Day 8 - 10th July- Wednesday- Kings Canyon to
Alice Springs
A little late waking after an enjoyable evening last night.
We then had breakfast in the beautiful surroundings there before heading for a
5 hour drive to Alice Springs. A relaxing day for all in the car, whilst Dad
drove all the way to Alice Springs. We arrived about 3pm, giving plenty of time
to organise setting up while having a quite beer, before having a lovely roast
dinner cooked in our new bbq.
Riley and Abbey found Paris from Riley’s class riding her
bike around, so we ended up catching up with them for a couple of drinks –
knowing they were leaving the next day.
A really nice catch up with Britt and Fred, from back home, while
the kids were having a gr8 time inside the van playing games.
Day 9- 11th July- Alice Springs.
We spent considerable
amount of time getting going this morning, after a few late night drinks.
Leanne got the washing happening, her first load for the holidays! While Vin
spent the morning trying to see if he had extras cover on the car as we had
received a small crack in our windscreen.
Once we remembered who we had insured the Prado with thanks to our
lovely neighbours back home, Kerrie and Pam who had to go to our house to check,
Vin realised he had organise the extras cover, so we were covered for the
damage! So Vin set off into Alice to get windscreen fixed. In the afternoon we ventured to the School of
the Air. We saw a very interesting presentation and this was great for our kids
to gain knowledge and see how the School of the Air operates how the students
interact over the net with their teachers.
After this we went to ANZAC Hill, which was a look out in
the heart of Alice Springs for a few photos. A fairly relaxed day and no BIG
walks included, as we thought we would give Abbey and Riley a break today. On
returning to the caravan park, Abbey’s friend Erica, who she met in King
Canyon’s had arrived in Alice Springs. We went to see the man and his famous
singing dingo, which the park had organised. After an hour of listening to him
waffle on there was still not a note from the dingos mouth, at least Riley got
a lick on the face from the dingo. False advertising really, but we enjoyed the
free cheese and biscuits!
That night while cooking at the BBQ, which is a great place
to meet other co-travellers, we met a couple from Shepparton, who had 3
children (Abbey, Lockie & Ellie). That night Abbey and Riley and many of
the other children stayed at the park, all playing Cops and Robbers. This was
to become a highlight for the children over the next few nights!!!
Day 10 - 12th July- Alice Springs
(West MacDonnell Ranges)
Woke to another beautiful day in Alice Springs and ready to
get the hiking shoes back out and head to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Slight
problem for Riley though as the night before he stubbed his big toe quite badly
so he was not keen to put his shoes on! We headed off about 9.30am for a big
day of exploring. Our first stop being Simpson Gap, which was only a short walk
and the highlight, was seeing the Rock Wallabies. Our next stop was only a
short drive to Stanley Chasm; we couldn’t believe they made you pay $25 to walk
40mins to the Chasm. It was beautiful, but what a rip off!!!
The next stop on the agenda, was Ellery Creek Big Hole
(don’t think this is an indigenous name). This walk lead us to a beautiful
water hole, but the water was freezing cold, Riley was the bravest by taking
his shoes and socks off to paddle in the water. Back to the car and then onto
Glen Helen Gorge, nice outback bar but a little too early for a beer. Then our
final stop for the day was Ormiston Gorge. This was a beautiful spot as the
Gorge had sheer red walls and a permanent waterhole. The walk to the water hole
was only short, but Abbey and Leanne took the challenge to walk to the lookout.
Riley was over it and had done well, considering his sore toe, so Vin and him stayed
at the waterhole while the girls did their climb!
Returned to the park about 5.30pm after another big day of
exploring! We loved the West MacDonnell Ranges, with highlight being Ormiston
Gorge. A quiet night for the adults, but a big night of Cops and Robbers for
the kids in the playground.
Day 11 - 13th July- Alice Springs (Camel Cup)
We decided to get amongst the locals today at the annual
Camel Cup. Alice Springs has its own Camel racing track especially for this
event. It is big fundraiser for the community and last year they raised over
$80,000 for local clubs in Alice. The day started with a parade, followed by
camel races, children’s races and activities. Riley was looking for the form
guide in the program, but couldn’t find one because there was no betting on the
camel races! Something we thought a bit strange, but probably a good thing
really. A highlight for Abbey at the races was having a go on the Bungee
Trampolines!
On returning from the races we had 2 very happy boys, as the
Richmond v Gold Coast game was on tv live!!!! That evening the park organised a
didgeridoo performance. Unlike the singing dog, he was really good! He played
for over an hour and explained how to play this amazing sounding instrument
(unbelievably Riley even left watching the footy to experience listening to the
didgeridoo). He was very entertaining! Another enjoyable day in Alice.
Camel Cup. Abbey experienced her first Bunge Trampolining.
Day 12 - 14th July- Alice Springs
(East MacDonnell Ranges)
This is our last day in Alice Springs; it has been really
lovely being in the same spot for a few days and not worrying about setting or
packing up! Today we are going to explore the East MacDonnell Ranges after
enjoying a pancake breakfast put on by the caravan park.
We started the day with a fix for the girls of shopping at
the Todd Mall Markets. Although Vin and Riley did get new sunnies, Vin got over
it all and decided to go and do the food shopping. The other 3 fluffed around
at the market for a little longer before meeting Dad at the shops. After
getting that out of the way we returned our shopping to home base before
venturing to the East MacDonnell Ranges.
We decided to drive further down the road to the East
MacDonnell Ranges first where we found Trephina Gorge. Certainly a beautiful
Gorge, just a pity there was no water in it. After this Vin got to have his
first real fix of 4WD. It was a trip down to John Hayes Rockhole, which was severe
off road driving. The 3 kids enjoyed it, however Leanne still had reservations
about her??? beautiful new car being damaged. 4km’s took about 20 minutes to
get there, I’m not sure the Starlett would have made it. The actual Water hole
was quite beautiful, however it again missed having enough water in it to make
it look as spectacular.
On the journey back we also dropped into Corroboree Rock
which was quite fascinating and Emily’s Gap which featured some Indigenous
paintings. A very pleasant drive with a very picturesque scenery, I think
possibly even nicer than the West, certainly different anyway.
Upon returning to the campsite again the children met with
their friends and went playing at the playground. Leanne and Vin stayed
organising for home made pizzas (although Vin’s Pizza Stone had cracked from
our 4X4 expeditions- Vin’s fun always break things). Home/ Camp made pizzas
were a hit, with other Abbey commenting to her Dad how they should have pizzas
(had same bbq). Unbelievably the children were told off at 8-45 for being too
loud at the park- and then they moved their circle to near our van, where they
were again told off for being too loud at 9-30pm. Very weird considering
previous nights they been out till 11pm with no sanctions.
Day 13 - 15th July- Alice Springs to Renner Springs
Departed Alice for our long trip to wherever (we didn’t know
where/ whether Wycliffe Well, Tennant Creek, Banka Banka, Devil’s Marbles,
Elliott or even all the way to Daly Waters), eventually stopping for the night
at Renner Springs. Once Vin get’s on a mission driving, we just keep on going.
A few stops along the way: Tropic of Capricorn (photo op); Devil’s Marbles-
fascinating; Tennant Creek (petrol- and that was long enough); nearly Banka
Banka (decided to keep going anyway it looked nice); and finally stopping at
Renner Springs which only had unpowered sights left.
Devil’s Marbles was certainly a bizarre place to visit. We
spent a good half an hour climbing up and down numerous rocks. They’re
certainly a very unique formation out in the middle of nowhere. Abbey certainly
didn’t like the toilets and refused to go! Although very hot at the time, a fun
time was had climbing/ exploring these wonderful creations.
A nice enough campground although right next to the highway
(a little noisy at night- road trains cruising past). Fortunate enough to be
next to some other campers whom the kids met from Alice, Lachie and Darcy. We met their parents Corbin and Julie from
Cranbourne which helped make it an enjoyable night for all. The highlight for
the kids was being able to right our names on the wall of the pub that evening.
Day 14 - 16th July- Renner Springs to Daly Waters
A very enlightening morning! Corbin enlightened us of how we
could’ve had lights and fridge working last night. The lights through the car
connection and the fridge on gas (oh 5 years of a van and still such
novices)!!! You never know now Leanne may actually be keener to have the
occasional free camp.
Quick 2 hour drive to Daly Waters, a nice change! Recommended
by many to stop at this famous pub. About 10km’s of the main road. Initially
upon arriving the scene wasn’t great with quite a dusty campground and a hot
windy day, but once Leanne got to see the inside of the pub, SHE WAS SOLD on
the place!!! Very interesting pub full of clutter from travellers from all over
the world! eg. Caps, badges, cards, bras, undies, sports tops, etc.
We quickly booked in and were set up in a flash, fortunately
having a character of a neighbour from Adelaide called Jimbo (and Kim). Leanne quickly
booked our beef and barra for dinner and the kids set about getting in the
pool. After about 4 hours in the pool for the kids and 2 hours for dad it was
time to head odd for Happy Hour. We met some very nice travellers from W.A.
(Marty, Cheryl and Family from Perth) and (Dion and family from Bundaberg-
south of Perth??), who we spent the night with.
A very nice feed, some good music, a few good laughs and
some fun playing pool, made for a enjoyable night at Daly Waters. The last
performer became a little serious with a slideshow/ song about Tiananmen Square
and the hero who stood in front of the tank.
A late night with some interrupted sleep as we were right in
front of the toilets. The rule of the toilets was to knock before entering-
which the kids thought was funny. That was until people were doing it loudly in
the middle of the night! Overall happy to have stayed at the famous Daly Waters!!!
Day 15 - 17th July- Daly Waters to Katherine (via
Mataranka).
Almost last to leave as usual (particularly in Daly Waters-
everybody left really early), we ventured to Mataranka where we thought we may
stay the night. Only a couple of hours drive which again was a nice change. Some
very beautiful greenery here with a couple of very nice springs that we
visited.
Firstly we went to the Mataranka Springs which were kid
friendly and certainly a lovely temperature. Spent an hour there splashing
around before being recommended to go to Bitter Springs which were bigger and
nicer, with also a demonstration of Fresh Water Barramundi coming up to feed
from your hand.
We went to watch the demonstration of feeding Barra, with
Vin hopping in and having a go (a little scary as they come up to feed)! Spent
some time watching others feed (Riley knocking Dad’s towel into the water). We
also met Marty and family there also. Ended up having lunch at the café there
for a treat, which was most enjoyable. After lunch we headed to the Bitter Springs.
The Bitter Springs seemed more natural and certainly were
larger (hence not as kid friendly). Vin, Riley and Abbey went floating down the
springs (quite deep- so Riley freaked out a little at first). He composed
himself and we kept going. Further down there were lots of spider webs with
fairly large spiders –orb spiders sitting lowly over the springs (Abbey’s turn
to freak out). After some gentle persuasion, we managed to all get to the end
to meet a concerned Mum (with our shoes for the walk back- oh what a Mum).
A lady noticed our conundrum and lent us a noodle to float
down own, so Riley and Vin floated down again (very brave Riley). We bumped
into Jimbo again at these springs. It was mid-afternoon which meant it was
decision time as to whether to stay in Mataranka or head to Katherine. Vin met
Marty in the shop who tried to encourage him to stay with them in Mataranka but
upon returning to the car the girls had made the decision to venture to
Katherine even though we could only get unpowered sites (Leanne is growing).
Riley wasn’t happy with the decision!!!
Three quarters of the way to Katherine after we’d been only
just talking about when Fran and family were arriving in the area we received a
text from Fran advising that they had just done Litchfield and were heading to
Katherine- oh how this made our boys attitude change, particularly when he
found out they were staying in the same park.
We arrived at about 5-15pm and set up. Fran and family
getting there about 6pm when we had all set
up and ready for a beer. So we had a nice catch up with a few lagers before
having dinner at the camp kitchen where we met a lovely couple from Holland
(Ralph Irma and Twan). The kids ended up playing Halli Galli with Twan before
Fran and family came back over and joined us. Another latish night for all!!!
White Ant Nests- famous around this area!
Mataranka Springs- most relaxing!
White Ant Nests- famous around this area!
