Comments on: Palm Valley, Gosse Bluff to the rescue of our tourist industry?

By: Nadine

Nadine — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:09:42 +0000

You want a scenic view? We were lucky enough to do a job at Palm Valley a few years ago. The best view I’ve ever seen in Central Australia was from the ranger’s hut at Palm Valley. It rivals the classic American landscape you see in movies … I’d work out there for that view alone. Just a shame that only a few get to see it.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 05:19:30 +0000

Soooo much has been forgotten about the original values that tourism was built on, Palm Valley is but one chapter. Like many of the forgotten icons and values they are as relevant today as the were then to today’s experience seeking tourist. Today’s visitor to Palm Valley is still stunned and mesmerized by the colours and formations as they were 30 years ago, the only difference is 99% of the visitors to Central Australia don’t even know they missed it.

By: Ian Sharp

Ian Sharp — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:51:02 +0000

Hi Erwin, re your statement above: “3000 Red Cabbage Palms which have their origins in Central Australia’s tropical past, survivors in a true oasis now surrounded by harsh dryness.” This idea of the origin of the palms is now under question, in a way that makes them possibly an even more interesting phenomenon. I quote from an article from CSIRO scientists posted on The Conversation (education) website:
“The red cabbage palm, Livistona mariae, has long been thought to be a survivor from a wetter climate, hanging on in a damp micro-habitat in Palm Valley (Finke River) near Alice Springs. That story was demolished earlier this year, when it was found that the palm is a relative new-comer, having arrived a mere 15,000-30,000 years ago.
The overwhelming evidence points to Aboriginal people bringing the red cabbage palm to Palm Valley. This palm is only found in the Finke River region, although it is very closely related to another palm over 1000km to the north, with whom it shares a common ancestor.”
I think this could make Palm Valley an even more attractive destination. Not sure about your monorail ideas, might be cheap to buy, but not to transport and erect and run … why not encourage indigenous 4WD operators out of Hermannsburg? Cultural and natural history tours. Something our new government to think about?
http://theconversation.edu.au/what-is-a-native-and-why-should-we-care-9053

By: Russell

Russell — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 06:47:41 +0000

Dear Editor, in case you had not heard, Mr Mayell is on his way back to the NT CLP. Might help explain why no one currently wishes to converse with you on this.
The Palm Valley management committee et al may well have their work cut out in “accommodating industry”.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-03/tourism-boss-defends-departure/4239940?section=tas
“Pokies in the Parks” … anyone? … Nuh, too silly …