Ochre Pits

Hidden along the Finke River, the Ochre Pits are a sacred Aboriginal site where generations have mined vibrant ochre for ceremony, art, and trade. The cliffs here are streaked with red, yellow, and white pigments, and the air carries a dusty, ancient stillness. It’s a place to pause, absorb the colours, and reflect on the deep cultural connections to the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Sacred ochre deposits – Walk to the cliffs and see the natural pigment layers used for millennia by Arrernte people. Respect signs asking you not to take ochre.
• Interpretive signs – Learn about the ochre’s role in trade routes that stretched across the continent.
• Scenic walking track – A short, easy trail leads from the carpark to the pits, with views over the river and ghost gums.
• Photography – The striated walls are most photogenic in the soft light of late afternoon.
• Nearby Palm Valley – Combine with a visit to this lush oasis of red cabbage palms (Livistona mariae), just a 20-minute drive away.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes to explore the Ochre Pits and read the interpretive signs. It’s a quick stop, but the cultural weight makes it worthwhile. Most visitors combine it with a half-day trip to Palm Valley, so plan to arrive in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Palm Valley – A stunning desert oasis with rare palms, walking trails, and a 4WD track through the Finke Riverbed.
• Finke River Lookout – Panoramic views over one of the world’s oldest rivers, just off the main road.
• Alice Springs – The region’s hub, 130 km north, with cultural centres, galleries, and the famous Telegraph Station.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Dramatic gorges, waterholes, and hiking trails like Ormiston Gorge and Simpsons Gap.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – A striking sandstone pillar rising from the desert, about 160 km south.

Please check official sources for current details.