the Gardens Station.

Cheers
AnswerID: 451542

Reply By: Sigmund - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 15:20

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 15:20
Trephina Gorge is worth a look if not a camp. And if there's been rain check out the Jack Hayes Rock Hole via a sidetrack on the way in. Sunset in the valley leading into Trephina can be a knock-out.

All up the East Mac is much smaller than the West but still worth a visit, inc. going out out to the old mines. One of them's open.

Have fun.
AnswerID: 451547

Follow Up By: Hairy (WA) - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 19:41

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 19:41
John Hayes.
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Reply By: Motherhen - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 15:31

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 15:31
Hi Dave

We never went as far as Gem Tree, but found the Eat MacDonnells lovely, with soft colouring and very different to the West Macs. We camped at Trephina National Parks Campground and based ourselves there for walks and drives, including a full day at Arltunga Historic Reserve, and N'Dhala petroglyph site another day. We didn't get as far as Ruby Gap either.

Cheap bush style camping with facilities including free gas barbecues at Trephina main camp ground. The John Hayes rock hole campground did not appeal as much as the main campground, and the track in follows a narrow rocky creek bed (:O fun with the width of the F250 :O).

You can read about our tour here:
The East MacDonnells

Motherhen
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Follow Up By: Member - David T (SA) - Thursday, Apr 21, 2011 at 11:07

Thursday, Apr 21, 2011 at 11:07
Thanks Motherhen. Just read your blog and now I'm really impatient to hit the tracks again. Looks like we might even get the chance to do the Birdsville Track ferry.
Happy Tavels
Dave
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Reply By: wendys - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 16:33

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 16:33
Some of the sites at Gemtree are tucked in amongst the bush. Have a central fire pit in a clearing, with spots for a few rigs around each one. We found it very pleasant, went for a few days and stayed much longer. There is some great country to explore round there, apart from the gem stuff.
AnswerID: 451555

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 17:45

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 17:45
Hi Dave,

There are a number of places to camp - Ruby Gap (bush camping, spectacular) N'Dhala Gorge, (basic amenities, small site) and the Ross River campground if it is still open is OK too. Also Trephina Gorge and Arltunga. There is a good bush camp in a big clump of gidgee at the northern end of Cattlewater Pass, and the Gemtree campground is good. There is also a good drive that runs south from the Gemtree fossicking area that joins up with the tourist drive coming in from the Stuart Highway - there are some good bush campsites along that track too.

The East MasDonnells are beautiful, you could easily spend a couple of weeks there as there is so much to see. I have written about some of these areas in our blogs.

Cheers,

Val.
J and V
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Follow Up By: Members Pa & Ma. - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 19:54

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 19:54
Hi David,
I've just followed up with our ideas but I hit the wrong button & it's gone. Basically, it said that we agree with J and V.
However, we much prefer Ross River Camp ground than Gem tree.
Take care, safe travels.
Bye for now, Ma.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 19:39

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 19:39
I endorse the spots already posted, especially Cattle Water Pass. Good camp spots along the way, and it will take longer than you think.
Add Ruby Gap Gorge.

Cheers,
Peter
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AnswerID: 451575

Reply By: Livin On The Road - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 20:17

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 20:17
We went to Gemtree last year.We found that going along Plenty Hwy we couln't find anywhere else suitable to camp for the night. The caravan park is Gemtree. Nothing else there, fairly quiet, but definately a caravan park.

Zircon fossicking was too muddy and boggy from recent rains when we were there. Garnet fossicking was fun.
AnswerID: 451581

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 08:13

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 08:13
Gday Dave,
Ruby Gap was closed by road damage for most of last year, and according to the current road report it is still closed. Closer to the time, its worth checking the following site:
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport/obstructions-closures.jsp
AnswerID: 451611

Reply By: Member - David T (SA) - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 11:33

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 11:33
Thankyou to all who have replied. Some very useful information. My wife and I appreciate your help. We are hoping Ruby Gap will be open but if not I'm sure we'll still have a great time.
Cheers
Dave
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