Canyons and Gorges: Northern Territory
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka Nation Park, at the western end of the relatively high plateau of the George Gill Range, and is about 345 km (214 miles) north of Uluru and kataTjuta and formed from the same terracotta-coloured sandstone as it's famous "neighbours". Instead of rising up from the surrounding plain like the previously mentioned scenic wonders, the cliffs of Kings canyon plunge dramatically from the escarpment for about 300 metres into a valley below, forming the Red Centre's deepest gorge. The Canyon walls rise above the valley of Kings Creek (named by Ernest Giles in 1872) and are particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Standley Chasm
Standley Chasm, near Alice Springs in the heart of Australia's red centre, is a huge gap in the West McDonnell Ranges. The West MacDonnell Ranges stretch for 400km from east-west as a series of parallel ranges. Stanley Chasm is an example of the long-term erosive work of streams in the ranges which contain magnificent gaps and gorges, dramatic scenery, great bush camping and walks. The walls of Stanley Chasm are so high, at its base there is only sunlight for a few minutes around noon each day. A stony path through the gap passes desert palms, mulga and a variety of wildflowers. Rock wallabies scurry up shear vertical rock faces. Situated 20 km west of Alice Springs, Simpsons Gap is another very picturesque gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. One of the most prominent waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross.
Emily and Jessie Gaps
Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park is located in the Heavitree Range (part of the East MacDonnell Ranges) approximately 10 kilometres east of Alice Springs. The Park is approximately 800 metres wide and 8.6 kilometres long and features two attractive Gaps with semi permanent waterholes. Access from Alice Springs east to Emily and Jessie Gaps is via the sealed Ross Highway. The Park is popular with locals and visitors alike who visit the area briefly, usually before proceeding to other locations in the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley is located about 75 km south of Alice Springs along the Stuart Hwy, and about 22 km east of the highway. The main features of the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve are its spectacular red sandstone bluffs and cliffs. These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range, and are particularly attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when rainbow-like bands of differently coloured rock are highlighted. Weathering and erosion are also responsible for the shape of Rainbow Valley, where sandstone blocks have been eroded into rock faces and squared towers.sis. It is one of many gorges found along the Gibb River Road
Tolmer Gorge
Tolmer Gorge, through which a creek flows before tumbling over Tolmer Falls, is situated in Litchfield National Park, less than two hours drive south of Darwin, NT. Tolmer Falls is one of three major waterfalls along the western face of the tabletop range which runs through Litchfield National Park. More large waterfalls are found along the western face of the Tabletop Range because the plateau slopes slightly to the west. Frederick Henry Litchfield named the falls in 1865. Tolmer was the son of a French abbot, who arrived in South Australia where he joined the police force and was active in apprehending bushrangers.
Katherine Gorge
A must-see for visitors, the Gorge is located in Nitmiluk National Park and is one of the most spectacular areas in the country, winding 12 km with walls more than 70m high. Formed 23 million years ago as torrents of water poured along tiny cracks in the earth, it in fact a maze of 13 separate gorges that are are interconnected in the wet. The gorges can be explored by canoe and flat bottomed boat. In the dry season the gorges become separated as the level of the river falls.
Ormison Gorge
Ormiston Gorge and Pound showcase the spectacular geology and landforms of the Macdonnell Ranges. The cubist-like rock formations tower over the massive pound, making this a spectacular and unique place in the centre. The gorge has a near-permanent waterhole, estimated to be up to 14m deep at its southern end. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species remaining from a tropical past. The rediscovery of the long-tailed dunnart and the central rock rat makes the park an important fauna refuge. The park is accessible all year round and although the water is still cool in summer, the temperature can soar on the exposed walking trails. The cooler months (April to October) are the most pleasant.
Glen Helen Gorge
Glen Helen Gorge is where the Finke River (known locally as "Larapinta" or serpent) flows into a deep, permanent waterhole. There are interesting rock formations behind the gorge and there is a resort here, complete with motel, restaurant, camping facilities and even helicopter flights. About 20 km further on, along a dirt road, is Redbank Gorge, with a permanent water hole a 20 minute walk up the rocky creek bed. It is a very narrow gorge with cold clear waters among towering red cliffs.
Simpsons Gap
Situated 20 km west of Alice Springs, Simpsons Gap (right) is another very picturesque gap in the West Macdonnell Ranges National Park. The river bed and waterhole in the gap are recognised as another good place to see rock wallabies. It was named by Surveyor McMinn in 1871 while exploring possible routes fo the Overland Telegraph Line. One of the most prominent waterholes in the West Macdonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross.
Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga (or colloquially as The Olgas), are a group of large domed rock formations located about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs in the southern part of the NT. Uluru, 25 km to the east and Kata Tjuta form the two major landmarks within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta��represents nature on a monumental scale, with the cluster���s tallest peak being 200m higher than Uluru, which sits 40km to the east. Much like its geological cousin, Kata Tjuta is most spectacular when viewed at sunrise or sunset.
Trephina Gorge
Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide views and sandy creekbed, and John Hayes Rock Hole with steep, narrow rock walls. Water holes in this area attract much wildlife, including a diverse range of birds. From Trephina��Gorge there are a number of short walking tracks.��For experienced walkers��there is the longer Trephina Ridgetop Trail through to John Hayes Rockhole, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and wildlife of the area.
Redbank Gorge
Located in the West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park and nestled at the base of Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme, pronounced ���roo-chip-ma���), this stunning gorge and chasm is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species. For visitors travelling on the Red Centre Way, Redbank Gorge also provides a refreshing stop and a chance to stretch your legs on a short walk. One of the most photographed gorges in Central Australia, it has a near-permanent waterhole situated 1km from the Carpark. Swimmers should be aware that most waterholes are extremely cold. It is recommended that swimmers use a flotation device to assist them in swimming through the Gorge.
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