Twisted Tree on Kings Canyon

by Lexa Harpell

Title

Twisted Tree on Kings Canyon

Artist

Lexa Harpell

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Raw and Untouched Northern Territory Series by Lexa Harpell.

Twisted Tree on Kings Canyon

The domes were formed when the sandstone cracked in 'squares' and over time and natural weathering they formed into scalloped, leveled domes over this vast landscape.

Dramatic twisted shaped trees is a renown sight on the rim of Kings Canyon. There are only a few which survive to this height. Surviving against all odds in these harsh, arid conditions.
The searing heat from the rocks year round, exposure to high winds and the absence of regular water - which stunts their growth. Yet some battle these conditions forcing their roots through the cracks of the rocks - deep down in search for that precious water.

Kings Canyon is 323kms southwest of Alice Springs - 430kms via 2WD or 300kms from Uluru in the Northern Territory, Australia and is is part of the Watarrka National Park.

Kings Canyon takes its name from Kings Creek which was named by the explorer Ernest Giles when he passed through the area in 1872.

Driving towards head the canyon from Uluru you wonder at the length of the range with the canyon walls at 100mts high.

You can walk the 6kms loop around the rim viewing some of the most spectacular scenery and incredible rock formations. There is a rather steep climb to the top of the rim which they call 'Heartbreak Hill'. Just take your time and take rests every so often. The walk around the rim is not that difficult. It usually takes about 3-4hours at a leisurely walk.

You are encouraged to walk only on the marked area as part of the gorge is a sacred Aboriginal site.

About half way you can take a small detour and descend to the permanent water hole of The Garden of Eden.

The second half of the walk shows the fascinating weathered sandstone domes with spasmodic trees growing between them. the bright red in the rocks is due to oxidisation of the high iron content.

**ALWAYS take plenty of water to drink when hiking in this part of Australia (around 1 litre per hour) - especially during the summer months as the rocks absorb heat from the sun and the temperatures rise and you can dehydrate quickly! Some people collapse due to dehydration. Drink - don't sip water and don't wait to drink until you are thirsty - you are already dehydrated!

IMAGE FEATURED IN THE FOLLOWING:

Australia in Pictures - 26 August, 2017

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August 4th, 2017

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