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Standley Chasm

Coordinates: 23°43′19″S 133°28′12″E / 23.722°S 133.470°E / -23.722; 133.470
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Standley Chasm
TypeGeological Formation
Location
Coordinates23°43′19″S 133°28′12″E / 23.722°S 133.470°E / -23.722; 133.470
A group of people standing inside Standley Chasm, 1938 - 1948

Standley Chasm is a geological formation located west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. It lies within the West MacDonnell National Park.[1] The Western Arrernte Aboriginal people are its original owners; it is traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning the Gap of Water.[2] Standley Chasm is located in a reserve privately owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust.[3]

The first European name for the formation was Gall Springs after the third manager of Owen Springs Station which once held the title over this land. When used for pastoral purposes the chasm was a major watering site for cattle. The Government excised this section of Owen Springs as part of Jay Creek Settlement for use by The Bungalow and, soon after, it was renamed Standley Chasm in honour of Ida Standley, the first school teacher in Alice Springs and matron of The Bungalow[4][5] The suggestion for renaming the site came from Ernest Eugene Kramer who was impressed by the scenic grandeur and wanted it to come to public attention.[5]

The chasm is generally in shade for most of the day, but changes colour around noon when the sun is directly overhead, making this the most popular time of the day to visit.[6]

Standley Chasm is a trailhead for the Larapinta Trail, a walking track from Mount Sonder to Alice Springs.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye". Northern Territory Government. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  2. ^ "Standley Chasm ANGKERLE". Standley Chasm. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Standley Chasm ANGKERLE (about)". Standley Chasm. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  4. ^ "Place Names Register". www.ntlis.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  5. ^ a b Traynor, Stuart (2016). Alice Springs : from singing wire to iconic outback town. Mile End, South Australia. ISBN 9781743054499. OCLC 958933012.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. ^ "Standley Chasm - A complete guide | Travel Guide". A Little Off Track. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  7. ^ "Standley Chasm Trailhead | Larapinta Trail". www.larapintatrail.com.au. Retrieved 10 November 2023.