Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges is an ancient landscape west of Alice Springs featuring rugged gorges and towering red rock walls. At its heart is Ormiston Gorge, the most popular of the national park’s many spectacular natural wonders. This is a great place to see Ormiston Pound, discover an array of wildlife and local plants, and take a dip in the cool and refreshing waterholes.
Just 135km from Alice Springs, Ormiston Gorge also offers an array of walks amongst the ghost gums and rocky slopes surrounding the near-permanent waterhole. Use Ormiston Gorge as your starting point to further discover the MacDonnell Ranges. Or if you’ve only got time for one breathtaking stop, choose an Ormiston Gorge tour, and prepare to be awed.
Begin your adventure by flying into Alice Springs. Explore the stunning Ormiston Gorge and West MacDonnell Ranges before enjoying a bush-style BBQ and a visit to the remarkable Standley Chasm. Next, visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service and Kings Creek Station on your way to Kings Canyon, where you'll immerse yourself in cultural experiences. From there, head to Yulara (Uluru) to experience the awe-inspiring sunset and sunrise over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Trek with camels around Uluru and take in breathtaking aerial views before indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at the Sounds of Silence under the Southern night skies. Conclude your journey in the heart of the nation before flying home.
From the parking area and kiosk it is a short, fully accessible 500m walk to the waterhole. Taking a dip is ideal in the warmer months. The swimming hole is thought to be 14m deep at the southern end though which makes the water invigorating, to say the least.
Consider beginning your Ormiston Gorge sightseeing tour by taking a walk before a refreshing swim. The Ghost Gum lookout is a moderate 1.2km walk of approximately 45 mins resulting in wonderful views of the gorge. For those with more time, the three-hour Pound Walk completes a full circuit of Ormiston Pound to finish at the waterhole. Ormiston Gorge is also a stop on the epic 223km Larapinta Trail but that’s not for the novice walker.
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Whilst walking keep an eye open for interesting native flora and fauna. Look for long-tailed dunnart, central rock rat, dingo, red kangaroo, and the plethora of birdlife including western bowerbird, rufous-crowned emu-wren, and spinifex pigeon.
If you’d prefer to visit Ormiston Gorge on a guided tour, Fun Over Fifty offers several tours visiting this beautiful region including our Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs Spritzer, and The Ghan & Red Centre Sensation packages.
Head west on sealed roads from Alice Springs along Namatjira Drive to the Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre and Kiosk. The drive time is around an hour and a half in good conditions.
Ormiston Gorge in Tjoritja (West MacDonnell) National Park is open year-round, though access roads can be temporarily closed after heavy rain so check before making the journey. The Visitor Centre and Kiosk are also open daily, but again, check before you go in case of unforeseen circumstances.
For those who would like to stay overnight, Ormiston Gorge camping facilities are available just outside of the gorge. It offers basic camping facilities, including toilets, picnic areas, and fire pits. Camping is subject to fees, and it's advisable to make a reservation if possible, especially during peak seasons.
Ormiston Gorge is named after Captain Ormiston, a surveyor who worked in the Northern Territory during the late 19th century. His contributions to the exploration and mapping of the region were recognised by naming this stunning natural feature in his honour. The gorge is part of the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and is renowned for its dramatic landscape, permanent waterhole, and diverse flora and fauna.
Mobile phone coverage at Ormiston Gorge can be limited and unreliable. While there may be some reception in certain areas of the gorge, it is generally weak or nonexistent, especially as you move deeper into the park. Visitors should not rely on mobile coverage for communication or navigation and are advised to prepare accordingly. It’s essential to inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out and to carry necessary supplies and a map.
Ormiston Gorge is approximately 135 kilometres (84 miles) west of Alice Springs. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours along Larapinta Drive, which is a sealed and well-maintained road. The journey offers scenic views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, making it a pleasant trip for visitors. The gorge is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, making it well worth the drive from Alice Springs.
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