Alice Springs to Adelaide
Posted by Kirsty on November 23rd 2007
Written on the 2007 London to Sydney expedition
Continuing our ‘outback’ adventure we headed west from Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park – a stunning range that stands 800 metres above the surrounding flat landscape. The MacDonnell’s are characterised by a series of hill ranges with impressive gaps, deep gorges and cool waterholes. We stopped at various gorges for bushwalking and swimming in the waterholes with the Red Canyon being a favourite. Continuing around the Merinnee Loop we hiked around the amazing Kings Canyon with ancient cycads (many hundreds of years old).
It was then onto the crowning jewel of the red centre – Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Our first view of Uluru was at 5.30 in the morning (yes still dark) with the Southern Cross star constellation hanging beautifully just above it – absolutely magic. Strategically positioned we enjoyed hot drinks whilst sitting on the roof of the truck watching as the sun slowly lit the worlds largest monolith and revealed it stunning red colour. Some people chose to climb the rock whilst most enjoyed a leisurely walk around the base. Onto Kata Tjuta, equally as awe inspiring, we hiked through the Valley of the Winds (where surprisingly enough it was very windy). Back to Uluru for sunset we again enjoyed the view from the truck roof, this time with a few ‘coldies’ in hand. Back to camp for kangaroo kebabs – what a day.
Coober Pedy was our next stop, the opal mining capital of Australia where its population mostly live underground to escape the summer heat. We stocked up and set off for Australia’s smallest town, William’s Creek (population of 10). A night was spent in the infamous pub, enjoying a few ales and talking tall stories with the locals (yep, just about the whole population were there). It was time to get serious in our 6WD and brave the Oodnadatta Track that follows the Ghan Railway Line. Luckily or unluckily (depending how you look at it), the track was no problem, in fact we were travelling along it doing the same speed we were on the Stuart Highway. We heard a couple of days later that it had rained and the track had been closed to all vehicles.
Entering South Australia we had a couple of days to explore the Flinders Ranges National Park, highlight of which was Wilpena Pound, a natural sandstone rock formation shaped like a big bowl. We were rewarded with wildlife sightings such as Emus (and Emu chicks – very cute), Common Wallaroo (aka Euro), various wallabies and kangaroos – not too mention Black Cockatoos, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and hundreds of ‘Flamin Galahs’.
Driving through South Australia’s premier wine country we stopped off in the picturesque Clare Valley, where many world famous wineries are situated. We started the morning off with tastings at the oldest winery in the region, Seven Hills Vineyard run by Jesuits. A well needed pub lunch was taken at the beautiful Watervale Pub, then we hit numerous other wineries in the afternoon – Annie’s Lane, Paulett and Mintaro vineyards. Camping within walking distance of the Magpie and Stump Pub in Mintaro capped off a perfect day.
Heading onwards and upwards, or downwards as the case may be, we hit the south coast of Australia and stayed on the beach in Adelaide, South Australia’s capital. It is a friendly city with a relaxed atmosphere and an alfresco café and restaurant culture.
Having driven from the top end to the bottom end of Australia, we will now follow the coast around to the east and then north heading for our penultimate destination, Sydney…
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