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Come to Standley Chasm, located 50km by sealed road from Alice Springs and admire the panorama that the force of nature has carved out over a course of millions of years. The Standley Chasm is the work of several floods that surged down a narrow tributary of the Finke River system and in the process gouged this chasm into tough sandstone. The result of it, as we see today is a deep red cleft crowded on either side by craggy slopes that rise 80 metres above the floor. No matter, what time of the year or day you visit the Standley Chasm, it is always an inspiration. However, the Chasm is at its most dramatic an hour either side of noon on a sunny day. At this time of the day, the reflected sunlight makes the sheer walls glow and plays with light and shadow to create a breathtaking display of stark form and rich color. Hiking enthusiasts can also take a walk along the trekking track that links the car park to the Chasm. Here you will come across a creek where spring-fed pools attract a great variety of wildlife - particularly some colorful and exotic species of birds. Due to the bounty of flowing water, the gully floor is lush carpet of green inlaid with plants that range from delicate ferns to tall gums and an array of wildflowers.
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