Ormiston Gorge

Located 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, in the West MacDonnell National Park, Ormiston Gorge is a must-see destination for nature lovers.

This stunning natural haven is accessible via sealed roads and serves as a trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the 231 kilometres Larapinta Trail walk.

If you're looking to cool off, Ormiston Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole that's ideal for swimming, particularly in warmer months. The waterhole is located just 500 metres from the visitor centre and has an estimated depth of up to 14 metres at its southern end.

Aside from taking a dip, visitors can enjoy the towering red walls of the gorge and pound while viewing local plants and wildlife. Explore the area further via the Ormiston Pound Walk - a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre. This walk will take you across the rocky slopes and the flat floor of the pound, and back along the gorge via the main waterhole. It's also an excellent opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the area.

Ormiston Gorge features an interesting variety of native fauna and flora, including a number of relict plant species from Central Australia's tropical past. Additionally, the park serves as an important fauna refuge, with Long-tailed Dunnart and Central Rock Rat having been rediscovered here in 1997.

If you've fallen in love with the area and want to stay a while, designated campsites are available for pitching your tent. Ormiston Gorge and the West MacDonnell National Park are magnificent all year round, but the best time to visit for warm weather is from April to September.

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