This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive. Carry an PLB or satellite phone. Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun.
Ormiston Gorge to Redbank Gorge is a nice walk to Redbank Gorge from the Finke River Trailhead (S10/11). Mount Sonder in the distance provides the inspiration as you walk along this section. Great views of Mount Sonder and the surrounding country side. Glen Helen Resort makes a good start point.( add extra 3.5km)
Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife.
Located 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell National Park, it is accessible via sealed roads and is the Trailhead for sections 9 and 10 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk. The gorge has a near-permanent waterhole that is ideal for swimming, especially in the warmer months. Just 500 metres from the visitor centre, it is estimated to be up to 14 metres deep at its southern end.
Explore the area via the Ormiston Pound Walk - a three to four hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre to cross the rocky slopes and the flat floor of the pound and back along the gorge via the main waterhole. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species from Central Australia's tropical past. The park is also an important fauna refuge, with the rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat here in 1997.
Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge (Rwetyepme, pronounced ‘roo-chip-ma’) is a stunning gorge and chasm that is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species.
Located 156 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges and nestled at the base of Mt Sonder, it’s also a popular stop for travellers following the Red Centre Way. Take the two kilometre, 1.5-hour return walk from the car park along the creek bed to the gorge to swim in the cold, deep water of the near-permanent waterhole.
Basic camping facilities are available at two different locations: the Woodland and the Ridgetop campgrounds. Both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. The Woodland Camping area also has free gas barbecues. Spaces are limited and camping fees apply. Campsites must be booked online before you arrive.
Access is via the sealed Larapinta and Namatjira drives. The five kilometre access road is unsealed and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Photo: Stefano at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- The best time to walk the trail ( i.e. coolest weather) is between May and August.
- This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive
- Carry an PLB or satellite phone
- Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun
- Temperatures can rise to the high forties in summer
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Total distance: 35390 m
Max elevation: 997 m
Min elevation: 637 m
Total climbing: 870 m
Total descent: -846 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
Getting to the trailhead in West MacDonnell National Park.
Ormiston Gorge is located 135 km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The Visitor Centre / Kiosk is approximately 8 km from the Ormiston Gorge turn-off on Namatjira Drive. Sealed roads provide access by conventional vehicles.
Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay. Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes. The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
There are numerous marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers. The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.
Looking for hikes and trails in West MacDonnell National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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