ALICE SPRINGS – 28TH June

The scenery on the drive from Ormiston to Alice Springs was unique it was as if someone had built up walls alongside of the road.

We got the last powered spot in Heavitrees Caravan Park after being told another was already full. They give a good discount for CMCA members, Seniors or Pensioners. They also have lots of  Rock Wallabys which come out in the early evening. 

Alice township is rather odd in my estimation, narrow streets, tiny roundabouts and aggressive drivers. There is a large aboriginal population who seem to mainly sit on the ground at any corner or congregate in the Todd dry river bed. Last night they created a large fire and the police were called.

Our credit card, which we use also as a debit card, was taken over by some online thieves and so had to be cancelled so we will have to wait in Alice until a new card comes through in about a week. Even though it is inconvenient and has wasted quite a bit of time we do consider ourselves fortunate that it happened our first morning here rather than when we might have been unavailable in more remote areas.

We went to the Alice Springs show which was packed out and enjoyed watching the dog trials and looking at the various animal exhibits, pigged out on junk food and after passed the evening in the company of friends at the Tavern.

Since it was “Territory Day’ the evening was filled with firecrackers, fires lit by the indigenous population which were promptly and consistently put out by the long suffering fire brigade and the sound of police sirens. Eventually everyone settled down and we managed to get some sleep, only to be awakened at 5.50am by the vast number (4 large busloads) of teenagers camping out who had been bussed in the day before.

Simpsons Gap was a lovely treat and is a very peaceful spot and a must for any photographer or artist. Even though the day was overcast the colours and shapes of the rocks mirrored in the calm water were a delight.

 

The Desert Park was quite a surprise with lots of interesting walks and bird exhibits. On entering you are given an audio player as you walk around the park various spots are numbered which you key into the audio which gives an outline of that particular point. Plus there are several instructive talks the Park Rangers give throughout the day. We thought the layout was particularly well done and by the time we had a coffee the afternoon was gone.

We walked around the Todd Mall markets,where we had coffee with friends, visited the telegraph station and viewed the original “Alice Spring” which is quite a lovely spot for a picnic and popped into any other things of interest.