Wed, 3rd July, 2024 Bluff Campground, Trephina Gorge Nature Park to Bush camp near Arltunga fossicking area, NT (Part 1 - exploring East Macdonnell Ranges)

Only down to 6 degrees in the camper, thankfully not the -2 forecasted. Though when we went outside at 9.30am it felt like -2. Vapour puffs from our breath etc. Lots of clouds.

Drove back to the picnic area and got out our big coats. The young French couple were there getting ready to do the long Ridgetop walk (9km one way). They were only in a tent - when you are young you can cope with a lot more!!

We decided to just do the Gorge walk (orange dots).

Down to the creek then up the hillside. Great view half way up along the gorge wall, over the creek and back down.

The hillside is covered in bright yellow flowers and little trees with red flowers.

The clouds are moving off so we can feel a bit more sun on our faces now. The wind is still bitingly cold though. Continued upward.

Chatted with others who are doing the long walk till we got to the turn off. They headed up the hill and we continued around the rim. Great views.

Further along we look down where the creek turns then head down the rocks.

Found some ‘rock art’!

Worked up some body heat so were able to unzip our coats then the wind hits us! View up the valley and a lovely view the other way.

At a rock ledge we found some water - would be a nice waterfall here when there is good rain.

Back up the other side and around to view back up the sandy creek and gorge.

The creek continues. We continued down the smooth rocks.

Down to the bottom and then along the sandy creek bed.

You can see how far the water has been up by the debris in the trees.

The sand was easy to walk over.

Took us less than half an hour so time for a cuppa. Chatted with others as they headed off for the walks.

Headed back out to the bitumen. The clouds have disappeared now so just a lovely blue sky but the cold wind hasn’t gone away. Across Trephina Creek then we took the turn off to Ross River Resort. Long straight drive between two ranges - somewhere to our right is the Ross River at the base of the range according to our Hema map.

Pulled up at the entrance to the homestead below the hill. Lots of cabins - very country style rather than ‘resort’. The old homestead hidden behind the trees.

Walked down to the homestead. A couple of peacocks greeted us.

Said hello to the lady in reception and said we were just having a look around. She said to come in, her husband (the owners) was still warming up in front of the fire. She said we could wander through the house and take photos etc. It was originally known as Loves Creek Homestead as that is the station surrounding here.

Chatted with the owner for a bit by the fire which was heavenly. Over time and different owners a lot of things have been added and it is all one building now.

This photo was taken from the hill and shows the abandoned Loves Creek Homestead. The Green brothers fixed it up and made it into a tourist resort in 1959. They did an amazing job.

The previous owners added a big dining area using the bridge trusses and sleepers from the old Ghan railway when it was pulled up.

Great bar stools to look at but not very comfortable!

We had seen a motorbike memorial as we drove in and this explains it. At least out of the tragedy something good has come from it.

Back outside.

We walked down past the sheds etc to the Ross River - wide and dry sand.

On the other side we cross The Binns Track which is also the road to N’Dhala Gorge. Into the campground area. Lots of ‘palms’, I think dates, planted in rows.

Impressive hills.

Walked back to the truck then drove back out. We stopped to read the Binns Track sign and decided to go to N’Dhala Gorge (11km).

Back over the river and past the campground. Down to the river again - cubed hill.

Across the river further along then through the hills.

Winding back and forth across the river over light corrugations.

Turned right at the Y intersection - Binns Track contines down and around to where we saw it at the beginning of the Ross Highway. We continued another 4km towards the gorge. Onto red sandy soil which has held the water in patches on the track so a few boggy bits.

Into the Gorge area.

Only 2 camp spots here. We parked in the ‘picnic’ area. As I was getting our ‘warm’ lunch ready a car pulled in. It was the camp hosts from Trephina out having an explore and planning on burgers for lunch at the resort.

Read the information and headed off on the narrow walking path. Wind still cold but don’t need our big coats as there is enough warmth in the sun.

Interesting that this rock with the full story in petroglyphs is at the entrance to the gorge.

These rocks have a shiny glaze, like we had seen at Kings Canyon. Or maybe a glacier rub!

Crossed the creek and up to look down on a small waterhole.

Lots of interesting hills and amazing trees - how they can grow so big out of a small crack in the rocks.

Found a great cave - looks like the wallabies have made it their home. Nature has done some art work under here too.

There is a small rockhole on the other side. Lots of budgies and finches about.

Rare wattle is growing well.

Another display of nature’s art work.

Across the creek again with another small rock pole and continued up the gorge.

At last some petroglyphs.

I found another one on the rock at the bottom of the picture.

Wow that would have made a loud crack when it fell and smashed apart.

Continued along the track trying to spot some more carvings. Only found ones done by nature.

At last we spotted a few.

Big boulders block our path so we turned around.

Headed back - got our eyes tuned now and found more carvings on big flat rocks.

Impressive cave. Over the back is the sheer smooth rock like at Kings Canyon.

A few more petroglyphs as we headed back. There is another track going around to a side gorge where there are more apparently but we have seen enough.

Back to the camper and another vehicle pulled up. The chap came over to ask about our rig as they are selling theirs - bought it made like that in Brisbane.

They are from Port Sorell, Tas but previously lived in Westbury and knew Jeff Lee (Malcolm’s dad). Had a lovely time chatting with them then they headed up the walk and we drove back out. 

Back to the Ross Highway then headed back out. Stopped to photograph the memorial.

Turned off onto the gravel Arltunga Road which is also the Binns Track route. Winding through low hills, up and down. More trees through here. Back out between the bigger hills.

Into open grassy area and we spotted 2 cows! Then some hills appear again.

Over a grid and into Loves Creek Station. Big open plain (Paddy’s plain on the Hema) with mountains on the far edges.

Another adventurous soul - a lady this time.

They must have got more of the rain the other night down here as again in the red soil area there are more muddy bits.