Ormiston Gorge Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge
Ormiston Gorge


Walk through the red-stone cliffs of this gorge and watch the skies for the wedge-tailed eagle while you cool off in a waterhole. 

Float on your back in the Ormiston Gorge waterhole to take in the beauty of the red cliffs and the timelessness of this wild place. Bring your camera to capture the reflection of the cliffs and trees in the tranquil water. The gorge is an important habitat for native wildlife, including reptiles, dingoes, rock-wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles and populations of two marsupials thought to have disappeared from Central Australia.

Two great walks start at Ormiston Gorge. Take the shorter, 20-minute Ghost Gum Walk to a viewing platform to look out over the waterhole and across the gorge. A 3 to 4 hour return hike leads into the Ormiston Pound. Ormiston Pound is an incredible display of the geological forces that shaped Central Australia and is completely surrounded by mountains. This vast valley, covered in the muted greys of spinifex grass and strewn with granite, resembles an enormous crater. Head back along the path through the gorge for a striking view of the waterhole. The Ormiston Gorge to Finke River section of the Larapinta Trail is the shortest section of the 223-kilometre (140-mile) hike and is suitable for most hikers.

The Pound walk goes through the habitat of the nocturnal central rock rat, which was thought to be extinct for 50 years until it was rediscovered here. Small mouse-looking long-tailed dunnarts were also rare here for a time, but their numbers are building up again. If you miss these marsupials in the wild, you can see both creatures at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Ormiston Gorge is 135 kilometres (85 miles) west of Alice Springs. Stop in at the Visitor Centre just before the turn-off to Ormiston Gorge. Here you’ll find information about the walks and wildlife at Ormiston Gorge and Ormiston Pound, as well as tea and coffee. The Pound walk starts from and returns to the Visitor Centre.

The roads to Ormiston Gorge are sealed and are accessible even without a four-wheel drive. Bring camping gear to stay overnight at the Ormiston Gorge campsite.

Plan a trip to see Ormiston Gorge

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Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Ooraminna Station Homestead
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

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Things to do near Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge in the Northern Territory offers a range of outdoor adventures, including camping in designated areas and overnight hikes through stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. With its rugged beauty and opportunities for exploration, Ormiston Gorge is perfect for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience.

Shopping

Ormiston Gorge offers limited shopping options, but you can find local artisan crafts and souvenirs at small stalls. If you're up for a drive, head to Alice Springs, about 85 km away, where you can explore Todd Mall for a variety of shops and unique gifts.

Recreation

At Ormiston Gorge, immerse yourself in nature with guided yoga sessions, surrounded by stunning red rock formations and tranquil waterholes. Indulge in wellness workshops that focus on mindfulness and bush medicine, enhancing your connection to the stunning landscape of the Northern Territory.

Adventure

The Larapinta Trail Section 10 Trailhead offers a short hike filled with stunning views and outdoor adventure vibes, located 161m from Ormiston Gorge. For a longer trek, explore Section 12 Trailhead, 22.5km away, or Section 9 Trailhead, 20.9km away, both showcasing the breathtaking scenery of the region.

Nightlife

Ormiston Gorge offers a tranquil evening atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the serene surroundings. While nightlife venues are limited, nearby Alice Springs boasts lively pubs and local music scenes, providing a taste of the Outback’s charm after sunset.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge, located in the stunning Northern Territory, offers a variety of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Popular attractions include the Ormiston Gorge waterhole, Redbank Gorge, and the surrounding national parks and canyons. Whether you're keen on swimming, hiking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, there's plenty to explore in and around this iconic destination.

  • Glen Helen Gorge: Just a short drive from Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge offers stunning canyon views and adventurous outdoor activities. Explore the rugged landscape, take a refreshing dip, or enjoy a picnic amidst the breathtaking scenery.
  • Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park: A magnificent national park located nearby, Tjoritja-West MacDonnell National Park is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Hike through diverse landscapes, discover unique flora and fauna, and soak in the spectacular vistas that make this park a true gem.
  • Ellery Creek Big Hole: Located a bit further away, Ellery Creek Big Hole is a picturesque waterhole ideal for swimming and relaxing. Surrounded by stunning cliffs and abundant nature, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Territory.

Best time to go to Ormiston Gorge

The best time to visit Ormiston Gorge depends on your weather preferences. The hottest average temperature around Ormiston Gorge is in January and January. January is sunny. The coolest average temperature around Ormiston Gorge is in June, June, July and July. July is sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudiness
January85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainSunny
January85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainSunny
February83.8°F (28.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
February83.8°F (28.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
March79.9°F (26.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
March79.9°F (26.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
April71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
April71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
May61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
May61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
June55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
June55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
July55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
July55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
August60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
August60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
September68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
September68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
October75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
October75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
November80.8°F (27.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
November80.8°F (27.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
December84.6°F (29.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny
December84.6°F (29.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Sunny

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ormiston Gorge

To save money on your trip to Ormiston Gorge, consider visiting during the off-peak season when prices are generally lower. Utilize Expedia to search for budget-friendly, eco-certified accommodations and sort by price to find the best deals. Combine your accommodation with flights and activities for additional savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area, keeping transport costs down. Don’t forget to compare prices and look for package deals to maximise your savings while earning rewards on your bookings.

  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Ormiston Gorge accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.