Sep 13,14 Alice Springs lies in the centre of the MacDonnell Ranges, a 644 km (400 mi) long series of mountain ranges located in the centre of Australia, consisting of parallel ridges running to the east and west of Alice Springs. The mountain range contains many spectacular gaps and gorges as well as areas of aboriginal significance.
The ranges were named after Sir Richard MacDonnell (the Governor of South Australia at the time) by John McDouall Stuart, whose 1860 expedition reached them in April of that year.
The highest peaks are Mount Zeil (1,531 m AHD/ 5,023 ft), Mount Liebig (1524 m / 5,000 ft) and Mount Sonder (1,380 m / 4,528 ft). These are the highest mountains in the Northern Territory. The MacDonnell Ranges are the headwaters of the Todd River, Finke River and Sandover Rivers.
The East Macdonnell Range is very close to Alice Springs and can be explored easily in a day.
We finish our visit to Alice Springs with a game of golf (why is it always their monthly medal, stroke play, off the black tees when we visit ?) and with a lovely meal at the Tripadvisor number 1 restaurant in Alice.
BOB AND SIOBHÁN'S CARAVAN ADVENTURES 