Australia > Swimming in the West MacDonnell Ranges

Today we are going to visit the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Since the temperature will again exceed forty degrees today, we set out early. In the morning, the temperature is still a bit lower. The MacDonnell Ranges are two mountain chains that run east-west for hundreds of kilometers. By bus, we drive between the two mountain ranges. The landscape is dry. In several places, the effects of forest fires are still visible. Some trees are better at surviving the fires and now stand alone in the landscape. Our first stop is Ormiston Gorge on the western side of the park. A walking trail leads into the mountains. From the heights, there is a beautiful view of the Ormiston Pound gorge. There is still some water at the bottom of the gorge.

Australia - A walk through Ormiston Pound

The route ends at a viewpoint where the entire gorge is visible. On the other side, we descend again to the nearly dried-up riverbed. From here, we have two options: one is to walk back the same way, and the other is to return through the riverbed to the starting point. For this latter option, a sign indicates that it involves walking through water. I choose the riverbed. A little further on, I take off my shoes and wade through the water of the Ormiston Pound. The cold water comes just above my knees. Fortunately, there are no rocks or sharp stones on the bottom.

Australia - To return we have to walk through some water

On the other side, I dry my feet and put my shoes back on. Over the rocks, I climb and scramble onward. Sometimes, I have to carefully consider the best route. The views along the way of the gorge and water pools are stunning. Both routes arrive at the bus around the same time. Together we drive to Ellery Creek Big Hole. At a natural gorge between the MacDonnell mountains lies a large pool of water. I put on my swimming trunks and go into the fresh water. It cools wonderfully. I swim to the other side of the water where there is a passage between two rock formations. Behind the rocks lies a small beach. I estimate I have swum about three hundred meters. What a beautiful environment this is. On the shore, I let myself dry while enjoying my lunch.

Australia - A narrow passage at Simpsons Gap in the McDonnell Ranges

The last stop in the MacDonnell Range is at Simpsons Gap, a natural opening between the rocks. From the parking lot, I walk to the gorge. A heavy heat greets me. It is 42 degrees Celsius in the shade. At a slow pace, I continue into the gorge. The combination of rocks and smaller pools of water creates a beautiful whole. I decide not to stay too long and return to the coolness of the bus. From Simpsons Gap, it’s only about a half-hour drive to Alice Springs. By mid-afternoon, I’m back at the Desert Palms resort. I use the time to lie down on the bed for a while. The food at the casino yesterday was good—or rather, the mist that provided cooling was good. We decide to eat there again. Today I order a burger and a beer. I notice I have little appetite, probably due to the short nights and the heat. I return to my room and crawl into bed.