Serpentine Gorge

Serpentine Gorge, tucked into the West MacDonnell Ranges about 85 kilometres west of Alice Springs, is a quieter, more intimate alternative to the better-known gorges in the region. A short walk leads to a permanent waterhole flanked by red cliffs and ghost gums, where the reflections of the surrounding ochre walls shimmer in the still water. It’s a place of deep silence and ancient geology — the kind of spot where you feel the immense age of the Central Australian landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• The Waterhole — The main draw is the serene, spring-fed pool at the end of a 20-minute walk. In the heat of the day, the cool water and shaded cliffs offer a perfect respite.
• Ghost Gum Walk — A short, easy trail that meanders through the gorge, passing ancient ghost gums with their stark white trunks against the red rock. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies.
• Scenic Drive along Larapinta Drive — The approach to the gorge is part of the stunning drive through the West Macs, with lookout points and other gorges (Standley Chasm, Ochre Pits) en route.
• Stargazing — With minimal light pollution, the gorge is an excellent spot for after-dark astronomy. The Milky Way arches overhead with dazzling clarity.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Serpentine Gorge, which includes the walk to the waterhole and time to soak up the atmosphere. If you’re self-driving the West MacDonnell Ranges, it makes a perfect short stop in a day that also includes other gorges and the Ochre Pits. For a more relaxed visit, bring a picnic and sit by the waterhole for an hour — the serenity is addictive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Standley Chasm — A spectacular narrow chasm with sheer walls that glow gold at midday; a 15-minute drive east.
• Ochre Pits — A cultural site where Aboriginal people have mined ochre for millennia; just a few minutes west.
• Ormiston Gorge — Larger and more dramatic, with a permanent waterhole and longer walking trails; 20 minutes west.
• Glen Helen Gorge — The westernmost of the major gorges, with a resort and spectacular sunset views; 30 minutes west.
• Alice Springs — The regional hub, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, the School of the Air, and the Desert Park; about an hour east.

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