Today we decided to venture out to the West MacDonnell Ranges. After just over an hours’ drive, we arrived at the furthest point that we decided to go to, Orminston Gorge. The weather was very cloudy and a bit chilly so after a walk down to the waterhole, we all opted NOT to go for a swim! Instead, we got a hot drink from the cafe along with a scone and muffin to enjoy with the 2 billion flies!

Back down the road a bit and we were at the Ochre Pits. What amazing colours were on display for us to see. A pretty incredible sight.

Next was Serpentine Gorge which had a pretty big climb to the lookout at the top, “G” and the boys ventured up but “A” opted to stop at the bottom today as her little asthmatic lungs were not enjoying the cold air very much. Instead she ventured through the bottom of the Gorge which was really pretty with a nice little waterhole (not for swimming!) framed by the stunning gorge walls.

By this stage the boys were pretty warm from their walk and keen to get into a waterhole so perfectly timed our next stop was Ellery Creek Big Hole. This place would be fantastic on a hot day as the water looked incredible to swim in. Two brave souls had swum out right through the gorge. The boys decided they were getting in despite how cold it was. They went for a few very quick swims before deciding enough was enough – probably because their fingers and lips were blue as the water really was freezing!

Dried off and jumpers on, huddled back up in the car and we took off to Standley Chasm. This is the only commercialised spot on the whole West MacDonnell Ranges, requiring payment to walk into the chasm itself. It wasn’t a difficult walk and the chasm at the end was very cool with the sheer height of the rock walls either side of you making you feel very small.

Simpson’s Gap was the final stop on our adventure today, with the fine rocky river bed so pretty, would be awesome to see this area full of water but we were glad we were able to walk right to the end of Simpson’s Gap which is a really pretty spot.

All in all, we decided one day was probably not enough to enjoy the true beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Lots of the stops had campsites and in nicer weather you could easily lose yourself out here for a few days. By this stage it was close to 4pm so we headed back home so the boys could hit the slide at the pool for one last time. They stayed in the pool until about 5:30pm at which point we decided it was time for a quick hot shower then walk across the road to the Alice Springs Brewing Co for dinner.

Unfortunately, Wednesday night at the pub is also pizza night so we were unable to order anything other than pizza for dinner. We got three different pizzas to share which were all good. After pizza, we walked back to the caravan park and hit the strawberry van for another serve of pancakes and mousse for dessert which was probably well earned as we didn’t really stop for a proper lunch today, rather just snacked in the car as we drove between sights.