Ntaria (Hermannsburg ) and Tjoritja (Simpson’s Gap )

September 07, 2019

Ntaria (Hermannsburg ) and Tjoritja (Simpson’s Gap )

Yesterday we headed 120 west of Alice Springs with the planned destination of Hermannsburg.

On the way we came across this monument to Albert Namatjira

Albert Namatjira was born at Ntaria (Hermannsburg in 1902. Albert is famous for his water colour landscapes of the McDonald ranges and is considered one of Australia’s finest artist’s.

We visited the Hermannsburg historical precinct.Hermannsburg was one of the first Aboriginal missions in the Northern Territory. It was established by the Lutheran church. Today the 390 000 hectares that belonged to the mission is equally divided into 5 seperate areas in accordance with the traditional lands of the western Aranda people. Whilst I didn’t enjoy the original purpose of this complex , I did enjoy seeing how the buildingshad been constructed using the local desert oaks and stone. Within the complex there was a tannery and I found the process of how the skins were processed really interesting.

I have so many photos like this , I think Gadget was pretty patient with all the stops and starts. Tyurretye (The McDonnell ranges) are absolutely stunning and I can see why the so inspired Albert Namatjira.

Tjoritja / Simpson’s Gap

Simpson’s gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the west McDonnell ranges. This area is thehome to the black footed wallaby, which we were lucky enough to see hidden amongst the rocks. I did take some photos of it but without my zoom lens wasn’t able to get a good enough photo to share.

The rivers are dry up here, the water hole at Simpson’s gap was small compared to how it normally would of appeared. I enjoyed the opportunityof being able to stand where the river would not flow and photograph the majestic river gums.

Reverend John Flynn memorial

The John Flynn memorial is the resting place of the ashes of Reverend John Flynn. Rvd Flynn was the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.The stone mounted atop the plinth was originallyone of the devils marbles, however the people of that area (the Warumungu and Kaytej) requested it be returned. It has now been returned to its original site and the current stone is from a site sacred to the Arrente people.

To finish the day off we chose an evening visit tothe desert on the back of a camel. Our Camel’s name was Jala, when they all were standing Jala appeared to be the smallest of the camels in the group, however it was a LONG way to the ground. It was really quite relaxing plodding along slowly in the peaceful desert area. The views werepretty stunning as you can see below. It was a wonderful way to finish the day.