Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the West MacDonnell Ranges’ most beloved swimming holes — a deep, permanent waterhole hemmed in by towering red cliffs and ghost gums. The water is startlingly clear and cool, a perfect antidote to the desert heat. A short walk leads to the water’s edge, where you can swim, picnic, or simply soak up the ancient, silent landscape. The surrounding gorge is a haven for birdlife, and the play of light on the ochre walls at sunset is unforgettable.

Highlights & What to See

• Swim in the Big Hole: Plunge into the deep, refreshing waterhole — one of the best natural swimming spots in the Red Centre.
• Ellery Creek Gorge Walk: A 3 km loop that climbs onto the gorge rim, offering sweeping views of the waterhole and the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Picnic by the water: Shaded tables and fire pits make this a prime spot for a barbecue or a relaxed lunch amid stunning scenery.
• Birdwatching: Look for zebra finches, spinifex pigeons, and the rare black-footed rock wallaby on the cliffs.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is breathtaking — lie on the warm rocks and watch the Milky Way.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three hours for a swim and a short walk. If you want to do the full gorge loop and relax at the waterhole, plan for half a day. Many visitors combine it with a picnic lunch and a sunset drive back to Alice Springs. The waterhole is at its most inviting in the warmer months (October to March), but the gorge is beautiful year-round.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge & Pound — a spectacular walking destination with a permanent waterhole and a challenging rim walk.
• Serpentine Gorge — a narrower, more intimate gorge with a short trail to a lookout.
• Glen Helen Gorge — the westernmost of the major gorges, with a resort and a scenic waterhole.
• Standley Chasm — a dramatic, narrow chasm best visited at midday when sunlight floods the walls.
• Alice Springs Desert Park — an excellent introduction to Central Australian ecology, just 20 minutes east.

Please check official sources for current details.