Redbank Gorge in The Red Centre of Australia
Redbank Gorge is an incredible waterhole in the Red Centre of Australia that boasts no crowds, spectacular scenery, boulders, sand and water you can swim in. It is by far, one of the most underrated waterholes in Central Australia. Here’s what to expect from Redbank Gorge:
Swimming at Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole around one kilometre from the carpark. I’ll be honest, the water is really cold (all the waterholes here are), so it’s best to time your visit with warmer weather. You can splash around in the shallows with the kids, or swim a little further out into the deeper section. However, the best way to experience Redank Gorge is by blowing up a floaty, wading up the gorge, jumping on your floaty and lazily kicking back to where you started.
Hiking into Redbank Gorge
As mentioned before, the swimming hole is around one kilometre from the carpark, so it’s a two-kilometre return walk. The walk is unmarked and rated as a grade three hike but starts on a well-defined track, so it’s nearly impossible to go the wrong way.
The track 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 river bed all the way to the waterhole.
The second time we hiked into Redbank Gorge was after an unusually rainy season. It was a little more difficult as we had to backtrack and cross over the other side of the river bed multiple times to avoid getting our gear wet before we reached the actual swimming hole.
Either way, come prepared to walk on sand (which can be tiring), scramble or even climb over rocks and boulders and accept that you may get wet feet.
Other hiking opportunities
Section 12 of the well-known Larapinta Trail starts and finishes at the 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 5 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.
Camping at Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge has two category B campsites at the Woodland and Ridgetop campgrounds. Book in advance online HERE because although you used to be able to just rock up and pay via an honesty box, 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.
Both campsites have drop toilets, firepits and picnic tables. Gas barbecues that may or may not work are available at the Woodland Camping area, and this is where you will need to camp if you’re in a caravan. There is no power or water available, so you must be self-sufficient.
Don’t forget your NT Parks Pass
Don’t forget to get your Parks Pass before you head into Redbank Gorge and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
How to get to Redbank Gorge
Find Redbank Gorge at the base of Mount Sonder in the West MacDonnell National Park/Tjoritja, around 156 km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The road is sealed right up till the last 5km and then its 4WD only on an unsealed road. Parks NT recommends a high clearance 4WD.
When is the best time to visit Redbank Gorge
Many people say the cooler months (April to September) are the most pleasant to visit. However, because the water is so cold, the risk of hypothermia when swimming in the winter months is very real. I think September/October hits the sweet spot between it being warm enough to swim but not so hot that it’s hard to cope with the heat.
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.
