Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
Overview
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The main features of the Rainbow Valley area are 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. In earlier wetter times, the red iron of the sandstone layers was dissolved and drawn to the surface during the Dry Season. The red minerals formed a dark iron 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.
How to Get There
The turn-off to the Reserve is 75 km south from Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway. From here it is a 22 km stretch east, along an unsealed road which has some sandy patches. For this reason, access is recommended for 4WD vehicles only.
When to Visit
The Reserve is accessible all year round, with the cooler months from April to September being the most pleasant.
What to See and Do
With their varied shapes and colours, the sandstone ridges and bluffs of Rainbow Valley are a favourite with photographers.
Visitor Facilties
Camping, pit toilets, gas barbecues and picnic facilities are available.
Please Remember
- Use the gas barbecues provided where possible.
- Pets are not permitted in this park.
- Camping is only permitted in designated camping areas.
Fact Sheet
Recreational Activities
The sandstone ridges and bluffs are delightful to photograph, particularly around dawn or dusk, or when there is water in the claypans adjacent to the bluffs.
Other features and activities of the Reserve include:
- 4 x 4 Driving
- Camping Permitted
Camping is permitted in the Reserve in the designated area. Facilities include gas and wood barbecues, picnic tables and a pit toilet. Camping fees are payable. - Picnic Tables
- Walking Tracks
There are unmarked trails for bushwalking around the bluff area and to other locations along the James Range.
Scenic and Cultural Features
The Park is rich in Aboriginal associations. Found throughout the area, especially around the hills and ridges, are rock engravings or petroglyphs and paintings as well as grinding stones and stone tool chips.
Immediately to the south of the main rock formation stands a large rock massif, known as 'Ewerre'. This outcrop, together with the surrounding 50m, is a registered scared site. This area is also of significance to the southern Arrente Aboriginal people due to a spread of black rocks at the northern base of the main rock formation. The significance of these is not clear, but the Traditional owners stress that these rocks should not be moved.
Plants and Animals
Surrounding the range area, particularly in the north-west, are spinifex dominated sand plains and a number of interconnecting claypans.
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Ranger Guided Activities
Campfire talk
- When: Fridays 2 May to 3 October 2008
- Time: 7:30 pm for 45 minutes
- Meet: Rainbow Valley Campground
Life on the Claypan - Relax by the campfire with a Ranger and hear about the amazing variety of plants and animals call the claypan home. Bring a chair.