10 Epic Things To Do In Ormiston Gorge, NT (We Stayed 6 Days)

Ormiston Gorge is hands down one of the best spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Alice Springs!

Its 300-metre walls tower above Ormiston Creek, which is extremely impressive once you walk through it.

Plus, its location in the surrounding ranges means superb panoramas, wonderful walks and a marvellous base from which to experience the region!

We stayed there for 6 days and can say the campground is one of the best in the region, with hot showers, BBQs, and epic views.

But you don’t have to stay overnight to make the visit memorable! You can go for the Pound Walk and a quick swim, or go all out with overnight hikes.

We’ve put together the best things to do in Ormiston Gorge (and within a 10km radius), from must-do hikes to hidden gems and practical tips. Let’s get into it!

10 Epic things to do in Ormiston Gorge

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Arrernte people.

1) Hike the Ormiston Pound Walk

This is one of the best medium-length walks in the country! It’s a 7-km loop trail that passes through a cross-section of Ormiston Gorge’s scenic highlights.

It takes around 3-4 hours. I recommend doing it anti-clockwise to get the best views of the pound from up high.

Pack plenty of water and your camera – you’ll be crossing through the gorge’s waterhole near the end (which is VERY cold).

Just do the hike early, it gets very hot midday and the shade is sparse!

2) Swim in the Ormiston Gorge waterhole

Just a quick 500m stroll from the visitor centre, you’ll find what I like to call “Nature’s Best Swimming Pool.”

This isn’t your average waterhole – we’re talking about a year-round aquatic playground that plunges 14m deep at its southern end… and the water is always FREEZING!

It’s quite refreshing after a hike, plus there aren’t any crocs like up in Darwin.

3) Experience a ‘Larapinta Lite’ hike

Want a taste of the famous Larapinta Trail without committing to the whole thing? Try the section that connects Ormiston Gorge with Glen Gorge!

It’s one of the easiest sections of the trail to attempt, at under 9 km (I think it’s Section 10 if I remember correctly).

We tackled this stretch when we visited and it was a real treat. We walked past jaw-dropping views of Mount Sonder, and finally reached an incredible lookout point with the stunning red cliffs of Glen Helen gorge in the distance.

We had to return the way we came from, but know that you can organise pick-up at Glen Helen Resort so you don’t miss the rest of the trail like we did.

4) Take in the views from Mt Sonder lookout

Mt Sonder isn’t the Northern Territory’s highest mountain – that honour goes to Mt Zeil – but it’s (arguably) the most picturesque!

Just west of Glen Helen, there’s this sweet little spot where you can soak in 360-degree views of the mighty Mt Sonder without breaking a sweat.

Plus, you’ll be looking across the ancient bed of what is known as the world’s oldest river – the Finke.

5) Walk the Ghost Gum Walk at sunset/sunrise

The Ghost Gum Loop is a short and sweet 2.5km trail that’s the BEST place to enjoy the sunrise or the sunset in the area. It’s one of the best Ormiston Gorge walks!

The track starts from the car park and winds down into the gorge like a giant red snake. You’ll need to channel your inner mountain goat for some rock hopping in the creek bed.

There’s also the Ghost Gum lookout for some amazing views of the area.

It takes around 45 minutes to complete, but consider allowing for 1-1.5 hours if you’re visiting at sunrise or sunset – you’ll want to take heaps of pictures!

6) Camp at Ormiston Gorge Campground

Want the full outback experience? Drive your caravan to this little slice of camping heaven! With 20 unpowered sites right near the action, you’ll wake up to those gorgeous red cliffs every morning.

We stayed there for 6 days and it was lovely. It was $10 per person per night back then.

The place has all the amenities, including hot showers and free BBQ. It used to be first-come, first-serve but now you can thankfully book online! You can book the site here.

Quick heads up – the camp hosts kept the showers locked between 10am and 4pm to prevent freeloaders from hogging the amenities. It might be different nowadays, but just in case!

7) Visit the Ochre Pits (a short drive away)

Just 22km east of Ormiston Gorge, you’ll find this beautiful and culturally significant site, where the Arrernte people (the Traditional Owners) sourced ochre for their ceremonies for thousands of years.

The walk itself is quite easy, and there are several interpretive signs along the way sharing some fascinating stories about their ceremonies and artwork.

But keep in mind this is a sacred spot, please respect it and don’t take any ochre with you!

Want to know more? Here are more epic places to visit in Central Australia (beyond Uluru)

8) Visit Glen Helen Gorge

Just a 25km hop from Ormiston, Glen Helen Gorge is an underrated attraction in the area – missing it would be a mistake.

Not only because of the spectacular gorge itself, but for the resort!

We stumbled into Glen Helen Resort after a long day of hiking, and let me tell you – their cold beer tastes like HEAVEN when you’re dusty and tired.

They of course offer accommodation, tours, fuel and gas, and even helicopter flights!

Note: At the time of writing, the resort is temporarily closed due to water supply issues. Click here to check if it’s open again.

9) Hike the Bowmans Gap Track (Overnight hike)

Ready to test your hiking chops? The Bowmans Gap Track is an 18km return walk considered moderate-hard, as it’s an unmarked trail along a quintessential Aussie landscape.

It takes ~4 hours to hike it (one way), so you could do the whole thing in one LONG day, but rangers suggest making it an overnight trip. Consider calling the visitor centre to know where to stay!

10) Tackle the full Larapinta Trail (For hardcore hikers)

Alright, this one’s the big Kahuna – 223km of pure outback awesomeness split into 12 sections that’ll test everything you’ve got.

The trail winds through the West MacDonnell Ranges like a giant red ribbon, serving up some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ll ever see.

I’ve met folks who have tackled this hike and they say that it’s absolutely worth doing, but you need SERIOUS planning. You’ll want maps, emergency gear, and enough water to fill a billabong.

They recommend using this website to help you plan this massive hike!

When is the best time to visit Ormiston Gorge?

The best time to visit Ormiston Gorge is during the cooler months, from April to September – the temperatures are mild, perfect for hiking and swimming!

Summer (October to March) is the wet season and can be brutally hot, often exceeding 40°C, which makes any outdoor activity incredibly challenging.

How to get to Ormiston Gorge

The easiest way to get to Ormiston Gorge is by car from Alice Springs, which is about a 90-minute drive (135 km) along Larapinta Drive.

The road is fully sealed, so you won’t need a 4WD unless you’re planning to explore more remote areas in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

You need a Park Pass to enter, though (buy it here). Once there, you can park near the kiosk – the gorge will be a short walk away.

Now, if you’re flying in, the closest airport is Alice Springs Airport, which has direct flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. We always check here for the best flight deals.

Once you land, renting a car is the best way to explore the area at your own pace. Compare rental options here to find the best deal: Rental Cars or Discover Cars.

Top Tips

There’s an easy-access picnic area near the car park with BBQs, toilets, and plenty of shade.

For those doing overnight walks, there are designated camping areas along the Larapinta Trail with basic facilities. Just make sure to bring:

• Plenty of water (at least 4–5L per day in hot weather)

• Warm layers (it gets freezing at night)

• A headlamp

• Snacks and lightweight meals—there’s nowhere to buy food once you’re out there

If you’re hiking in summer, start as early as possible to avoid the brutal midday heat, and always check the latest trail conditions before heading off.

In peak season (May–August), camping spots can fill up, so plan ahead if you’re staying overnight.

Did you know?

Ormiston Gorge was once part of a lush, tropical landscape! Millions of years ago, Central Australia’s tropical past looked more like a rainforest than the dry outback we see today.

The ghost gums and cycads scattered around the gorge are living clues to this ancient climate, surviving long after the tropics disappeared.

FAQs

The bottom line

Well, there you have it – your ultimate guide to Ormiston Gorge!

From heart-pumping hikes to peaceful plunges in that infamously cold waterhole, this slice of the Red Centre is an underrated gem that should be top of your list.

Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just looking for a gorgeous spot to snap some pics, Ormiston Gorge’s got your back.

Now get out there and start creating your own outback tales – just don’t blame me if you end up extending your stay!