Ochre Pits

Deep in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ochre Pits are an ancient Aboriginal quarry where ochre has been mined for tens of thousands of years. The vivid bands of red, yellow, and white ochre streaking through the rock face create a stunning natural palette, and the site remains culturally significant for the Arrernte people. A short, easy walk leads you past interpretive signs that explain the traditional uses of ochre for ceremony, art, and trade. The colours are most striking in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.

Highlights & What to See

• Ancient ochre quarry: Walk along the boardwalk to view the ochre seams – red, yellow, white, and even purple – that have been used for millennia.
• Cultural significance: Read the interpretive signs to learn how ochre was traded across the continent and used in body painting and rock art.
• Scenic setting: The site sits at the base of a rocky gorge, with ghost gums and spinifex framing the colourful cliffs.
• Photography: The ochre stripes against the deep blue sky make for striking photos, especially in the golden hour.
• Nearby walks: Combine with a stop at Ormiston Gorge or Glen Helen Gorge for more dramatic landscapes and swimming holes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to an hour to walk the short boardwalk loop and absorb the cultural information. The Ochre Pits are an ideal quick stop along the Larapinta Drive (the route from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon) – you can easily pull over, stretch your legs, and be back on the road in under an hour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge: 10 km west – a stunning gorge with a permanent waterhole, great for a swim or the 7.5 km Pound Walk.
• Glen Helen Gorge: 15 km further west – a dramatic gorge where the Finke River cuts through the ranges, best visited at sunset.
• Serpentine Gorge: 20 km east – a narrow, shaded gorge with a lookout over the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Standley Chasm: 40 km east – a narrow chasm with sheer walls, best photographed at midday when sunlight floods the floor.
• Alice Springs: 110 km east – the hub for supplies, accommodation, and the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please check official sources for current details.