As with all good journeys, we enjoyed getting there as much as the rock itself, touring on small backroads that cross some of the largest remaining woodlands on earth. A woodland is more open than a forest, as the tree canopies do not touch - and these woodlands are unique for their size and diversity of species.
We stopped and explored McDermid Rock, learning about the precious waterholes or 'gnammas' that these rocks hold. Of great importance to the Aboriginal people, they are also havens for wildlife, and support some incredibly hardy vegetation.
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| On McDermid Rock |
This area lies on the largest granite belt in the world, giving rise to many of these rocks and their precious water storage. It also means that as granite erodes into sand, the surrounding soil is very sandy. It is also very low in nutrients, which is why it has never been cleared for agriculture and why it is such a unique woodland.
