Ochre Pits

About 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta Drive, the Ochre Pits are a stunning natural and cultural site where ancient ochre deposits have been mined by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The cliffs here are layered with rich reds, oranges, yellows and whites, creating a striking palette against the desert landscape. This is a place of deep spiritual significance for the Arrernte people, and walking among the pits offers a tangible connection to Australia's living Indigenous culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Colourful cliffs and ochre deposits: The multi-hued rock faces are a photographer's dream, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
• Self-guided interpretive walk: A short, easy loop trail leads past the main pits, with signs explaining the traditional uses of ochre for ceremony, art and trade.
• Cultural significance: Take time to read the interpretive panels and reflect on the site's importance to the local Arrernte people – ochre from here was traded across the continent.
• Nearby walking tracks: Combine your visit with the nearby Simpsons Gap or follow the Larapinta Drive to other West MacDonnell Ranges attractions.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour exploring the Ochre Pits. It's a quick stop that's well worth the detour, especially if you're driving the Larapinta Drive or the Red Centre Way. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds, and combine it with a visit to Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm for a full day of exploration.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Simpsons Gap – a dramatic gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges with a permanent waterhole and walking trails.
• Standley Chasm – a narrow, sheer-sided chasm that is especially photogenic around midday when the sun hits the walls.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – a popular swimming spot and waterhole set among red cliffs, great for a refreshing dip.
• Ormiston Gorge – a spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole and excellent bushwalking, including the popular Ormiston Pound Walk.
• Glen Helen Gorge – a scenic gorge at the western end of the West MacDonnell Ranges, with a lodge and camping facilities.

Please check official sources for current details.