Redbank Gorge

Redbank Gorge, deep in the West MacDonnell Ranges about 150 km west of Alice Springs, is a dramatic sandstone chasm that rewards adventurous travellers with some of the most spectacular swimming and hiking in the Red Centre. The gorge's sheer walls, carved over millennia by a permanent waterhole, create a cool oasis amid the arid spinifex plains. It's a place where the desert's raw beauty and silence feel almost overwhelming.

Highlights & What to See

• Swim through the gorge – In warmer months, the permanent waterhole invites you to float between towering cliffs. Bring a wetsuit or rashie for insulation; the water is bracing even in summer.
• Redbank Gorge Walk – A 4 km return trek (Grade 4) that follows the gorge floor, often requiring wading or scrambling over boulders. The effort is rewarded with solitude and dramatic reflections off the water.
• Mount Sonder Lookout – For epic views, combine a visit with the nearby Mount Sonder walk (part of the Larapinta Trail). The summit sunrise is legendary, with the gorge below carved into the landscape.
• Desert wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for black-footed rock-wallabies, perentie lizards, and birdlife like the majestic wedge-tailed eagle circling overhead.
• Stargazing – Far from any light pollution, the gorge offers an unparalleled night sky. The Milky Way arcs over the cliffs like a celestial river.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day to fully experience Redbank Gorge. A morning or late afternoon visit is ideal for the best light and cooler temperatures. If you plan to hike to the gorge's end and back, allow 2–3 hours. Many visitors combine it with a night of camping at the nearby Redbank Gorge Campground (basic facilities) to catch sunrise or sunset. For a deeper immersion, consider a two-day trip that includes the Mount Sonder summit walk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A 30-minute drive east, this is another spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole and a scenic 7.5 km circuit walk around the pound.
• Glen Helen Gorge – Just 15 minutes east, Glen Helen offers a beautiful waterhole framed by red cliffs and a resort with meals and fuel.
• Mount Sonder – The highest peak in the West MacDonnells, accessible via a challenging 16 km return walk from the Redbank Gorge car park. Best tackled as an overnight trip.
• Serpentine Gorge – A short detour (20 minutes east) with a lovely walk to a lookout over the gorge and surrounding ranges.
• Alice Springs – The regional hub, 2 hours east, offers supplies, accommodation, and cultural attractions like the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please check official sources for current details.