Located 156 kilometres west of Alice Springs in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Redbank Gorge is a stunning chasm nestled at the foot of Mount Sonder (Rutjupma). This natural wonder offers a refreshing stopover for travellers along the Red Centre Way and provides a haven for threatened plant and animal species.
The 2.5-kilometre return hike to the gorge is considered moderate (grade 3) and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The well-defined track initially leads from the carpark alongside the creek bed before transitioning into a sandy path. During warm weather, walking through the sand can be tiring, so ample water is essential. The track can also be rocky in sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
A near-permanent waterhole awaits, offering a tempting spot to cool off. However, visitors should be aware that, like most waterholes in the park, the water is extremely cold. To ensure safety while swimming, it's recommended to use a flotation device and avoid prolonged exposure, even in summer, to prevent hypothermia. Additionally, caution is advised due to submerged logs and rocks. Jumping or diving into the water is strictly prohibited.
Basic camping facilities are available at two designated campgrounds: Woodland and Ridgetop. Both offer toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, with Woodland Campground featuring the added convenience of free gas barbecues. Spaces are limited, and camping fees apply.
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park is accessible year-round, with the cooler months (April to September) offering the most comfortable walking conditions.
Camping at Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge offers basic camping facilities at two designated campgrounds, Woodland and Ridgetop. Both locations provide toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables for visitor convenience. The Woodland Campground additionally features free gas barbecues. It's important to note that camping fees apply and reservations must be made online before arrival. As there is no potable water available at the campsites, visitors must bring their own drinking water supplies.
Redbank Gorge and the Larapinta Trail
Redbank Gorge serves as a starting and finishing point for Section 12 of the Larapinta Trail, a multi-day trek through the West MacDonnell Ranges. This section is a 5-kilometre return journey, estimated to take 2.5 hours and includes challenging sections with steep stone steps. Hikers can choose to enjoy the views from Mount Sonder Lookout before returning to the carpark.
For experienced walkers, Redbank Gorge also provides access to Section 11 of the Larapinta Trail. Both sections are graded 4, indicating moderate to difficult terrain. These routes are recommended only for fit individuals with prior bushwalking experience due to the physical demands. Careful planning and preparation, including appropriate supplies and fitness level assessment, are crucial before attempting these sections.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- Redbank Gorge is only accessible by 4WD.
- This park requires visitors to the NT to have a parks pass.
Total distance: 2617 m
Max elevation: 742 m
Min elevation: 688 m
Total climbing: 92 m
Total descent: -92 m
Download file:
Redbank-Gorge-Hike.gpx
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Redbank Gorge lies 156 kilometres west of Alice Springs within Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Reaching the gorge itself requires travelling along sealed roads, Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The final 5 kilometres leading to the gorge are unsealed, and a high clearance vehicle is recommended due to the road surface. Be aware that all roads may become temporarily impassable following heavy rainfall. Park entry fees apply, with a Parks Pass required (except for Northern Territory residents).
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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.
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West MacDonnell National Park
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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2 Reviews on “Redbank Gorge Walk (2.5km)”
Our visit coincided with a period of recent rainfall, and we were fortunate to find water flowing through Redbank Gorge. After a short walk to the gorge entrance, the sight of running water at a comfortable temperature (around 32 degrees Celsius) was very welcome.
For those planning to swim through the gorge, I recommend bringing a flotation device. There are sections that require climbing over and around rocks, but it’s manageable. We spent about 45 minutes swimming, and at times the towering cliffs on either side seemed incredibly close, easily 20 to 30 meters high. Of all the gorges we visited in West MacDonnell National Park, this one was our favorite.
It’s difficult to say what the experience would be like without flowing water. Stagnant water might be a possibility.
Regardless, this is a gorge I would definitely visit again.
Stunning gorge to hike up to. Even better if you take a few tyre tubes and explore further into the gorge.
plenty of time for reflection
The gorge becomes an adventure canyon as you go further in… it can be 40º+ outside, cool in the canyon, cold in the water… It is difficult, longer than expected, and potentially dangerous (I even found a snake making it’s way through). People are for scale