Old Ambalindum

After a bit of research we decided to explore the East Macdonnell Ranges in preference to the west. We decided to head for Old Ambalindum Homestead in the east of the ranges on the Binns Track, a  4wd track named for territory identity, Bill Binns. The track starts in Mt Dare, S.A and ends at Timber Creek, N.T. we had already travelled the northern section to Timber Creek.
We landed on our feet this time for sure. The East Macs are stunning, and the hospitality we enjoyed at Old Ambalindum has to be experienced to be believed.

Our camp at Old Ambalindum Homestead.

Ambalindum is a 800,000 acre working cattle station holding around 15,000 head of cattle, mostly Droughtmasters and Brahmans. You can set up camp on the lush green grass surrounding the original 1900's homestead, as we did, or stay in the homestead itself. Either way you will be well looked after for sure. They also have bunkhouse style accom. The new managers, Sarah and Scott were so accommodating, we even enjoyed a roast pork dinner with them in their cottage. We went for 2 nights and stayed for 5, with Scott and Sarah joining us for a beer and a yarn around our campfire most nights.

Sunset at Old Ambalindum

From the homestead it is easy to explore the surrounding country and the Arltunga historic reserve and gold mine relics. the station has a resident gem fossiker, Dave who is passionate about the area and took us out on the station in his 4wd, supplied lunch and beer, helped us fossick for garnet and ruby and took us to some very special places including these caves. No charge.

Hopefully in the not too distant future the station will be running adventure tourism type tours to these caves incuding an overnight stay in the largest one. This is seriously remote and beautiful country, and the star show at night needs to be seen.
Arltunga historic reserve is excellent and so well looked after. N.T does national parks better than anywhere. Superb camping for $3.30 per night, campfires, no problem, even maps and notes etc free to collect on the park entry. Puts Vic and NSW parks to shame.
Was looking forward to the Arltunga Bush Hotel, but disaster struck!

The pub was unattended but open and sold soft drink on an honesty box system.

Heaps of wildlife to be seen.
On our last  day we took a 4wd track through the property to Ruby Gap national park. It is around 2 hours to get there on some pretty rough tracks, but it is worth it. Ruby gap is pristine and unspoilt, no litter in sight, and if it weren't for the tyre tracks in the sand you could think you were the first there.We did some walking through the gorge but with the temps nudging 40c again we didn't venture too far.
We were sad to leave Old Ambilindum and we will certainly return. Back to Alice now for supplies, then on to Ayers Rock and the Olgas.