Serpentine Gorge loop:
Because of the forecast hot weather (39-40 degrees Celcius) this week and on the weekend, we will walk around and through Serpentine Gorge instead of climbing to Counts Point.
Serpentine Gorge chasm, Simon Reu
The walk starts on Larapinta Trail section 7 for about 1.5 hours, then we will leave the track and go cross-country around the short range east of Serpentine Gorge. The walking will be flat-ish, a little up and down, through grass and light scrub. The last part of the walk is through Serpentine Gorge. This involves some rockhopping in the creek bed and a 100m swim in very cold water through a narrow chasm.
The walk is graded easy-medium, being about 12km (about 4 hours walking).
Swimming in the chasm, Simon Reu
What to bring:
Sturdy, comfortable shoes and gaiters (to keep out seeds and burrs when walking off-track); sunscreen, hat, long-sleeved shirt; small pack with water (3 litres), snacks, camera, personal first aid and medications, and lunch.
The walk involves a 100m swim in very cold water. Bring a towel and bathers, and a lilo and/or a heavy duty plastic bag to waterproof your pack with.
Where to meet:
6am at Stuart Park carpark (opposite the Memo Club on Gap Rd).
We car pool and share petrol costs. For this walk it will be about $10 per person (excluding drivers). Please bring correct change.
It takes about 1 hour to drive to Serpentine Gorge from Alice Springs.
Finish time:
We aim to be back in Alice Springs mid-afternoon.
Bookings required:
central.australian.bushwalkers@gmail.com | 8953 6902
