AusEmade: Ormiston Gorge (West MacDonnell Ranges) Information and Attractions, Northern Territory (NT), Australia

In the western part of the MacDonnell Ranges, located in the West MacDonnell National Park, is a ridge of mountains and ranges forming an area known as Ormiston Pound. Part of the Larapinta Trail, it is dominated by Mount Giles on the eastern boundary, and Ormiston Gorge forming the western boundary.

The popular tourist attraction of Ormiston Gorge is a a near-permanent waterhole, that showcases the spectacular geology and landforms of the region. When full, the waterhole is estimated to be up to 14 metres deep at its southern end.

The Finke River passes Ormiston Gorge in the west and during times of rain, water can be seen in the river from the Mount Sonder Lookout.

With relic plant species harking back to a distant tropical past, the park and region is home to the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat.

Located only 135 km west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta and Namatjira Drives, the gorge is accessible to coach tours and 4WD. There is a Visitor Centre at Glen Helen Resort, only 8 km away.

Source: Parks and Wildlife Service, NT

For more information contact the:

Glen Helen Resort and Homestead

Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory - Alice Springs Region

Central Australian Visitor Information Centre

Visit the NT Parks and Wildlife Service for
Ormiston Gorge and Pound fact sheet.

Ormiston Gorge/ Ormiston Pound - Attractions

Activities include swimming and a number of walking tracks.

Swimming - The Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole. Swimmers should note that most water holes are extremely cold, and prolonged exposure, even during summer can result in hypothermia. Swimmer should also be aware of submerged logs and rocks.
Walking - There are a number of marked walking tracks including the

— Waterhole Walk (5 minutes), and the

— Ghost Gum Lookout Walk (20 minutes).

— Ormiston Pound Walk (3-4 hours), this is a circuit walk from the Visitor Centre, meandering around scenic slopes, dropping into the flat expanse of the Pound and returning along Ormiston Gorge via the main waterhole

— Larapinta Trail, this famed walk passes through area (contact the Parks and Wildlife Regional Office or the Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre for details).