Redbank Gorge is one of the most spectacular yet underrated natural attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs. Famous for its clear waterhole, towering red cliffs and adventurous gorge walk, it’s a favourite stop for travellers and adventurous families exploring the Red Centre.
Whether you’re planning to swim in the waterhole, tackle the walk through the narrow gorge or camp overnight beneath the stars, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Redbank Gorge.
Quick guide to Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge is one of the best places to swim and hike in the West MacDonnell Ranges, around 156 km west of Alice Springs. The short but adventurous walk leads through a narrow gorge to a permanent waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs, making it one of Central Australia’s most memorable natural attractions.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, photography, bushwalking and camping at the nearby Redbank Gorge Campground. While the walk is relatively short, it involves walking over rocks and, depending on water levels, may require wading through the gorge, so sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure are recommended.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja), Northern Territory |
| Distance from Alice Springs | Approximately 156 km (around 2 hours by car) |
| Best for | Swimming, hiking, photography and camping |
| Walk distance | Around 2 km return to the main waterhole (allow 1-2 hours depending on conditions) |
| Difficulty | Moderate – uneven rocks and possible water crossings |
| Swimming | Yes – permanent waterhole (water can be very cold) |
| Camping | Yes – Redbank Gorge Campground nearby |
| Facilities | Toilets, picnic area and campground |
| National park pass | Entry to the West MacDonnell National Park requires a Northern Territory Parks Pass |
| Best time to visit | April to September for cooler weather |
| 4WD/2WD access | The last 5km is unsealed, and conditions vary with the season. A 4WD is recommended for this last section, particularly after rain. |
Where is Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge is located at the western end of the West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja), approximately 156 km west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The drive takes around two hours and follows the sealed Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive, making it an easy day trip or an ideal stop on the Red Centre Way.
As you travel further west, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with rugged mountain ranges, dry riverbeds and iconic Red Centre landscapes replacing the flat desert plains. Redbank Gorge is the last major attraction along the West MacDonnell tourist drive, making it a popular place to finish a day of sightseeing before heading back towards Alice Springs or Glen Helen.
The last five kilometres into Redbank Gorge are via an unsealed track. Although I’ve seen numerous high-clearance 2WD here in the dry, a 4WD is recommended, particularly after rain.
Is Redbank Gorge worth visiting?
Absolutely. Redbank Gorge is our favourite attraction in the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia and remains surprisingly quiet compared to some of the region’s better-known swimming holes.
While many visitors head straight for Ormiston Gorge or Ellery Creek Big Hole, Redbank Gorge offers a bit more of an adventurous experience. The combination of towering red cliffs, a permanent waterhole and the narrow gorge creates an unforgettable setting that feels wild and untouched.
One of the highlights is simply reaching the waterhole itself. The walk is short enough for most reasonably fit visitors but adventurous enough to feel like a genuine outback experience. On hot days, the cold water provides a welcome escape from the desert heat. On other days, it may be a little too cool to comfortably swim in unless you’re a cold water fanatic.
If you’re exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, Redbank Gorge is well worth including on your itinerary.
The Redbank Gorge Walk
The Redbank Gorge Walk is relatively short but more adventurous than many visitors expect. From the car park, you’ll follow a rocky creek bed towards the narrow entrance of the gorge before continuing through impressive red cliffs to reach the permanent waterhole.
The return walk is approximately two kilometres from the carpark and usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the condition of the track, which varies significantly with the season.
The first time we did the hike, there had been no rain for quite some time, and we were able to walk up the dry riverbed all the way to the waterhole.
The second time we hiked into Redbank Gorge was after an unusually rainy season. It was much more time-consuming, as we had to backtrack and cross over the other side of the riverbed multiple times to avoid getting our gear wet before we reached the actual swimming hole.
Unlike a formed walking trail, much of the route involves scrambling over rocks and uneven surfaces. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are recommended, and visitors should take extra care as the rocks can become slippery.
Although the walk isn’t particularly long, it’s best suited to visitors with a reasonable level of mobility due to the uneven terrain.
Other walking opportunities at Redbank Gorge
Section 12 of the well-known Larapinta Trail starts and finishes at Redbank Gorge. From the carpark, depart for the Mt Sonder Lookout return walk, which includes steep sections of stone steps and takes around 2.5 hours to traverse the five kilometres. This one is no easy walk in the park, but hikers are rewarded with memorable views. You can also start or finish section 11 of the Larapinta Trail from here as well.
Can you swim at Redbank Gorge?
Yes – swimming is one of the main reasons people visit Redbank Gorge.
At the end of the walk, you’ll reach Redbank Waterhole, a permanent swimming hole surrounded by towering rock walls. The water is clear in the shallow sections, but it’s also surprisingly cold, so if you’ve got your heart set on swimming, it’s best to time your visit with the warmer weather.
You can splash around in the shallows with the kids, or swim a little further out into the deeper sections. However, the best way to experience Redbank Gorge is to blow up a floaty, wade up the gorge with it, and then lazily kick and float back to where you started.
Redbank Gorge camping
Redbank Gorge has two Category B campsites at the Woodland and Ridgetop campgrounds. Book in advance online via the NT Parks Booking System, because although you used to be able to just rock up and pay via an honesty box at the campground, this is no longer the case.
The cost to camp here is $25 per family (2 adults and 4 children), $10 per adult and $5 per child (5-17 years).
Both campsites have drop toilets, firepits and picnic tables but there is no power or water available so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Gas barbecues that may or may not work are available at the Woodland Camping area.
Off-road camper trailers are allowed at the Redbank Gorge Ridgetop camping area, but caravans and motorhomes are not. However, Woodland campground allows caravans and motorhomes.
Best time to visit Redbank Gorge
This one is a bit tricky as the water is quite cold for swimming. In terms of hiking, the best time to visit Redbank Gorge is between April and September, when daytime temperatures are much more comfortable for walking and exploring. However, I think closer to September is more ideal so it’s also warm enough to brave the cold water.
During the summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, making even short walks challenging during the middle of the day.
Following heavy rainfall, sections of the walk may become inaccessible due to higher water levels, so it’s always worth checking the latest park conditions before setting out.
Tips for visiting Redbank Gorge
A little preparation will help you make the most of your visit.
- You’ll need a NT Parks Pass before you head into Redbank Gorge and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip.
- Bring plenty of drinking water and snacks.
- Pack swimmers and a towel if you plan to swim.
- Allow extra time to enjoy the waterhole.
- Start early during warmer months.
- Check road and park conditions before travelling.
- Carry sun protection, even during winter.
- Leave no trace and respect this culturally significant landscape.
- Use common sense and don’t take risks – medical help is a long way away should something go wrong.
Redbank Gorge vs Ormiston Gorge: Which should you visit?
Redbank Gorge and Ormiston Gorge are two of the most popular attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges, but they offer very different experiences. If you have time, both are well worth visiting. However, if you only have time for one, the best choice depends on what you’re looking for.
| Feature | Redbank Gorge | Ormiston Gorge |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Adventure, swimming and a quieter experience | Families, swimming and scenic walks |
| Walking track | Short but rocky with possible water crossings | Several well-marked walks for different fitness levels |
| Swimming | Permanent waterhole in a narrow gorge | Large swimming hole with easy access close to parking |
| Facilities | Basic campground, toilets and picnic area | Visitor facilities, kiosk (seasonal), campground and picnic area |
| Crowds | Usually quieter | One of the busiest gorges in the West Macs |
| Suitable for young children | Better for older children due to uneven terrain | More suitable for families with younger children |
If you’re looking for a peaceful swimming spot and don’t mind scrambling over rocks, Redbank Gorge offers a more adventurous experience. The narrow gorge, towering red cliffs and permanent waterhole make it feel remote and untouched, even during the busy tourist season.
On the other hand, Ormiston Gorge is the better choice for visitors wanting easier access, more facilities and a wider range of walking tracks. The large swimming hole is one of the best in Central Australia, and the nearby Ghost Gum Walk and Ormiston Pound Walk provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Our verdict
If we had to choose just one, we’d recommend Redbank Gorge for travellers looking for a more authentic outback adventure. It feels less developed and far less crowded, making the reward at the end of the walk even more memorable.
That said, if you’re travelling with younger children or prefer easier walks with more facilities, Ormiston Gorge is likely to be the better fit.
If you’re spending two or more days exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, we highly recommend visiting both. Each gorge offers a completely different experience and showcases another side of this remarkable part of Central Australia.
Continue exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges
After visiting Redbank Gorge, don’t miss these other incredible attractions:
- Ormiston Gorge – One of the region’s most popular swimming holes.
- Ellery Creek Big Hole – A beautiful swimming spot with easy access.
- Standley Chasm – Famous for its towering rock walls and midday light.
- Simpsons Gap – A great place to spot black-footed rock-wallabies.
- Alice Springs – The perfect base for exploring the Red Centre.
- Tnorala (Gosse Bluff Crater) – A 4WD only adventure detour along the Mereenie Loop.
Redbank Gorge FAQs
The walk to the main waterhole is approximately 2 km return and generally takes between one and two hours, depending on conditions and how long you spend at the gorge.
Yes. The permanent Redbank Waterhole is one of the best swimming spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges, although the water remains very cold throughout the year.
Older children who are confident walking over uneven rocks will generally enjoy the adventure. Younger children may find parts of the walk challenging, particularly if water crossings are required.
NT National Parks recommends a high-clearance 4WD as the last five-kilometre section into the Redbank Gorge car park is unsealed. However, I have seen 2WD vehicles parked here after a dry period.
Yes. Redbank Gorge Campground is located near the entrance and offers a peaceful bush camping experience with basic facilities.
Redbank Gorge is approximately 156 km west of Alice Springs, with the drive taking around two hours.
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