MEMBER TRIP REPORT
Alice Springs to Darwin
Back on the road we travelled through the West MacDonnell ranges viewing a number of spectacular gorges with a night at Trephina Gorge before heading to Ruby Gap . The road into Ruby Gap was probably the most challenging section of our trip , but with support and guidance we all made it without any mishap . The bright red walls of the gorge , dry creek bed with a profusion of wildflowers and small frogs was a real delight . Noel led a very interesting walk up the gorge and commentary on a lot of the key features . It was a long hot walk to Glen Annie gorge with only 2 finishing . Camping in the creek bed that evening around the fire , I think we were all in awe of this beautiful place and for me was a trip highlight .
It took 2 hours of careful 4WD to leave Ruby Gap and hit the track leading to the Plenty Highway and onto the Stuart Highway . We were happily sightseeing our way up to Darwin before hitting Tennant Creek when disaster struck . Pulling into Tennant creek caravan park we were warned re a car having alcohol stolen from a vehicle the night before . After a refreshing swim in the pool and dinner we went to sleep . Morning brought news that Alan ’ s car had been broken into and substantial amounts of cash taken from both Alan and Noel . The Caravan Park and Police were notified but little interest or action was taken . It left us all feeling disheartened . Walking through town we also noticed the iron bars on many shops which was an indication that the town faced many social issues . Grahame also left the party as he wanted to spend more time in Katherine with family . He was planning on rejoining later but this did not eventuate due to a vehicle accident and having to purchase another car . Luckily he was ok .
Onto Katherine , we stayed at Manbaloo station out of town where we had a lovely safe campsite and a great tour of the property and assisted with feeding the animals . Katherine gorge was definitively on the itinerary and we all did a lovely cruise and some walked to a lovely swimming hole . Noel celebrated his birthday and of course a special dinner was called for . Alan primed the camp oven and cooked the best roast I have ever had . I was in charge of the birthday cake which was a chocolate self saucing pudding made in the thermal cooker . This was all washed down with a glass of special port ! Amazing ! We had had a few communal meals both in the camp oven and thermal cooker . Great to get away and share together food and company . Those meals are always special .
We made a few stops along the way before spending 3 days in Litchfield National Park and onto Darwin . At that time there were a number of places that were closed which was a big disappointment . Still Litchfield had some great waterfalls and we did manage to do the Blythe Station 4WD track which was great , especially the waterfall and swimming hole at the end of the track . Some unforgettable places .