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Red Centre

Finke - Watarrka

September 9-29 2012

Camping among the wildflowers

Section 1: Finke Gorge National Park: Sep 9-19

Campsite above Palm Valley

We begin with a visit to Palm Valley where we do a walk up the creek, beyond the areas visited by day trippers.

Boggy Hole

We then follow the Boggy Hole 4WD track south to the Watarrka Road, stopping to do a number of short walks along the way. Boggy Hole, shown at left, is one of the largest permanent waterholes in the region.

This section finishes with a night in budget accommodation at the Kings Canyon Resort.

Section 2: Watarrka National Park: September 19-29

On the marked trail

The following morning our walk begins as we follow the tourist track up to the top of the range and along to Kings Creek. From this point onwards, we may see no one else until the walk is over.

We follow Kings Creek north into an area of rugged rock formations and hidden water holes, stopping to spend two or even three nights in one spot as we explore the rock maze around us. Eventually, we reach the eastern boundary of the park and head south to a large permanent waterhole.

Walking along Kings Creek North Edge of George Gill Range
Fast entry

We follow the southern edge of the range west, stopping at a number of permanent pools along the way. We may even walk out into the dunes on the top of the range and spend a night in a very different environment.

Watarrka has been a special place for thousands of years as is shown by the rock carvings and paintings we will encounter along the way.

Terrain and difficulty.The walk begins with a steep climb along a marked trail. Much of the walk is along flat rock ledges but there is some rock hopping where you have to move over fairly rough country.

Portions of the walk go over soft sand which is generally slower and more tiring than walking over rock. The scrub should not be much of a problem, but this can vary from year to year and there may be some sections of fairly thick scrub which will slow our progress.

Although there are some moderately difficult sections, overall the terrain is as easy as you can find in central Australia. Combine this with stopping more than one night at some camp sites and you have one of the easier walks we offer in the Red Centre.

Your rewards are spectacular scenery, wildflowers and an incredible wilderness experience no other operator can offer you.

Finke Gorge Photo Gallery

Watarrka Photo Gallery

The Finke - Watarrka detailed trip notes were completely revised and updated in October 2011.

For more information about this trip or to find out how to book email us for Finke - Watarrka Tour

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Willis's Walkabouts, 12 Carrington Street, Millner NT 0810, Australia walkabout@bushwalkingholidays.com.au

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