Redbank Gorge is a 2km, grade 3 hike located in West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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 Mount 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.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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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.
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About the region
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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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
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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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
2 Reviews on “Redbank Gorge Walk (2km)”
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