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.
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).
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