Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a stunning natural waterhole tucked into the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges, about 90 kilometres west of Alice Springs. This iconic swimming spot, flanked by towering red cliffs and cool river red gums, offers a sublime desert oasis experience. While it's in the Northern Territory (not the Hunter Valley), its reputation as a must-visit for self-drive adventurers crossing the Red Centre makes it a worthy inclusion for those planning an outback itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Swim in the permanent waterhole – Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the few reliable swimming spots in the region. The deep, clear water is perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike, with sandy entry points and a large rock platform for sunbathing.
• Dolomite Walk – A short, easy 2.5 km loop that meanders through ancient geological formations and along the creek bed. Interpretive signs explain the area's 800-million-year-old geology and the traditional Arrernte Aboriginal significance.
• Scenic picnic and camping – The site has shaded picnic tables, gas barbecues, and a basic campground (first-come, first-served). It's a popular spot for sunset photography as the cliffs glow orange and red.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies, zebra finches, and, if you're lucky, peregrine falcons soaring above the gorge.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours for a swim and the Dolomite Walk. To fully unwind, plan a half-day including a picnic lunch. If you're camping, an overnight stay allows for a sunset swim and early-morning birdwatching before the day-trippers arrive. The waterhole is a convenient stop on a day trip from Alice Springs, but it's also a perfect leg-stretcher on a multi-day self-drive along the Larapinta Drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge – 25 km west, with a spectacular permanent waterhole and the challenging Pound Walk (7.5 km) that circles the gorge.
• Glen Helen Gorge – 30 km west, a dramatic gorge with a seasonal waterhole and a lodge for meals or fuel.
• Serpentine Gorge – 20 km east, a narrower gorge with a short walk to a lookout over the waterhole.
• Standley Chasm – 50 km east, a private site with a narrow chasm that's best photographed at midday when sunlight reaches the floor.
• Alice Springs – 90 km east, the regional hub for supplies, the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, and the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please check official sources for current details.