22 July, 2016
After Curtain Springs we took the sealed Luritja Road to Kathleen Springs and walked the gorge where the Rainbow Snake passed. Many birds flitted in the ruby saltbush. Where the spring crossed the path, huge tadpoles swam like the ones we saw in the Uluru pools. Camels had destroyed most of the blue quondongs that once grew here but they have been replanted.
Camp for the night was at the King’s Canyon Resort and later we walked to the viewing platform to join the multitudes. We are not used to the crowds.
An early start for the walk up King’s Canyon and we were on the road again along the Red Centre Way, another dusty, corrugated and rocky road.
Once we turned the Camel’s Hump and drove along the Gardiner’s Range, the scenery became stunning with red outcrops and cliffs studded with vivid green spinifex close to the road. We called into Albert Namitijara’s house, a small two roomed cottage he built for himself.
The sign at the Palm Valley Road announced the 21 kilometre drive to be EXTREME 4WD – ALLOW 3 HOURS, however we found the drive to the camp through the valley of the Finke River to be better than the main road. The numerous river crossings allowed us to give the vehicles a much needed wash.
24 July, 2016
We discovered the extreme 4wd track was the five kilometres up to Palm valley over numerous rocky crossings and rocky outcrops. The gorge is really spectacular, probably the most stunning we have seen this trip. Cycads grew on the cliff faces and the tall palms were a grand backdrop. We heard many birds but saw few and other than the multitudes of black ants, saw no wildlife.
We thought we’d seen the best of the park until we took the short climb to the lookout near the camp.
It gave a wide panorama over the amphitheatre of balancing rocks, weathered cliffs displaying a rich palette of desert greens and browns which would have been a perfect place to film a Wild West movie. Some cowboys allowed me to take a photo.
The Hermannsburg Historical Precinct is the former Lutheran Mission and we called in and walked in and around the 1890’s buildings which was a change from the natural delights we had been experiencing these past weeks.
Two nights in a bed in Alice had us ready for the road again. We needed the camp beds for a good sleep!