We had a memorable run through NT’s Finke Desert…lots of red sand, great fun and a cold, cold night. Our departure from Alice led us onto the road to Finke – an Aboriginal community 250km south of the Springs. We ended up doing the trip over 3 days….3 days full of:
Historical sites - Chamber’s Pillar was a marker for avid explorer Stuart on his way through to the north. Many explorers and travellers since then have carved their initials on the pillar. The Old Ghan Railway can be followed much of the way to Finke. In fact, the track is on top of the old railway line some of the way. Watch out for dog spikes!
Drooling – The Finke Desert race is held every year on the Queen’s Birthday weekend. A timed race by buggies, modified utes and trail bikes this is a ‘must do’ for pros and hacks alike. Jon was soooo excited to be driving beside and at times, on the FDR track. We even saw bike riders out practising and met Ben Grabham, the winner of the last 2 FD races in the bike section. Very cool! I have a feeling J will be back sometime to take on the ‘whoops’ himself.
Perfect Camping Spots – The friendliness of the Chamber’s Pillar campers was a huge contrast to the total isolation of a night camping in the Finke Desert by the race track. Red dirt under our feet, a dark sky laden with stars, cold, crisp night air, a fire blazing for warmth and delicious damper lathered with honey. Hmmmmmm…the way life was meant to be:)
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