The more time one spends away, and the more one travels, the more the red ochre of the Australian outback seems to loom large in one’s mind. Perhaps I am just dreaming of somewhere 70 degrees C (158 F) warmer than the frozen lake I am looking at out the window. Several days drive from anywhere of note; the red cliffs of Mutawintji Gorge are as isolated as they are beautiful. Mutawintji National Park is dissected by numerous colourful gorges, rockpools and creek beds lined with red gums. Far West region of outback New South Wales, in eastern Australia.
The lifeblood of the NSW outback, beautiful reflections along the Darling River belies the truth of a stagnant dying river. The result of both long term upstream drought and controversial water use policies, the Darling stopped flowing earler this year south of Wilcannia and the once great Menindee Lakes dried up. Like sentinels from another age, the ancient Red River gums that line the banks are in many cases over 800 years old. Kinchega National Park, Outback New South Wales, Australia.
Hope everyone is enjoying the simple things in life over the festive season. Powlathanga, Far North Queensland. Australia
