Redbank Gorge

Redbank Gorge is a dramatic chasm carved through the rust-red quartzite of the West MacDonnell Ranges, around 155 km west of Alice Springs. This remote gorge offers one of the Northern Territory's most memorable swimming and hiking experiences, with icy, crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs that glow at sunrise and sunset. It's a place of profound silence and ancient geology, best visited by travellers with a 4WD and a sense of adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Swim in the permanent waterhole – The gorge holds a deep, frigid pool fed by a spring; brave the chill for a refreshing dip surrounded by sheer rock walls.
• Walk the Redbank Gorge Trail – A 4 km return hike (allow 2–3 hours) that scrambles over boulders and through the gorge, often requiring wading or swimming through the waterhole sections.
• Sunset at the gorge mouth – The quartzite cliffs turn fiery orange and deep purple as the sun drops, creating a photographer's dream.
• Spot black-footed rock-wallabies – These shy marsupials often appear on the cliffs at dusk; listen for their soft calls echoing off the rock.
• Stargazing in the remote outback – With zero light pollution, the Milky Way arches vividly overhead – bring a blanket and lie back.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day for a visit: 2–3 hours for the gorge walk and swim, plus time for sunset photography. If you're based in Alice Springs, it's a long day trip (allow 4–5 hours driving return), but staying overnight at nearby Glen Helen Resort or camping at Redbank Gorge campground makes for a more relaxed experience. Many travellers combine it with a 2–3 day loop through the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ormiston Gorge – A spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole and a 7 km Pound Walk; just 30 km east.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A scenic gorge with a resort, café and helicopter flights; 20 km east.
• Mount Sonder – The fourth-highest peak in the NT, offering a challenging sunrise hike; trailhead near Redbank Gorge.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A popular swimming spot with a huge waterhole surrounded by red cliffs; 90 km east.
• Simpsons Gap – A picturesque gap with a short walk and permanent waterhole; 110 km east, near Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.