Bloods Range facts for kids
Bloods Range is a fascinating mountain range located right in the middle of Australia. It stretches from east to west, crossing the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia. This range is made up of several groups of hills, separated by long, winding valleys. The two main valleys are formed by the Hull River and the Docker River. You'll also find many deep ravines and narrow gorges carved into the hillsides. At its western end, Bloods Range connects with the Petermann Ranges.
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Discovering Bloods Range
Bloods Range is a significant part of the Australian landscape. It's known for its unique geography and the stories of its early exploration.
Where is Bloods Range Located?
This mountain range sits in the heart of Australia. It acts like a natural boundary between two large Australian territories. The landscape here is rugged and beautiful, with many natural features.
High Peaks and Hidden Valleys
The highest points in Bloods Range are Mounts Harris and Carruthers. Mount Harris stands at about 840 metres (2,756 feet) tall, while Mount Carruthers reaches an impressive 1,000 metres (3,281 feet). These peaks offer amazing views of the surrounding area. Further east, the range splits into smaller sections, including the Rowley Range, McNichol's Range, and the Pinyinna Range.
How Did Bloods Range Get Its Name?
The name "Bloods Range" has an interesting history, linked to early Australian explorers.
Early Explorers and Their Journeys
The range was named on March 14, 1874, by an explorer named Ernest Giles. He saw the range from the top of Mount Curdie. Giles decided to name it after a man whose last name was "Blood." This person owned an early pastoral station (a large farm for raising animals) in South Australia.
A few years later, on June 12, 1889, Giles' assistant, W. H. Tietkins, returned to the area. He led his own expedition to survey (measure and map) the range more closely.
Naming the Mountains
During his survey, W. H. Tietkins named the two highest peaks: Mount Harris and Mount Carruthers. From the top of Mount Harris, Tietkins wrote that he could see other famous landmarks. These included Kata Tjuṯa, the Petermann Ranges, and the Tomkinson Ranges. His observations helped map this remote part of Australia.
