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The MacDonnell Ranges bifurcate into The East and West MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch out for hundreds of kilometers on both sides of Alice Springs. Popular legends trace back the origin of these massive ranges to the ancient belief of Arrernte people, (The traditional owners of the Alice Springs area) that giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye who entered this world through one of the dramatic gaps in the escarpments of the area became the Ranges. It is very easy to access the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs. The geological enthusiasts who come here all year long are pleasantly surprised to find that each of the West MacDonnell's chasms and gorges has its own unique character and scenery. While, Simpsons Gap sports a permanent pool and rock wallabies live in the gap's rocky ridges the reflections of the overhead sun during midday, colors up the Standley Chasm in fiery hues. Visitors can also take a leisurely dip in the picturesque swimming holes such as Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge, for a refreshing relief on a scorching day. The Ochre Pits that desert Aboriginal people once used as a quarry for ochre pigments are also worth a visit. Though the East MacDonnell Ranges are not as well known as the West MacDonnells, they do provide beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving.
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