Redbank Gorge, NT, Australia

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2015 July: Quick look at Redbank Gorge, West Macdonnell National Park, NT, Australia

Prolog

Spent most of the day climbing Mt Sonder. Afterwards, there is still some day light left to explore Redbank Gorge before the sun sets.

To reach Redbank Gorge, just walk up stream along the dry Redbank Creek. David, my climbing companion to Mt Sonder had returned to the car early, and waiting for me there.  Hence I didn't spend much time exploring the gorge. But next time, when I'm here at the West Macdonnell National Park again, I like to come here and check how far up the gorge I can go.

By the way, I highly recommend that you have a go at climbing Mt Sonder ... challenging but not too hard  :-)   Photos and a write up on the Mt Sonder climb are in my blog:
http://mntviews.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/mt-sonder-nt-australia.html

Map

1:250,000 scaled Hermannsburg SF53-13
The Namatjira Drive is a sealed road from the east all the way to the turn off to Redbank Gorge.  The access road to Redbank Gorge is not sealed, but is ok for a 2-wheel drive car.

GPS tracklog files & Route

You don't need a GPS tracklog. There is a well sign-posted track to Redbank Creek.  Afterwards just follow the creek all the way to the gorge.

For what it is worth, my GPX tracklog files can be downloaded from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B877-h5SCJaSZ0NCQ1BXa0xiQWs/view?usp=sharing

Timeline & Distance

15:48  0.0 km  Start at Redbank Gorge day parking area
16:18  1.3 km  At Redbank Gorge

16:23  1.4 km  Leave Redbank Gorge
16:51  2.7 km  Back at carpark

==============================================

Total:  1 hrs 03 mins
           2.7 km  Distance is from Google Earth
           3.0 km  Distance is from Garmin GPS

Pictures

1)  At the Redbank Gorge day parking area is this sign to Redbank Gorge.  It says 20 minutes each way. But you really should allow for 30 minutes each way.

2)  Following the direction given by the above sign, you'll soon come to Redbank Creek. On this day, a large group have set up tents here.

3)  Walking along the creek towards Redbank Gorge

4)  Redbank Gorge is in front.

5)  Red cliffs along the banks of Redbank Creek ~~~
This type of red cliffs are typical of the cliffs around this area.

6)  A large rock fallen off the cliff - strange how the cut is so smooth.

7)  Further up stream, the sandy bottom of the creek gives way to rocks.

8)  Purplish coloured quartzite

9)  Wonder how do these rocks obtain such a smooth surface on one side?

10)  Interesting patterns on a rock in the creek bed

11)  This is as far as I go.  David is waiting in the car, otherwise I would venture further in.  Nevermind, next time I visit the West Macdonnell National Park, I'll come here again and explore more.

12)  To the right of the above pic is this safety buoy, not what I would expect to find here !

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