Red ranges, Ormiston Gorge, and a special visitor
Tuesday 7 July 2026 was all about Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges for one of our Uluru expedition groups.
The group had arrived in Alice Springs the evening before as part of their activity rotation, ready to spend time around town and explore some of the country nearby.
Their Alice Springs visit began with a beautiful sunset over town. The colours sat low over the ranges, and it was a good moment to stop and take it all in. After several busy days, even a quiet view can feel like an activity.
On Tuesday, the group spent time around Ormiston Gorge and the MacDonnell Ranges. The Scouts saw red rock walls, gum trees, waterholes, reflections, and walking tracks through country that looked very different from Bundoora. It was a good outdoor classroom. There were plenty of chances to look closely, ask questions, and think about how water, weather, plants, animals, and people all connect in this place.
Later in the evening the group went spotlighting around Alice Springs. We used red light so we could look carefully without being too harsh on the animals’ eyes. The highlight was a friendly nighttime visitor: a short-beaked echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus. It was a lovely reminder that wildlife is often close by, especially when we slow down and pay attention. The Scouts were excited, and the leaders were just as interested.
It was a full Alice Springs stop: sunset, ranges, waterholes, wildlife, and another set of memories to bring home.
About the Author
Kate "Akela"
Cub Scout Leader
