Spotlight on the amazing Ormiston Gorge in Central Australia
Visiting Ormiston Gorge in Central Australia is an opportunity to swim in an outback waterhole with the stunning West MacDonnell ranges as your backdrop. With plenty of sand and rocks for the kids to scramble over, it’s not unlike a day at the beach. However, this beach is minus the sharks and crocs and there is plenty of cute wildlife spotting opportunities.
Sound perfect? Well, it is!
Ormiston Gorge is often visited as a day trip from Alice Springs, but the best way to see it is as part of the Mereenie Loop (Red Centre Way) road trip, an epic adventure that will see you visit multiple swimming holes on a back route through to Uluru.
The scenery here is truly breathtaking and Ormiston Gorge is a top spot to visit with kids in Central Australia. The gorge itself is incredibly serene and relaxing and judging by the few people who were settled in with a book on their towels or simply sunbathing, we’re not the only ones who thought so.
Swimming at Ormiston Gorge
Swimming at Ormiston Gorge is a great one for the memory banks, but like many freshwater swimming holes, the water can get surprisingly cold. This, of course, is great in the hotter months but in Winter, it’s more comfortable to sit on the edges and let your feet do the swimming.
Ellery Creek Big Hole, which is closer to Alice Springs, is also a great swimming spot in Central Australia.
Camping at Ormiston Gorge
The gorge is free to visit and if you wish to stay overnight at Ormiston, camping is available around 500 metres from the waterhole. From 1 March 2023, campsite bookings are no longer an honesty box system and need to be made in person at the Ormiston Gorge Kiosk. Bookings are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Camping facilities include toilets, hot showers and BBQs and there is also a small kiosk and visitor centre here.
Other places to stay near Ormiston Gorge
If camping is not your style, rooms can be booked at the nearby recently refurbished Glen Helen Lodge. Powered and non-powered camping sites can also be booked here. Of course, you can always stay in Alice Springs and visit on a day trip.
Hiking at Ormiston Gorge
There are a few walks to do around the gorge that really showcase the beautiful scenery.
The Ghost Gum Lookout walk is popular and takes approximately 20 minutes one way. The Ormiston Pound Walk takes approximately 3 – 4 hours and you will need to be prepared to swim through cold water for this one. Of course, don’t forget snacks, sunscreen and enough water to get you through.
Ormiston Gorge is also the trailhead for sections nine and 10 of the Larapinta trail.
How to get to Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge is approximately 135 km from Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Follow Larapinta Drive west out of Alice Springs and turn right onto Namatjira Drive. When you get to the intersection, follow the road until you see the signs for the gorge. Sealed roads ensure you can get there in a standard vehicle.
More information on Ormiston Gorge
Download the Northern Territory Gov’s Ormiston Gorge map and fact sheet here for more information on Ormiston Gorge.
Looking for more awesome family holiday ideas?
For more information on visiting Central Australia, jump over to our Central Australia page. Alternatively, head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia.
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Resources for booking your getaway to Central Australia
Getting to the Red Centre of Australia
Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com.
Getting around Central Australia
Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. Don’t forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Accommodation in Central Australia
Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131.
Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if you’re on a camping road trip.
Glen Helen is the only non-camping option available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs.
If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead.
Tours and activities in Central Australia
Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator.
