March 28 – 30. Trephina Gorge East MacDonnell Ranges

April 4, 2018 - Reading time: 2 minutes

Arrived around one and explored the two campgrounds, deciding upon the gorge campground and site 8 which gives us some early morning sun but good afternoon shade and excellent for our solar panel all at a cost of $6.60 per night! After setting up and lunch we had a nice walk through the gorge along the river bed. The white rivergums here are spectacular! Had a lovely meal, played crib and had an early night. Close to warmest night so far but a dry heat.

On Thursday morning we completed the Gorge rim walk which provided some superb views of both the gorge and surrounding landscape, which was quite green due to the rainfall two weeks ago. The difference in Vegetation between the creek bed with it’s rivergums and the hills with their wattle and spinifex is quite staggering especially when it is caused by a height difference of less than fifty metres. In the afternoon we visited Ross River station resort – resort in a very loose fashion – a few rooms, pool, camping area, dining room and bar, however it was a place of great charm with the homestead which was used as reception, bar and dining room being built in the 1880’s. The Coopers sparkling ales went down brilliantly on a quite hot afternoon.

After the rim walk yesterday we were both looking forward to the Panorama walk and it would be fair to say that it did not disappoint. Though a more difficult walk due to the steep ascent, it provided breathtaking views of the camping area, Trephina gorge itself and Mordor Pound.

We are both surprised how quiet and peaceful it is here, especially since it is the Easter holiday break!

View from the top of the Gorge THE Gorge wall we camped below... the colour changes at sunrise and sunset were far more spectacular than Uluru