Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife. Located 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell National Park, it is accessible via sealed roads and is the Trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk. The gorge has a near-permanent waterhole that is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. Just 500 metres from the visitor centre, it is estimated to be up to 14 metres deep at its southern end. Explore the area via the Ormiston Pound Walk - a three to four hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre to cross the rocky slopes and the flat floor of the pound and back along the gorge via the main waterhole. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species from Central Australia's tropical past. The park is also an important fauna refuge, with the rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat here in 1997. Tent and caravan camping available in designated camping sites (fees apply).