Massive geological forces created the towering red walls of Ormiston Gorge and Pound, located within the West MacDonnell National Park, 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

Within the gorge is a permanent waterhole, estimated to be at least 14 metres deep, which provides a refreshing finale to a day's exploring.

The seven kilometre long Ormiston Pound walk is a full circuit from the visitor centre across the rocky slopes, onto the flat floor of the pound and returns along the gorge via the main waterhole.

Other walks in the area contain interesting collections of regional native flora, including a number of relic plant species remaining from a tropical past. Camping and caravanning fees apply.

Access

Ormiston Gorge is located 135 km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The Visitor Centre is approximately 8kms from the Ormiston Gorge turn-off on Namatjira Drive. Sealed roads provide access by conventional vehicles. All roads can be impassable for a short period after heavy rain.

Where Is Ortmiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge and Pound is located 181 kilometres along the Larapinta Trail starting from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and is the Trailhead for Sections 9 and 10 of the trail.
Parks Northern Territory PDF Map of Ormiston Gorge

When to visit

The Park is accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to October) are the most pleasant.

Camping - Camping facilities are available for tents. Spaces are limited and operate on a first come, first served basis. There is a separate camp ground for school groups. Gas barbecues, toilets and showers are provided. Camping fees are payable at the site and camping is only permitted in designated areas.

There is a limited supply of drinking water at Ormiston Gorge. People planning to stay should carry their drinking water requirements with them.

Facilities
• BBQ Facilities
• Car park
• Coach Parking
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet
• Shaded Area
• Sheltered Area

Swimming - The Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole situated 500 metres from the Visitor Centre. The water hole is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. Swimmers should be aware that most water holes are extremely cold. Prolonged exposure, even during summer, can result in hypothermia. Beware of submerged logs and rocks.

Walking - The best way to appreciate the scenery of Ormiston Gorge and Pound is to follow one of the many marked walking tracks. The 5 minute Waterhole walk and the 20 minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk are the most popular with visitors.

The 3-4 hour Ormiston Pound walk completes a full circuit from the Visitor Centre, meandering around scenic slopes, dropping into the flat expanse of the Pound and returning along Ormiston

For the keen walker the Larapinta Trail also passes through the area (see Parks and Wildlife Regional Office or the Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre for details).

Larapinta Trail

Section 9 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as hard - a rough and narrow track with some steep and/or long climbs and descents, suitable for fit people with previous bushwalking experience.

Section 10 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as medium - a narrow track which may be rough in places, with some climbing and descending, suitable for people who walk regularly.

The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species remaining from a tropical past. The rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat highlights the Park as an important fauna refuge.

2 - 4 days - Overnight
ORMISTON GORGE to REDBANK GORGE
(Sections 10 & 11 or Sections 10, 11 & 12)

These Sections make for a great weekend walk and if you have a long weekend try adding Section 12 as well.

This part of the Trail is very flexible and you can walk them straight through or couple them with side trips around Ormiston Gorge or to Glen Helen.

If you’re fit and only have 2 days, walk from Ormiston Gorge to Hilltop Lookout on Section 11 for an overnight camp. Continue onto Redbank Gorge the following day.

If you’ve got more time on your hands consider camping at Finke River, Rocky Bar Gap and then Redbank Gorge with an early morning walk up Mt Sonder on day 4.

Highlights:
Walking in the shadows of Mt Sonder.
Watching birds make the most of each habitat that you pass through - from the mallee to the spinifex to the River Red Gum lined watercourses and the ranges.

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