Ormiston Gorge and Pound

Ormiston Gorge and Pound is a stunning natural amphitheatre carved into the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering some of the Red Centre’s best swimming, walking and wildlife-watching. The permanent waterhole at the gorge mouth is a magnet for birdlife and a blissful spot for a cool dip after a desert hike. The surrounding pound — a vast, flat-floored valley ringed by ancient quartzite cliffs — feels like a secret world, accessible only on foot or by 4WD.

Highlights & What to See

• Ormiston Gorge Waterhole — a deep, clear pool fringed by red cliffs and ghost gums; perfect for a refreshing swim in the dry season (April to October).
• Pound Walk (7.5 km loop, 3–4 hours) — the signature hike that circles the entire pound, offering jaw-dropping views of the escarpment and a chance to spot rock-wallabies, perenties and black-footed rock-wallabies.
• Ghost Gum Walk (2 km return) — a shorter, easier trail that leads to a magnificent old ghost gum immortalised by Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira.
• Birdwatching — look for zebra finches, budgerigars, honeyeaters and the rare black-footed rock-wallaby near the waterhole.
• Ormiston Gorge Lookout — a short climb rewards with a panoramic view of the gorge and its dramatic rock layers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day to a full day here. If you’re short on time, the Ghost Gum Walk and a swim can be done in 1–2 hours. For the full experience, arrive early, tackle the Pound Walk in the cooler morning hours, then cool off in the waterhole before lunch. Combine with a visit to nearby Glen Helen Gorge or Serpentine Gorge for a full day exploring the West Macs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Glen Helen Gorge — 10 km west; a permanent waterhole with a historic homestead and a seasonal restaurant.
• Serpentine Gorge — 15 km east; a narrow chasm with a short walk to a lookout over the ranges.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole — 30 km east; a popular swimming hole with a dramatic dolomite gorge.
• Standley Chasm — 60 km east; a narrow cleft that glows gold at midday, best visited on a guided walk with local Aboriginal custodians.
• Alice Springs — 135 km east; the regional hub for supplies, accommodation and cultural attractions like the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please check official sources for current details.