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.
The Serpentine Gorge to Ormiston Gorge hike takes you along the Heavitree Range starting at Serpentine Gorge and finishing at Ormiston Gorge. The trail winds through valleys, narrow gorges and the tops of mountains and is visually spectacular. Easy access to start and finish points. Encompasses Section 8 & 9.
Section 8 is great scenic walk with nice viewpoints along the high ground of the trail. Some parts of the section will require steep ascents and descents, but most of these are supported with well constructed rock steps and trail clearing. The views from Counts Point are magnificent. Easy vehicle access to Serpentine Gorge trailhead.
Section 9 is a long walk if you plan to do the whole section in one hit, with a number of rocky and loose ascents and descents, particularly from Waterfall Gorge to the Mt Giles Lookout. It is however, one of the most impressive and scenic sections along the trail. From Mt Giles Lookout onwards there are excellent 360 degree views, particularly impressive views of Mount Giles to the north and Mount Sonder to the west.
Serpentine Gorge
Serpentine Gorge is a narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Follow one of the many well-marked paths along the gorge through the cool shade of river red gums, or up to the lookout above the cliffs to survey views of the series of semi-permanent waterholes and the geology of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. In dry times, the waterholes in the surrounding area dry up, leaving Serpentine Gorge waterhole the only remaining waterhole in a large area. Birds will move in from the surrounding countryside and can easily be observed by sitting quietly by the edge of the waterhole.
The site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming, some areas in the Gorge and western cliffs have special significance to the Western Arrernte custodians. Serpentine Gorge is also the Trailhead for sections 7 and 8 of the Larapinta Trail, a 231-kilometre long distance walking trail through the West MacDonnell Ranges.
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.
Photo: Sterry2607 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
- 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: 42979 m
Max elevation: 1121 m
Min elevation: 658 m
Total climbing: 1752 m
Total descent: -1818 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
Getting to the trailhead in West MacDonnell National Park.
Access to Serpentine Gorge is by conventional two-wheel drive vehicles but can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather, as the last few kilometres is rough access track. This road is not suitable for buses and caravans.
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.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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