Monday, August 08, 2005
View of Palm Valley - relic of wetter climates, when most of the earth was covered by a rain forest. These Red Cabbage palm trees are found only here, in a 2 km stretch along the river bed.
Access to Palm Valley along a 4WD only path, using low range gears.
Morning drove to Finke gorge along Mereenie pass, require permit. Road a bit like Oodnadata...not too difficult, just some corrugations. Changing landscape. Climb the escarpment. There series of low ranges, like ridges. Eroded sandstone faces on one side, gentle vegetated slope on the other. Road kept crossing the ranges through passes. Then came to Finke Gorge, 4WD only.on the way quick stop at Albert Namtjira's house, who is a famous Aboriginal artist. Only two rooms, ten people lived there, but for a short time. When one child died, had to move out according to aboriginal custom. Track into Palm Valley was very sandy and stony and in low 4WD. Very rocky, sandy, along the Finke river bed. Palm valley – home to rare red cabbage palm tree. From when Oz was wetter and had tropical climate. Then became dry, palms survive only in the gorge, where sheltered from fires and sweeping floods. Only about 2000 left. Like coconut plantation, in valley floor. sandstone gorge walls on either side. Continues and then opens out into a wider valley. Palms present only in a 2 km stretch. Plenty of spinifex everywhere, and cypress pine. Walking track ascends gorge and then walk on the rim. Lovely walk, impressive place. Then returned and did short lookout walk.
Best campground ever. Few people, all quiet. Hot showers, beside river. Horses grazing on the other side, river with some water in front. Fantastic, serene place.
