Redbank Gorge is a 2km, grade 3 return hike, located in West MacDonnell Ranges Northern Territory. The hike should take approximately 1.5hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

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 156km west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges and nestled at the base of Mt Sonder, it is 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 fees apply.

Getting there

Access is via the sealed Larapinta and Namatjira drives, 157 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The five kilometre access road is unsealed and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

About the region

West MacDonnell Ranges

West MacDonnell national park is a vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges and an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements.

The West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park stretches some 161 km due west of Alice Springs.

There are cool scenic gorges being mportant refuges for plants and animals, many of which are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests such as Palm Valley.

For more information on these trails please visit the Do the NT.