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 +=====Central Australia - How To Organize A Walking Trip.=====
  
-CENTRAL AUSTRALIA - HOW TO ORGANIZE A WALKING TRIP. 
 by Ainslie Morris. by Ainslie Morris.
 +
 I was inspired by David Rostron to organize a group to walk in the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. Having been unable to join David's previous trips, his encouragement and detailed advice on a suitable route and the location of water for camps were all I needed. I also sought and was given reassurance from Frank Rigby, the S.B.W. pioneer of walking in the MacDonnells and author of "The MacDonnell Ranges" with photography by Henry Gold (1971). This book is out of print, but its clear map showing the general topography of this major Australian mountain range has been reduced and reproduced to illustrate this article. I was inspired by David Rostron to organize a group to walk in the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. Having been unable to join David's previous trips, his encouragement and detailed advice on a suitable route and the location of water for camps were all I needed. I also sought and was given reassurance from Frank Rigby, the S.B.W. pioneer of walking in the MacDonnells and author of "The MacDonnell Ranges" with photography by Henry Gold (1971). This book is out of print, but its clear map showing the general topography of this major Australian mountain range has been reduced and reproduced to illustrate this article.
-1. RECOMMENDED WALKS.+ 
 +====1. Recommended Walks.==== 
 The following five routes have been covered by various members and they are by no means exhaustive of the possibilities; the whole point of walking there is to explore the complex canyon country. You can take one day to walk past an area, or several days in it. The following five routes have been covered by various members and they are by no means exhaustive of the possibilities; the whole point of walking there is to explore the complex canyon country. You can take one day to walk past an area, or several days in it.
-(a) HUGH GORGE TO STANDLEY CHASM - 6 - 7 days Brinkley Bluff 3,950 feet a.s.l. (allow half day extra); allow 1 or 2 days extra to explore east of Standley Chasm. + 
-(b) ELLERY CREEK BIG HOLE TO STANDLEY CHASM - 6 to 7 days or 8 days to give 2 nights at Hugh Gorge. There is also a one day of hard and dreary walking which links up Mt. Giles with HUgh Gorge - better to organize transport for two separate walks if possible. +===(a) Hugh Gorge to Standley Chasm.=== 
-(c) MT. CONWAY TO HUGH GORGE and return to STANDLEY CHASM - 10 to 11 days. + 
-(d) REDBANK GORGE TO SERPENTINE GORGE - 8 to 9 days, one more if walking from Glen Helen Tourist Camp. Includes Mt. Sonder 4,417 feet. +6 - 7 days Brinkley Bluff 3,950 feet a.s.l. (allow half day extra); allow 1 or 2 days extra to explore east of Standley Chasm. 
-(e) ORMISTON GORGE AND MT. GILES - 3 to 6 days. + 
-Also you could drive or take a coach to KINGS CANYON where you can camp free, then continue beyond th end of the Tourist Track upstream and explore the extraordinary "lost City" of dome rocks which form a maze cut by narrow deep splits. Worth at least 1 night pack walk. +===(b) Ellery Creek Big Hole to Standley Chasm.=== 
-OLGAS - no camping permits. Easily seen in one day. Try the Olga Gorge for a challenging rock scramble. There are water pools. + 
-2. REFERENCES. +6 to 7 days or 8 days to give 2 nights at Hugh Gorge. There is also a one day of hard and dreary walking which links up Mt. Giles with Hugh Gorge - better to organize transport for two separate walks if possible. 
-(a) Start by talking to previous leaders such as David Rostron , Jim Laing (knowledgable on whole area), Frank Rigby (lives in Canberra), myself, or others who have walked there. + 
-(b) Read - The Sydney Bushwalker magazine articles (in the archives):- +===(c) Mt. Conway to Hugh Gorge and return to Standley Chasm.=== 
-Dot Butler's "Land of Altjira" - February & March 1972 + 
-Craig and Christine Austen's - September 1978 +10 to 11 days. 
-David Rostron's - July 1984 + 
-Tom Wilhelm's - September, October, November 1986+===(d) Redbank Gorge to Serpentine Gorge.=== 
 + 
 +8 to 9 days, one more if walking from Glen Helen Tourist Camp. Includes Mt. Sonder 4,417 feet. 
 + 
 +===(e) Oromiston Gorge and Mt. Giles.=== 
 + 
 +3 to 6 days. 
 + 
 + 
 +Also you could drive or take a coach to Kings Canyon where you can camp free, then continue beyond th end of the Tourist Track upstream and explore the extraordinary "lost City" of dome rocks which form a maze cut by narrow deep splits. Worth at least 1 night pack walk. 
 + 
 +===Olgas.=== 
 + 
 +No camping permits. Easily seen in one day. Try the Olga Gorge for a challenging rock scramble. There are water pools. 
 + 
 +====2. References.==== 
 + 
 +===(a) Talking.=== 
 + 
 +Start by talking to previous leaders such as David Rostron , Jim Laing (knowledgable on whole area), Frank Rigby (lives in Canberra), myself, or others who have walked there. 
 + 
 +===(b) Read.=== 
 + 
 +The Sydney Bushwalker magazine articles (in the archives):- 
 + 
 +  * Dot Butler's "Land of Altjira" - February & March 1972 
 +  * Craig and Christine Austen's - September 1978 
 +  * David Rostron's - July 1984 
 +  * Tom Wilhelm's - September, October, November 1986 
 Also Route Notes by Frank Rigby 1978 for Serpentine Gorge to Redbank Gorge. Also Route Notes by Frank Rigby 1978 for Serpentine Gorge to Redbank Gorge.
-(c) Maps - Hermannsburg 1:250,0110 - order 3-4 months before required - useful only for very general navigation and access from the road, Laparinta Drive.+   
 +===(c) Maps.=== 
 + 
 +Hermannsburg 1:250,0110 - order 3-4 months before required - useful only for very general navigation and access from the road, Laparinta Drive. 
 Similar scale maps of the whole area of about 200 km east to west can be obtained from N.R.M.A. and Northern Territory Tourist Office in Sydney. These show Aboriginal Land for which you need an entry permit. Similar scale maps of the whole area of about 200 km east to west can be obtained from N.R.M.A. and Northern Territory Tourist Office in Sydney. These show Aboriginal Land for which you need an entry permit.
-(d) Aerial Photographs. No large scale maps exist except for the small area east of Standley Chasm drawn by Alice Springs Bushwalkers. + 
-For the area from HUGH GORGE to STANDLEY CHASM I bought 3 black and white, and for Hugh +===(d) Aerial Photographs.=== 
-Gorge two colour as well. Total cost $27.52 (including postage of $2). Order about 3 months + 
-before required from:- Division of National Mapping, +No large scale maps exist except for the small area east of Standley Chasm drawn by Alice Springs Bushwalkers. 
-P.O. Box 31, Belconnen, 2616. + 
-Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER November, 1987 +For the area from Hugh Gorge to Standley Chasm I bought 3 black and white, and for Hugh Gorge two colour as well. Total cost $27.52 (including postage of $2). Order about 3 months before required from:- Division of National Mapping, P.O. Box 31, Belconnen, 2616. 
-To order, state: Area Name: Hermannsburg + 
-Area Number: F 53-13 +To order, state: 
-Film Number: CRC 2836 + 
-Run No.: 8 +  * Area Name: Hermannsburg 
-Print Numbers: 225, 228, 231 +  * Area Number: F 53-13 
-Product Code: 1111 (Black and White) +  * Film Number: CRC 2836 
-Total Quantity: 3+  * Run No.: 8 
 +  * Print Numbers: 225, 228, 231 
 +  * Product Code: 1111 (Black and White) 
 +  * Total Quantity: 3 
 +  
 The scale is 1:80,000 and adequate for detailed navigation. The colour photos are even larger scale and a pleasure to use for intense exploration of very small areas, which we did. All photos are of a convenient size to put in a normal broad map case. For assistance on ordering for areas further west of Hugh Gorge or east of Standley Chasm, ring up. The office is very helpful. The scale is 1:80,000 and adequate for detailed navigation. The colour photos are even larger scale and a pleasure to use for intense exploration of very small areas, which we did. All photos are of a convenient size to put in a normal broad map case. For assistance on ordering for areas further west of Hugh Gorge or east of Standley Chasm, ring up. The office is very helpful.
-3. TRANSPORT. + 
-Sydney to Alice Springs - cheapest is APEX direct flight - for school holidays you need to book and pay 6 months ahead at least. In July 1987 the fare was $404 return. The walking season is winter, May to September. +====3. Transport.==== 
-Transfers - Book with Nbrthern Territory Tourist Office in Sydney which contacts suitable operators for you. Also our motel owners at ARURA SAFARI LODGE in Alice Springs, Tanya and Bruce, would be happy to book a minibus with trailer for you if staying there. Our transfers cost $35 return each for about 65 km out. + 
-Accommodation is not necessary but the cheapest is Arura Safari Lodge (apart from the Youth Hostel or camping area). Single $20, twin $30, share bathroom, use of kitchen and B.B.Q. and +===Sydney to Alice Springs.=== 
-laundry - all very useful. Phone number is (089) 52,3843. Book early for school holidays; + 
-other motels $50-$65 twin minimum. +Cheapest is Apex direct flight - for school holidays you need to book and pay 6 months ahead at least. In July 1987 the fare was $404 return. The walking season is winter, May to September. 
-Possible "Drop-off" Points - + 
-(1) For Hugh Gorge - Just before the Hugh River (signposted) - 60 km west of Alice Springs there is the 4WD road to STuart Pass clear and obvious on the right; or you can try to pick a suitable gap in the Heavitree Range and head north (about 15 km to the Hugh River further upstream); or enter at Standley Chasm. +===Transfers.=== 
-(ii) For further west, say Redbank Gorge, either Glen Helen Tourist Camp or if possible, about 20 km west of it; or you could start at Ormiston Gorge for Mt. Slander (no water), north into the Gorge (good water), east to Mt. Giles (water, allow 3 days for trip including one day to erplore); or Serpentine Gorge and go west to Ormiston Gorge; or Ellery Creek Big Hole and go east to Hugh Gorge. + 
-4. PERMITS TO 'ENTER ABORIGINAL LAND. +Book with Northern Territory Tourist Office in Sydney which contacts suitable operators for you. Also our motel owners at Arura Safari Lodge in Alice Springs, Tanya and Bruce, would be happy to book a minibus with trailer for you if staying there. Our transfers cost $35 return each for about 65 km out. 
-Write at least 3 to 4 months before your walk if going on to aboriginal land, e.g. for Standley Chasm you are on the Iwdpataka Land Trust. PLEASE do not bushwalk or camp without apermit as S.B.W. could be banned forever, or you could be charged and fined a large sum. They were happy to grant us a permit, but leave plenty of time. Write for application forms to:- Central Land Council, P.O. Box 3321, Alice Springs, 5750. Or ring the Manager/ + 
-Administration (089) 52,3800. +===Accommodation.=== 
-5. SPECIAL GEAR. + 
-Shoes or boots of leather are essential for comfort as spinifex grass will pierce canvas and even enter ventilation holes; gaiters or strong cotton work trousers are also essential for comfort. +Is not necessary but the cheapest is Arura Safari Lodge (apart from the Youth Hostel or camping area). Single $20, twin $30, share bathroom, use of kitchen and B.B.Q. and laundry - all very useful. Phone number is (089) 52,3843. Book early for school holidays; other motels $50-$65 twin minimum. 
-Water bags e.g. 4 litre wine casks, one per person. + 
-Hat, and possibly light leather gloves or gardening gloves to keep out spinifex and briar thorns when climbing up or down steep hillsides.+===Possible "Drop-off" Points.=== 
 + 
 +(1) __For Hugh Gorge__ - Just before the Hugh River (signposted) - 60 km west of Alice Springs there is the 4WD road to Stuart Pass clear and obvious on the right; __or__ you can try to pick a suitable gap in the Heavitree Range and head north (about 15 km to the Hugh River further upstream); or enter at Standley Chasm. 
 + 
 +(ii) __For further west__, say Redbank Gorge, either Glen Helen Tourist Camp or if possible, about 20 km west of it; or you could start at Ormiston Gorge for Mt. Slander (no water), north into the Gorge (good water), east to Mt. Giles (water, allow 3 days for trip including one day to erplore); __or__ Serpentine Gorge and go west to Ormiston Gorge; or Ellery Creek Big Hole and go east to Hugh Gorge. 
 + 
 +====4. Permits To Enter Aboriginal Land.==== 
 + 
 +Write at least 3 to 4 months before your walk if going on to aboriginal land, e.g. for Standley Chasm you are on the Iwapataka Land Trust. __Please__ do not bushwalk or camp without apermit as S.B.W. could be banned forever, or you could be charged and fined a large sum. They were happy to grant us a permit, but leave plenty of time. Write for application forms to:- Central Land Council, P.O. Box 3321, Alice Springs, 5750. Or ring the Manager/Administration (089) 52,3800. 
 + 
 +====5. Special Gear.==== 
 + 
 +Shoes or boots of __leather__ are essential for comfort as spinifex grass will pierce canvas and even enter ventilation holes; gaiters or strong cotton work trousers are also essential for comfort. 
 + 
 +__Water bags__ e.g. 4 litre wine casks, one per person. 
 + 
 +__Hat__, and possibly light leather gloves or gardening gloves to keep out spinifex and briar thorns when climbing up or down steep hillsides. 
 Tent fly is useful to keep wind out and for rain, which, although extremely rare in winter, can come down in torrents. Tent fly is useful to keep wind out and for rain, which, although extremely rare in winter, can come down in torrents.
 +
 Sleeping bag rated minus 10 - it is usually mild to cool, but can freeze. Sleeping bag rated minus 10 - it is usually mild to cool, but can freeze.
 +
 I hope this information helps you. Happy walking! I hope this information helps you. Happy walking!
-************** 
-MAP: drawn by Gerry Sinzig from the book "The MacDonnell Ranges" by Frank Rigby (1973) reproduced with permission. 
-II 
-pi. xp.1. 
-ALTJIIRA 
-SHOWING THE 
-MacDONNELL RANGES FROM Mt SONDER TO ALICE SPRINGS 
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-hAISSION +Map: drawn by Gerry Sinzig from the book "The MacDonnell Ranges" by Frank Rigby (1973) reproduced with permission. 
-MMSIONAUY + 
-NOTES +"Altjira. Showing the MacDonnell Ranges from Mt Sonder to Alice Springs." 
-0.1:v viv.. osa..C.1.S wlatat.OvITOALS MIL + 
-booTowOs INos +---- 
-IlowCw.LTtb Mit 040T ConCTM. , ObWoO, mud kss....to To Tot rig:rutty toottouto Sr Tot +
-4 +
-5. +
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-LJ N +
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER +
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-November, 1987 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page T+
 "FLIES". "FLIES".
 by Ray Franklin. by Ray Franklin.
198711.txt · Last modified: 2016/09/23 12:37 by tyreless
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