23 July - Trephina Gorge Ridge Walk and Chain of Ponds, East MacDonnell Ranges

23 July 2016 – 179 635

Trephina Gorge Ridge Walk and Chain of Ponds, East MacDonnell Ranges

This morning we got up early and set out at 7:30am to walk the Trephina Gorge Ridge Walk.  At the beginning of the walk this was marked as 9km, 4 to 5 hours one way.  After half an hour walking we reached a sign stating 6 hours 30 minutes one way.  Another half hour on we reached a sign saying 6 hours 10km one way.  So either I am going the wrong way or the signs are rather odd.  At the end of the Ridge Walk we had a choice of continuing along the ridge for 30 minutes, or descending into a gorge for 60 minutes to reach John Hayes Rockhole.  We opted for the descent into the gorge and were rewarded with the beautiful “Chain of Ponds” which were very aptly named.  This involved some walking up and down the sides of the gorge, but well worth it.  We had a picnic lunch at John Hayes Rockhole, which was lovely. 

This was just under 5 hours, and 12km after we commenced our walk.  So some of the signs were correct and some were not.  We then walked 4km of 4WD drive track and 4km of dirt road back to our camp area (2 hours).  The remainder of the afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the view from the van – a red cliff wall lit by the afternoon sun, glowing!
https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/trephina-gorge-nature-park

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