Pete and I had set today aside to explore the beautiful, weather-beaten MacDonnell Ranges that are on either side of Alice Springs. We visited the East MacDonnell Range first, above is Emily Gap.

Eight kilometres further on is Jessie Gap, another quiet and pretty spot.

Corroboree Rock...a very strange looking dolomite outcrop.

The start of the Trephina Gorge Walk which loops around the gorge's rim then down to the valley below.

I love the ghost gums...

The 4WD track to John Hayes Rockhole... a new experience for me.

The John Hayes Rockhole...worth the bumpy ride...

....so pretty..

In the above photo we are now in the West MacDonnell Range at Simpsons Gap.

Stanley Chasm...such a narrow corridor that slices through the range, the walls rise to 80 metres.

Our last stop and my favourite was Ellery Creek Big Hole. The water and the chance to swim under those towering cliffs was the attraction. Pete and I swam the length of the gorge, at times floating on our backs staring up at the walls of red rock.

How lucky we felt at the end of the day to see and experience nature's stunning beauty.