We sold up, packed up and decided to embark on the adventure of our lives. Follow us as we travel around Australia in a caravan.

Another hot sunny day in Alice Springs, a top of 37 degrees forecast. After an early morning caravan repair (Chris and Vicki had to have the element replaced in their hot water service at a cost of $315) we headed out to the West McDonald Ranges.

There are many gorges to explore each one majestic in its own way.

We started at Simpsons Gap where we found a waterhole and stepping stones to explore. Ray ran into some travelling Dutch tourists and had a conversation in Dutch while we tried to make out what he was saying. While we were all quietly listening we attracted some Rock Wallabies. Their camouflage among the rocks was near perfect and we spent a few minutes watching them. The kids loved it. What an experience for city slicker kids!

Eventually we left Ray chatting knowing full well that he can go on for hours, and hours and hours, and walked back along the dry river bed to the cars for morning tea. We noticed an interesting sign warning about swimming. Hmmm… It’s hard to imagine that water would ever flow through here.

The lady at the information centre assured us that we needed to see Standley Chasm. She did warn us that there was an entry fee as the land was owned by indigenous people. She indicated that the fee kept changing depending on how much they wanted to charge that day. We got there and it was $10 per adult and $5 a child. Lots of handmade signs warning about going further without paying were around. Because we had heard it was so beautiful we decided to go through. It was a lovely 10 minute walk to the chasm, very rocky but really picturesque. The different colours in the rock showed where the water had flowed through over millions of years. There was a rock polished smooth and slippery over the years from the torrents of water. The kids had a makeshift slide! They enjoyed it while we looked around. It was certainly very beautiful but we all agreed that there were other, just as beautiful places in Australia that we could enjoy without it affecting our budget.

About 40km down the road was the Ellery Creek Big Hole. A waterhole that was OK to swim in. (Some waterholes can’t be swum in because of cultural reasons or because the water is not safe due to bacteria or critters like crocodiles).

It was so hot that we thought we had better go there. Chris checked his temperature gauge and it said 47 degrees. A short 3 minute walk brought us from the carpark to the most majestic waterhole imaginable. Everyone stripped down and jumped in. I tried to resist, but couldn’t and braved the coldest water I’ve EVER swum in. If you know me, you know that normally it’s only my toes that get relief. Ray said it was the bravest thing I have ever done. One proud little chicken here! An absolute must if you are ever in the neighborhood, and it’s FREE!

We all agreed that it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. We topped it off with a nice beverage and BBQ dinner. The kids were asking to get some sleep by early evening so us adults voted the day an absolute winner and sat around chatting the “kid free” night away!