Hiking the Ormiston Gorge in winter provided the perfect backdrop to explore this lovely area in the Macdonnell ranges. We found that the Ormiston Gorge is a huge amphitheatre surrounded by hills and ridges. Massive geological forces created the towering red walls of the Gorge and is full of colour.
Within Ormiston Gorge, there is a permanent waterhole. This is estimated to be at least 14 metres deep. In the hot summer months, it provides for a refreshing end to a day’s exploring.
The seven kilometre long Ormiston Gorge walk is a full circuit from the visitor centre. Heading in a clockwise direction, you head up a well made trail section with a few stairs up onto a ridge which provides you with panoramic views, down across the rocky slopes, onto the flat floor of the pound and returns along the gorge via the main waterhole.
Hiking the full circuit will take you around four hours.
You can undertake this walk at any time of the year. In summer, the heat can be oppressive which makes the waterhole crossing that much more enjoyable as the water is best described as freezing. Once you cross over the waterhole you can continue along the creek bed back to Ormiston Gorge or take the alternate faster route via the Ghost Gum walk. This provides for great views back through the gorge you have just walked and back towards the Ormiston Gorge complex.
Getting There
Ormiston Gorge is situated 135km (84mi) west of Alice Springs in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. 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. Note, some roads can be impassable for a short period after heavy rain.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Insights
- The West MacDonnell National Park is accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to October) are the most pleasant.
- The Ormiston Gorge trailhead forms part of the famous Larapinta Trail. It even comes with a kiosk providing coffee and cake!
- The gorge has a waterhole that is there all year round and is great for swimming, especially in warmer months.
- But remember that most swimming holes are very cold so be careful swimming at any time of year. Long exposure, even in summer, can lead to hypothermia.
- Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station phone: + 61 8 8956 7799. Contact Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information. Kiosk phone: +61 8 8954 0152
