Larapinta Trail – Tjoritja Ranges NT – Day 18

Saturday 19 June 2022
Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap – Section 1 Part 1
Distance 12.79km
Moving time 3:11
Track time 4:24
Temp 10′- about 25
Up 281m Down 234m

“Section 1 – provides walkers with a wide range of scenery and terrain. This, along with its close proximity to Alice Springs, makes it one of the most popular sections of the Larapinta Trail. You will get views over Alice Springs and the surrounding lowlands. Good birdwatching opportunities. Allow two days to comfortably complete this section. Grade: 4 – moderate to difficult. Long distance with some steep ascents.”

Today we set out at about 9.25am with about a 10km or so walk. As we left Simpsons Gap we saw the most vibrant Ring Necked Parrots, their colour was amazing. It was a bit of a climb up to Hat Hill Saddle which offered a lovely view in all directions. I am still enjoying the wonder of the outback, it’s plains, trees, ridges, creeks, riverbeds and colour. It is amazing how green it is and the contrast of this against the blue sky and red rock make for some perfect vistas. The clouds have also contributed to some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It truly has been a magnificent journey. We popped in to Fairy Spring which would have looked a little better with water falling but it was still pretty. We then stopped in at Scorpion Pool which was a little disappointing. A little green pool with a dead tree. The view out from there was quite pretty though. We then hiked on to Wallaby Gap for the night. As we approached we could see Euroridge that we get to climb on our last day tomorrow. We went for the short walk to Wallaby Gap which was a little green but an nice view. We shared our last supper with Liza and Jim and are ready for an early start tomorrow so we can enjoy a cafe lunch at Telegraph Station. It is a little sad that our adventure is almost over.

: Section 1 trailhead notes – only one section to go over the next 2 days.

: As we walk passed Simpsons Gap at the start of our second last day..

: ..lucky we haven’t need rescuing along the trail but I fill in the logbook at every trailhead..

: ..as we cross the bitumen road of the day use area at Simpsons Gap..

: ..and we head on to the trail for a nice day of hiking..

: ..we walk across a river bed with a lovely view and beautiful clouds – we really have been blessed with the weather..

: ..as we continue along the trail..

: ..it is pretty easy underfoot..

: ..as we head up for a bit..

: ..we enjoy the lovely view at Hat Hill Saddle..

: ..these large rocks always amaze me, how they got here, erosion or a rock fall?

: ..as we continue along the trail..

: ..we enjoy the varied terrain and view..

: Heading in to Fairy Springs..

: ..there is only a very small trickle of water….

: ..followed by a rest stop at Scorpion Pool..

: ..looking in to Scorpion Pool.. Both Fairy Springs and Scorpion Pool trails are very overgrown..

: ..then we continue further along the trail..

: ..I love the gnarly shapes of the acacia trees..

: Arrival at Wallaby Gap – the venture is almost over.

: A little walk to Wallaby Gap..

: ..with its very green pool..

: ..very green growth..

: ..reeds and rocks..

: ..the rocks are also very beautiful..

: ..a willy wagtail at camp..

: Our tents all set up for our last night. Jim in the green Memo, Liza in the Dan Durstan tent on the left and our Pack Duplex at the back. All ultralight tents.

: We were treated to a beautiful sunset and display of clouds on our last night. How lucky are we?