Our plan was to buy fuel at Gemtree at the end of the Plenty Highway then head directly down into the Eastern Macdonnell Ranges via the cattle water pass. Unfortunately, Gemtree was out of diesel so we had to continue on to Alice Springs then head out to the Eastern Macdonnells.
Our first stop was Emily Gap – a small gorge and waterhole cutting through the range. The Aboriginal rock art here is unusual and very spectacular.
Down the end of a rough track are the John Hayes Rock Holes. We were lucky to be the only ones camped here, so enjoyed a quiet walk over the ridge and down through the chain of rock pools. The rough track means this area is much quieter than nearby Trephina Gorge
Traveling to the eastern extremity of the Macdonnells you come to Ruby Gap. The track for the last 40 km is pretty slow going at around 3 hours, but Ruby Gap and the walk up to Glen Annie Gorge make the trek worth while.
Ruby Gap
We managed to find a 4km detour on our way up to Glen Annie Gorge
Glen Annie Gorge
After a 12km walk, mostly in soft river sand, we were happy to be heading back to our camp.
Splashing Paint 
Great photos John, these places are somewhere i would love to go but i doubt i ever will still it is nice to see them through your photos.
Magnificent – breath taking – mind blowing country we live in, sadly most Australians won’t see it.
Beautiful photos John. I’m guessing paintings of Ruby Gap and Glen Annie Gorge will make it into the portfolio…
Hi Angela,
Yes, I’m looking forward to getting started on all this new material.
Cheers,
John
What an amazing place. I wish I could see it in person but thanks to your photos I have an idea of what that part of our world looks like. I enjoyed seeing the petroglyphs and wonder what the vertical stripes might mean.
Hi Jo,
The Eastern Macdonnells really are amazing – especially when you see the flat, featureless country they are located in. The rock paintings in Emily Gap are based on caterpillars. It is a sacred site to the local aboriginal people.
Glad you are enjoying the photos
Cheers
John