On the first day of arriving at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge
(previously Glen Helen Gorge Resort) , we were surprised that it was so low key
and thought, hmmm, doesn’t look much of a resort. Very wrong. It is very low
key and the setting has not been spoiled and it had everything that you could
want but not “resort” style like Yulara.
The more you spend time here, the more you love it because it is so
unspoiled and you get to experience the magnificent beauty of the West
MacDonnell Ranges the way it should be seen.
We set up camp and met our next door neighbours in the
caravan section of the facilities. They were nice people from Adelaide, but
seemed to be very negative about everything. But we took this with a grain of
salt and went on our way. After seeing the sights we decided that they were
just negative people and that it didn’t matter what they saw, it was never up
to their standard. So boring.
We then proceeded to book the things we wanted to see and do
and also the lovely restaurant. It has won the Golden Plate Award for 2012 and
2013. Not bad for an outback establishment….and I can tell you, the food was
superb. Real NT wild Barramundi served
with Cauliflower Puree and Celery, Walnut and Apple Salsa with Truffled Potato
Gratin. Oooh yumm! Finished with Chocolate Chilli Cheesecake and Coulis. Even more yummmmmm!
On the first full day, we travelled to Ormiston Gorge, where
I had to have a swim in the waters. It was heavenly, though Nigella was
overcome when I stripped to bra and knickers and dived in. Too much for his sensibilities!
Though he did laugh when I ended up with a wet bum in my shorts but the
knickers got removed on a lonely bush track to a lookout and then my shorts
dried off! Did not tell N this bit as he would have had a total hissy fit!
This waterhole has been used in many movies including The Alice among others.
We then proceeded to the Ochre Pits where the Arrernte
people get their powder for making ceremonial pastes to paint on themselves
during traditional ceremonies. You cannot remove any of this as it is tribal
land and the fine is $5000. Best to take a photo!
We then moved on to the Serpentine Gorge which was
absolutely and unbelievably stunning as the photos will show. All the gorges
are narrow and shaded and this creates the most beautiful cool breeze. I can
understand why these were popular places with indigenous communities.
Apparently, they only used these permanent waterholes when severe drought was
upon them as they were highly valued places and very sacred. We are very fortunate that they allow us
tourists to view these sites.
Today is our last day in Glen Helen so at 10.00 we did a
Chopper flight over the McDonnell Ranges to Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge
and Mt Sonder, one of the highest mountains in NT. Nigel and I both believe
that from the mountain strata this was originally a glacier. Annnd, what a great place for gliding; updraft upon thermal upon updraft and Mt. Sonder is a glider pilot's dream and a chopper pilot's nightmare!!
After the chopper ride which is on movie
attached, we did a morning trek down the Two Mile Beach to the Keyhole and took
lots of photos. I spent the afternoon
lolling in the beautiful cool waters of the Glen Helen Gorge whilst Nigel had a
“Nanna Nap”. I want to live here
forever! Tomorrow we move on to Alice
Springs for the night and hope to see the Telegraph Station and the Ewaninga
Rock Carvings before we head back on the return journey.
So far, the Merc has been purring. I think she likes the
long drives! I hope she continues to purrrrr!
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| Viv at Two Mile Beach, Glen Helen |
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| Viv at Glen Helen Gorge - great peaceful place to swim |
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| The Ochre Pits |
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| Strip off and......... |
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| ......and in the water! |
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| Wet and wild! |
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| Serpentine Gorge - stunningly beautiful |
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| Viv and Sam the helicopter pilot at Glen Helen |
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| Dr Livingstone, I presume?! No just Madge! |
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| Bush architecture.... |
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