Page 27 - Our Favourite Walks by Brian Everingham

The Larapinta Trail

Section 3: Jays Creek

Brian Everingham
In May 2014 I took an NPA party to the Larapinta Trail, using a company to provide guides, food and
transport and we therefore were able to take the pick of the days and truly focus on the countryside
rather than just putting our heads down and trudging from end to end.

The entire walk was a special experience, given the company and the fact that during this May we
followed rains, had a plethora of wildflowers and yet had pleasant weather: not too hot but also not
yet the cold nights that can be endured in the Centre at the best of times.

In summary we walked along the rocky bed of Jay Creek, cutting through the Chewings Range to the
Fish Hole, following an old camel path over a rocky bluff and then walking via the Tangentyere
Junction to cross over the pass via the low route and into Standley Chasm.

On our way we learnt about the Holly Grevillea (Grevillea wickhamii), Lemon-Scented Grass
(Cymbogon cimbiguus), Finke River Mallee (Eucalyptus sessilis) and Fork Leafed Corkwood (Hakea
divaricata).

But apart from the botany and the fauna surely what makes this a memorable day was the sky. That
sky, that blue, that sharpness brings to life the art of Namatjira! It opens our senses to colour. It
brings us all alive.

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