Wonder at the remarkable diversity around Serpentine Chalet Dam, trailhead for sections 8 and 9 of the Larapinta Trail, before heading up to the dam.
Serpentine Chalet Dam is part of the ruins of an early tourism venture that was built in the remote West MacDonnell Ranges. It is a refuge to rare and protected plants and wildlife, and the Trailhead for Sections 8 and 9 of the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk.
As you walk into Serpentine Chalet Dam from Counts Point (Section 8), you come to a stand of bushes and trees that are more varied than those in the nearby dolomite hills. This diversity is due to the shelter from fires given by the creek bed, trees and cliff, the better soil and water supply.
The diverse plants means that most of the time at least one species is flowering, giving nectar-eating animals a food supply and shelter. This is one of a few sites where the Common Brushtail Possum is found in Central Australia.
Access to Serpentine Chalet is via four-wheel drive only. There is no vehicle access to Serpentine Chalet Dam - only to the bush camp, chalet ruins and the gate.