Roma Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges

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:arrow: Coincidence or otherwise :?: :?: :?:

Call me a sceptic, but I posted a message about Roma Gorge on this forum in late March 2009 and low and behold it becomes a "Alice's Best Kept Secret" feature in this months 4x4 Australia Magazine by Alan Whiting (see page 19). Perhaps these guys are phantom Pradopoint surfers!!! If they were pointed to this spot from surfing our forum, it would have been nice to have at least acknowledged this. :?

Anyway, it looks like my secret spot is well and truly now outed. Not sure if any of those on the PP GTG in the Red Centre will get to visit this place, but I intend to visit again with my family after the PP GTG. If you ever get the chance, I reckon it's a must see excursion while visiting the Glen Helen area of the East MacDonnell Ranges.

I intend to post some of my own pics after we've visited the place again.

Mav... not sure if it is on your itinerary while visiting Glen Helen, however, you might want to consider a short excursion to

Roma Gorge for those that might be interested in viewing some ancient Aboriginal rock carvings (petroglyphs) in a picturesque gorge.

This place doesn't get much publicity and isn't mentioned on too many maps for some reason. All the better in my mind as it is a great spot. Access to this area is not far from the Redbank Gorge turnoff (see map):



I understand these rock carvings to be the only ones of their type in the West MacDonnell Ranges. I've visited there a few times with the family and it is a very enjoyable short 4wd trip and very interesting spot to walk and picnic with the family.

Here a copy of some pics of the area (from Blue Gum Pictures - not my own):

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Re: Roma Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges

Took the family to Roma Gorge today.

This is located in the West MacDonnell Ranges just past the turnoff to Redbank Gorge. The access point is via a dry riverbed crossing, which is now clearly sign-posted. The entry sign say 8.5km to Roma Gorge, allow 1hr each way. This is a conservative estimate - it should take most proficient 4wd'ers about 20 minutes to get in.

The track into the Gorge is mostly hard river rock rubble with some sandy patches. The track is scenic and enjoyable and not too much of a 4wd'ers challenge. High clearance is definitely a benefit because of some of the dips and rises. But mostly its pretty easy - but just need to take it slow in some parts.

When you reach the Gorge area, there is a sign-posted day carpark area, which only provides spaces for about 3-4 vehicles. There are no other facilities provided at all. No bins, no toilets, nothing.



The walk into the Gorge area itself starts with a couple of interpretative signs that explain the history and meaning of the area. You then walk about 200m to the gorge. The walk in is relatively easy over undulating ground and river rock.

The main attraction at the Gorge apart from its beauty and water is its petroglyphs (Aboriginal rock carvings). If you begin looking closely at the rocks scattered around immediately from the point you enter the riverbed area, you will quickly notice rock carvings everywhere. Our three children had a ball spotting these. They felt like early explorers and were very proud each time they found a carving. We stopped for each and took photos as well as tried to understand what each carving meant or represented. Our children were amazed at how many of these there were.

Once you reach the Gorge proper, the scenery is just spectacular. Its a relatively small gorge but the contrasts in colours are amazing. The gorge normally always has some water in it. This was the case again when we got there. In fact, the water hole was filled with finches, who were either getting their daily drink or having their daily bath. But as soon as we approached, a huge flock of the finches lifted off and flew up into nearby trees to the surprise of my daughters.

We spent a fair while just wandering around looking at all the carvings. Some rock walls are just covered in them. The shapes and designs were plentiful and very interesting.

If you ever venture to the Glen Helen region, or are just generally passing along the West MacDonnell Ranges loop road, you really ought to reward yourself with a trip to Roma Gorge. You'll thoroughly enjoy yourself - I guarantee it.





Some more pics once I can upload them.

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