 The walk to the gorge is approximately 2 km, taking 1.5 hours return. The walk
is unmarked, starting on a defined track before ascending into the sandy creek
bed. The track is rocky in places and care should be taken. As sand walking can
also be tiring, visitors should ensure they take plenty of water and wear
protective clothing and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months.
Usually safe to walk through, visitors should be aware of any rain, especially
when it may cause floods. During the 2009 through to early 2011, Central
Australia saw significant rainfall. Unique rainfall patterns saw rivers of sand
become torrents of water, created by flash flood coursing through gorges.
Evident of flood waters can often be seen by the debris collected around trees,
sometimes higher than a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Often roads are cut off, with
sand, stones and small boulders strewn across the roads.
If you are visiting during unusual rainfall periods, contact your destination
for information on safety and whether roads and tracks are passable.
Maireana campanulata (Bluebush)
For those wanting to stay overnight there are basic camping facilities at the
gorge, the Woodland Camping Area and the Ridgetop Camping Area, with spaces
being limited and operating on a first come first serve basis. Both sites have
fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. The Woodland Camping Area has gas
barbecues.
The gorge is a great place from which to visit
Mount Sonder, being
the start of the 8 hour return walk to the summit of Mount Sonder. Ensure you
let people known if attempting this walk, especially when you are departing and
expecting to return.
Those going the ‘Red Centre Way’
tourism experience can take the slight detour to Redbank Gorge and even enjoy
the overnight camping or the facilities offered by the nearby
Glen Helen Resort.
Check out our listing of
MacDonnell Ranges accommodation and
Central Australia accommodation, that include
Watarrka National Park / Kings
Canyon accommodation and
Uluru
accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.
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