Tnorala (Gosse Bluff)
Conservation Reserve
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| View from the road as we approached Tnorala – Gosse Bluff |
Gosse Bluff is the remnant of a once massive crater which
towered hundreds of metres above the surrounding plains. There was once an outer rim up to 20k from
the impact zone, but all that remains today is the inner core which is about
5km in diameter. Gosse Bluff has been
extensively studied to work out its origins and it is apparently the most
studied impact structure in Australia.
For those of you who read about our time in the Alice Springs Araluen
Cultural Precinct you would have seen a mould of this crater – one of several
that can be found in this region.
Apart
from the fascinating story behind the formation of this structure – it was one
of the most stunning areas we walked in.
The view from the main hill on the walk really showed the circular
nature of the crater and from the floor you felt surrounded by magnificent red
walls and hills. To get into the
conservation park is a 4WD road – which wasn’t full on but did have some bits
across a creek bed that I definitely would not have been taking my Camry
across. Topping our fantastic experience
off here – we got to see and this time photograph a superb blue wren in the
wild. A truly remarkably coloured
central Australian occupant.
Hermannsburg
After our trip into Tnorala we drove around to Hermannsburg. We were fortunate to see wild brumbies – some
just grazing others galloping alongside the road on our way there. Now as travelers we do occasionally forget
what day it is, or forget what the day means.
Well we arrived in Hermannsburg on a Sunday and most of the town was of
course closed. However, we were
fortunate that the historic Kata-Anga tearooms (part of the original Lutheran
mission) were open. They had
unfortunately run out of their light lunch options meaning we had to resort to
the mouth wateringly yummy apple strudel and scones they are famous for
(sometimes you just have to let the healthy lunch rules go when you travel).
Glen Helen Gorge
During our stay in the West Macs and surrounds we based
ourselves at Glen Helen Gorge. The gorge
is a magnificent part of the national park, but the land around it was a former
cattle station and now a homestead lodge offering accommodation (camping
through to rooms) and a range of dining options. We loved staying here – finding the
campground to be basic but beautiful. We
decided not to have dinner at the restaurant instead opting for a breakfast
with a view to die for (I am sure the food tasted great but I still mostly
remember the view). David made friends
with one of the locals who took to him straight off and visited just him a
number of times. The boys and I also had
a lovely (and yes refreshing) swim to the otherside of the gorge (although this time we just rested before returning)
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David and friend
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But best of all Glen Helen Gorge is a stones throw from the camp ground making it really easy to do dawn photos which is when the gorge is at its best (thanks for the tip Cheryl). Mr C accompanied me both mornings we did the Glen Helen sunrise, the third morning both boys came with me as we did a short drive to the Mt Sonder lookout and watched the sunrise there.
Mr C spent sometime trying to get that photo of the duck
swimming in the gorge – he was really pleased with his effort. I think it is a great shot.
Mt Sonder Lookout
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| Its hard work getting up this early, taking great photos and holding up such a big mountain. I think we need to go back to the homestead for some more brekkie! |
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