Rainbow Valley, Northern Territory, Australia
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
Free entry
Marvel at an ancient landscape as you explore the spectacular Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The main feature of the Rainbow Valley area is the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs.
These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range, and are particularly attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when the rainbow-like rock bands are highlighted. The coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were caused by water when in earlier, wetter times, the red iron of the sandstone layers dissolved, and was drawn to the surface during the dry season.
The red minerals formed a dark iron rich surface layer with the leached white layers below. This dark red capping is hard, and weathers slowly, whereas the softer white sandstone below weathers quickly into loose sand. Weathering and erosion are also responsible for the valley shape, where sandstone blocks have been eroded into rock faces and squared towers.
Access is for four-wheel drive vehicles only, due to sandy nature of the track.
A camping area with toilets, gas barbecues, fire pits and a picnic area is provided. Camping fees apply (cash only, no change available), firewood be collected before entering the Reserve.
To catch a sunset or sunrise at Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is one of the great outback experiences – the coloured bands of sandstone in the free-standing cliffs radiate light that spills over the desert floor which, after rain, can be covered in wildflowers. Weathering and erosion have shaped the valley, and sandstone blocks have been sculpted into angular rock faces and squared towers. The coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were created when the environment was wetter than today – iron was dissolved and drawn to the surface to form a dark surface layer, leaving leached white layers below.The reserve is rich in Aboriginal culture, with ancient petroglyphs and rock art.
Stone implements, and various artefacts dating back to the early pioneering days, are scattered about, particularly among the rocky ridges and rock shelters. Claypans around the cliffs often retain water after rain and these are great times to take photographs because of the vibrant reflections. There is a marked walking trail (4-km circuit) from the camping ground to Mushroom Rock.Rainbow Valley is a very pleasant destination during the cooler months (April to September), with blue skies, brisk, clear nights and reasonable daytime temperatures. At other times of the year the claypans and entry road may be flooded and temperatures soar.
When walking, visitors should carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and head gear. Camping is permitted in the reserve in the designated area. Facilities include gas and wood barbecues, picnic tables and a pit toilet. Generators are not allowed and visitors are advised to collect firewood before entering the reserve.
Rainbow Valley Location and access
97 km south-west of Alice Springs via Stuart Hwy then unsealed road with sandy patches; 4WD recommended
Park information
PWCNT (08) 8999 5511
PWCNT Alice Springs (08) 8951 8211
Size
2483 ha
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