Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory: Swimming, walks and camping
Things to do at Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell National Park include crocodile-free swimming in the waterhole, tackling the Ormiston Pound Walk and camping at the Ormiston Gorge campground.
Ormiston Gorge in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre is one of the best attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The easiest way to visit Ormiston Gorge is on a West MacDonnell Ranges day tour from Alice Springs.
This Red Centre gorge is something of an oasis in the outback, 135km west of Alice Springs. It is part of the West MacDonnell National Park, and a key stop on the Larapinta Trail.
Swimming at Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory
The initial appeal of Ormiston Gorge lies in the high red walls that loom over visitors. But on a hot day, the awe of the red rock gives way to the lure of the waterhole.
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There’s a near permanent waterhole at Ormiston Gorge, just 500 metres away from the visitor centre. It’s a fantastic spot for a swim in the middle of the outback. Winter temperatures can be surprisingly chilly, but the water feels just perfect in summer.
There are no crocodiles at Ormiston Gorge. It’s too far south and inland.
Ormiston Pound Walk
There are also a few walking trials around Ormiston Gorge. The five minute Waterhole Walk is wheelchair accessible, although the 20 minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk offers better views.
If you really want to stretch your legs, the Ormiston Pound Walk does a full circuit around the slopes, then drops into Ormiston Pound. On the way back, you’ll pass the waterhole and can break off for a well-deserved swim.
The Ormiston Pound Walk takes around three to four hours. You can admire the desert flora on the way and keep an eye out for animal life. Long-tailed dunnarts and central rock rats have been spotted here.
Ormiston Gorge camping
It’s also possible to go camping at Ormiston Gorge. By the standards of most outback campgrounds standards are positively luxurious. The Ormiston Gorge campground includes showers, toilets and gas barbecues. Visit the NT Government website for further camping information.
Other major attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges include Standley Chasm and the Ellery Creek Big Hole.
For more information on a West MacDonnell Ranges day tour that visits Ormiston Gorge, head this way.
Seven essential Alice Springs activities to add to your trip.
- See imposing red rock cliffs and stunning swimming holes – on a West MacDonnell Ranges day trip.
- Glide across the changing morning colours of the outback – on a hot air balloon ride.
- See how education works across the outback – at the School of the Air.
- Take in the epic outback scenery – on a scenic flight.
- See the outback wildlife come to life – on a Desert Park nocturnal tour.
- Try camel rides through the red dirt landscape – and learn the weird history of Aussie camels.
- See stunning, often unvisited outback sites – on a Palm Valley 4wd tour.
Best Alice Springs accommodation choices
These are the best Alice Springs accommodation picks:
- For a solid, relatively affordable motel: Elkira Court Motel.
- For villas, gardens and a lagoon-style pool: Desert Palms.
- For backpackers: Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn.
- For a kid-friendly holiday park: Discovery Parks Alice Springs.
- For business-friendly serviced apartments: Quest Alice Springs.
More Northern Territory travel
How long is the Mataranka to Darwin drive.
Should I take the Kings Canyon to Alice Springs bus?
How long is the drive from Camooweal to Barkly Homestead?
Where to stop on a Tennant Creek to Uluru road trip.