Lap around Australia Devil's Marbles to Alice Springs

Devil's Marbles to Alice Springs

Devil's Marbles is a hauntingly beautiful place! It would be safe to say that everyone enjoyed their stay here immensely, even though it came with some challenges of free-camping....ie power, water toilets and showers. There were none supplied (other than a drop toilet) and no shops for miles.

On our first evening at camp, all of us except John who stayed behind to prepare our dinner in the camp oven (Thanks Jess!) went off exploring the Devil's marbles and taking many photos of the different colours on the rocks as the sun set. We met a lovely Swiss woman and her 4 1/2 year old daughter who were taking photos also. The little girl was clambering fearlessly all over the rocks, even climbing up to the highest point with Steve.

There had been severe rain at Devil's Marbles last week and there was still water lying around on some of the rocks making reflection pools. So pretty! We were mesmerised by the serenity of the scenery. It was altogether a memorable experience.
Dinner was pretty memorable too. We all gathered at the picnic table again. This time we'd strung fairy lights around the trees and it looked very festive. The stew John made was so yummy. Lots of people wandered past looking longingly at our great feast. Then to top it off John made pancakes with maple syrup, custard and ice-cream. We're doing it tough in the outback!
A young couple walking past us for a night stroll were invited to join us. They were pretty impressed with the pancakes too.

Sunrise at the Marbles was a gentle experience. We hadn't slept the best because a strong wind blew up during the night causing our awning to flap and make noise. We were very pleased not to have to walk all the way to the long drop toilets at night because it also got quite cold.

John pottered around all morning fixing this and that and installing some LED lights under our awning while the rest of us went for a walk on the other side of the camp. The Devil's Marbles are spread out over some acres and it's different from every angle.

That night we had a mixed grill dinner that Steve cooked for us at the table. Once again we were the envy of our fellow campers as wonderful cooking smells emanated from our set-up. Karen had also cooked a lemon cake in the Weber Baby Q, so there was dessert again too!
We spent a convivial evening sitting around chatting. It was so friendly here we met lots of our temporary neighbours and enjoyed wonderful repartee with them. Also got some advice of where to get cheap fuel and where to stay at Alice Springs. Awesome!
We packed up early the next morning. The young family of three young children next to us had slept well in their swags despite the noise and the cold last night. Mind you, they retaliated with their own noise, having purchased a didgeridoo in Alice Springs and now busking in the campground to earn money for their next holiday.

We stopped at Wycliffe Well on the way to Alice Springs to get fuel, as we'd been told it was cheaper there than nearby Wauchope. Also it is supposed to be the UFO sighting capital of Australia and proudly displays lots of Alien sculptures outside the servo.

Next stop on the journey was Aileron to see the large sculptures of an Aboriginal lady and her child and on top of the hill is a large Aboriginal man.
It was quite a hike up to the top of the hill and Steve did the honours for the group by climbing right to the top.
We had managed to book three sites together at Wintersun Top Tourist Caravan park in Alice Springs. We were very lucky to do this as it's very busy here being school holidays. Also the camel cup was on last weekend, so Alice Springs was heaving with people for this event.

All of us were most excited about finally getting a long hot shower after just quick washes while we were free camping. Tomorrow we will wash. So much washing!