Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge is deep within the West Macdonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs. Here, desert gives way to vertical red cliffs, tall ghost gum trees and hip-high grasses. There is also an abundance of white, purple, pink and yellow flowers which are starting to develop seeds. The air is abuzz with insects and birds, and the shady earth is a haven for lizards.

There is a well appointed campground 500m from the gorge with 20 or so sites, and is very popular with tourists as it provides both flushing toilets and showers. Here, children run around playing chasey and squeal with delight, as parents drink a cold beer and turn sausages on the barbeques which are also supplied to guests.

In the afternoon when the sun is hottest, you should throw on your bathers and take the 10 minute stroll to the gorge, which boasts a permanent pond of very cold water, abutted by a sandy beach on either side. If you sit on the sand, look up and around you – the tall cliffs surround you on all sides and are a haven for flacons who circle the area using strong thermals which rise from the warm valley. Jase and I discovered that a cold beer and a slice of fruit cake is a highly pleasant way to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our surrounds. Passers-by looked at us with envy, commenting “You guys have got the right idea!”

If you can be bothered, the walk atop the cliff is remarkable, and you even get a glorious view of the pond and its swimmers below. There is a whole world up here, unseen by those basking in the sunlight (or shade, depending on what side of the gorge you are) below.

We are here for three nights. It’s only just barely enough to really take in all that the area has to offer. And it is also the perfect spot to set up camp and spend each day touring the countryside – there are many gorges and rivers to visit, and many splendid walks to enjoy.