11th June 2016

We headed onto Kings Canyon today. The good weather meant that we could see Mt Conner this time as we passed.

We dropped the van in Kings Canyon Resort and headed out to Kings Canyon to complete the 6km rim walk. This walk starts with a very steep climb up the rock stairs to the top of the Canyon. You then walk around the top of Canyon with fantastic views down into the Canyon and across to the other side and finishes with a slower decent back to the car park.

We then drove out to check the road conditions of the Red Centre Way (formerly called the Mereenie Loop) We planned to take this road on our last trip, bought the permit, but couldn't travel on it as we were leaking diesel. The O-ring fuel filters had collapsed from antifreeze added to the diesel, we had to get it repaired in Alice asap. We feel this road is suitable for us to head off on tomorrow.

Tonight is probably our coldest night so far. We rug up well to watch sunset over Kings Canyon and the surrounding ranges.

12th June 2016

Today we drove along the Red Centre Way to Hermannsburg. Not too far along the road there is the remains of a rolled Hilux, the tray has been ripped off. Realistically this is could only be caused by speeding, we have experienced some of the cars drive along at extreme speeds, we averaged between 40-60 kms per hour over the 170 kms. The scenery along this road was very enjoyable. The road a bit corrugated in patches.

Tonight we had planned to stay in the camp ground out the back of the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, however we felt it did not live up to its reviews and there were no other campers there. Our plan was to leave the van here tomorrow and drive into Palm Valley, going out there last time we got bogged in the sand and didn't want to risk it with the van. Hermannsburg is a very small Aboriginal community; there are plenty of derelict cars sitting around on their axels, we didn't feel comfortable to leave the van there, there was another couple who arrived with their caravan who also thought the same as us.

We continue driving onto the western end of the West McDonald, arriving late afternoon at Redbank Gorge. We found a fantastic campsite at the top of the hill overlooking the Gorge. We were able to have our first campfire; the boys were disappointed we hadn't packed any marshmallows.

13th June 2016

This morning we walked into Redbank Gorge, we ran into a couple we had briefly met at the entrance to the Bungle Bungles some time ago.

We continued on eastwards through the Western McDonald Ranges, stopping in at the many Gorges. We stayed the night at Ellery Creek Big Hole (it's a nice spot, but unfortunately not as good as last night's camp).

The boys enjoyed a couple of hours gathering kindling and grasses to build their campfire, they constructed a grand tepee. One of the neighbours gave us the tip that they use old tea bags dried out and soaked in methylated spirits, they gave one to us and the tepee lit perfectly.

14th June 2016

Today we finished off the last of the Gorges in the Western McDonald Ranges. Headed into Alice Springs to top up on fresh supplies and see if we could have the van fridge looked at, it stopped working yesterday morning. The refrigeration mechanics are too busy for a quick look, we can bring it in early tomorrow morning, but that means we have to stay in Alice rather than continuing onto the Easter McDonald Ranges as we had planned.

Tonight we camp in Trephina Gorge National Park. This is a very pretty area; we have not been out this side of Alice before. In many ways this is better than the Western Ranges and it attracts less people. Tonight it is only $7.70 for all of our family to camp here, we are provided water on tap, table, there are gas bbq's close by, a drop loo, and a fire pit (previous campers have left some firewood), if only there were more camps like this!

15th June 2016

We drive onto John Hayes Rockhole, a slow rocky 4wd track crossing with 10 dry creek bed crossing and sections were you drive along the rocky creek bed. There is a waterhole at the end of the track in a Gorge, however the waters not clean enough for a swim.

Back at camp we arrive to a Bushtracker invasion! A convoy of 3 couples travelling together, who each have their own Bushtracker and another couple in a Bushie have all camped close by. The guys in the convoy have had issues with their fridges in the past and are very knowledgeable about the common issue, they give us a hand at trying to fix it, but we have no luck. Funny thing was the fridge started running again last night, it's temperamental! We will leave the fridge repair until we get home, unless we stumble on a refrigeration mechanic, or it decides to start working again! We will make do with the car fridge.

16th June 2016

This morning we walk into Trephina Gorge. Soon after we are back at camp we hear the loud howl of a Dingo.

On the road again this morning. As we drive into Alice we visit Corrobboree Rock, which is a large rock on the hill that is in the shape of an Elephant. We also visit Emily's and Jessie's Gorge.

We visited the Alice Springs school of the air, and see their tour. The set up and quality of the children's work is very impressive. The NT Govt. provides each child (not property) their own computer, satellite dish, internet, camera, scanner, printer etc, so if there are two children on the one property they do not have to share any equipment. Their teacher drives their virtual classroom via the computer out to the stations. They also have manual books and art projects etc that are sent via post. The claim their students Naplan scores are up in the top 10% of the state. The school looks after pre-school children up until the end of year 9, whereby they either go to boarding school or distance education. Both boys thought the set up was pretty cool! Lachlan purchased the book "When the dust settles" it's about a farmer's helicopter accident that leaves him paraplegic and his road to recovery, he has been busy reading it tonight.

Being in Alice also means we have internet and phone reception so we can check on the road conditions of our next leg. Unfortunately the weather is continuing to challenge us this trip. Unseasonal rain down south overnight has closed many of the unsealed roads in SA including the Oodnadatta track and there are restrictions on vehicle weights in place in the Simpson Dessert, meaning we can take the car but not the van.

We will stay tonight in Alice and get an update in the morning. Getting a spot in a caravan place in Alice is no easy task, only one park has availability. There are too many travellers on the road and there is festival after festival happening here at the moment!