If we thought the east side of the MacDonnell Ranges was great, the west side was spectacular. This whole mountain range is an ancient landscape with many gaps and gorges caused by vast amounts of water pushing through the rock over millions of years. It doesn’t take much imagination to visualise it in the time of dinosaurs. The landscape is so rugged and raw. It is stunning.

On day one we meandered along Larapinta Drive onto Namatjira Drive, stopping at Simpson’s Gap, Ellery Creek Water Hole and then camped at Ormiston Gorge. All three were lovely. We should have swum in Ellery Creek as there was plenty water but we wanted to wait until we had set up camp at Ormiston. Unfortunately there wasn’t as much water in the gorge there and we decided on a shower instead. The walking and camping facilities at these places are so well done. Ormiston Gorge even has a kiosk which sells Aboriginal art as well as amazing scones.

On day two, we stopped at the Ochre Pits. This was fascinating. The pits consist of many layers of multi-coloured, layered rock that is traditionally used by Indigenous Australians in ceremonies, as medicine and was once traded between different Aboriginal countries across Australia.

We moved on from the Ochre Pits to Standley Chasm. This is the only gorge we had to pay for and it was about $10 each. We were more than happy to pay as we had had so many beautiful gorges to enjoy for free. This area, like so many we have seen, has huge cultural importance to the First Nations People and is, in fact operated by the local Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation. There is a lovely little cafe and shop, and the walk up to the Chasm is on an easy track that is well maintained. The Chasm itself is incredible. The colours, as you can see by the picture above, are a vibrant red, particularly around midday. We loved it here!