Ormiston Gorge

Great place in the middle of nowhere. Toilets and small shop available. Swimming possible, but cold and current

Worth the drive to go see this gorge, it was one of my top favourites. The sheer size of the gorge is impressive and the river underneath made it so picturesque. It was a short walk and the path was gravelled. The bird wildlife was interesting to see.

An epic Gorge to visit. Numerous walks to do of varying length. Go for a chilly dip in the water, do a short walk up to get a view down the Gorge, or complete the whole walk around it for the day.

Short, well built path in, Bathrooms located near carpark.

Great camping facilities with an even better short easy access to the swimming hole. The gorge is very majestic and the colours and mood changes as the sun slides past during the day. Well worth the visit.

This was a truly wonderful experience both musically and naturally an unforgettable experience particularly in our covid times, music as a true healing experience

Wow! Would definitely recommend completing the Pound Walk as well as passing through the Ghost Gum lookout while completing this 9 km hike- it will add another 2 km onto it. We had to do some wading though cold water which added even more excitement, this was towards the end of the hike when we got to the main gorge. It is a moderate hike with some hills and stairs, stunning views throughout!

“Jonique Life”
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Lots of water at the moment after some really good rain.
The Ghost Gum walk up to the lookout is well worth it!
Kiosk is open and snacks are reasonable.

Currently has a lot of water. Great swimming and do the walk to the lookout above the gorge. About 1.5hrs drive west of Alice, all tar road.

Great place to visit.
The swimming hole didn't look so good this time of year but I have visited Ormiston Gorge early in the season and it was full of clear water.
The walks are great as well. The lookout and the gorge are best in the morning for sunrise.

My favorite swimming hole. An easy walk in on a mostly paved walkway.
October was the time we visited and the whole was refreshing.
Would definitely go again.

Beautiful outback scenery. The Pound walk is a must-do. Take plenty of water if you're doing it in the heat

On the western edge of the Ormiston Pound is the small, but nevertheless very beautiful Ormiston Gorge. The best walking route takes you from the parking lot upwards over the western edge of the gorge, before returning through the gorge to the starting point. Those who are lucky and / or patient will be able to see rock wallabies scurrying around the canyon walls. One of the most beautiful spots in the West McDonnell Ranges, so don't miss out!

I have to re-edit the original review which was 5 star - "A lovely little camp area with a cafe, toilets, showers and a great hike. You can do it in reverse but we go up the steep path behind the group outbuildings to the ghost gum lookout. Here you have great views of the valley. Walk along the side of the gorge until the path dips down to the river, (mostly dry). We generally follow the riverbed back to the water hole, (great swimming when its warm enough,) below the camp area. Almost every time we see the gorgeous little rock wallabies, a variety of birds, insects and maybe frogs. "
Just a few months later we stayed Nov. 1st through 4th at $10.each per night. Toilets and sinks not cleaned. No toilet paper. Garbage bins overflowing. The kiosk was never open. There is a whole village of ranger accommodation there so no excuse for this neglect. The place is a great outback wilderness experience but the campground was poor.

In the west Macdonnell Ranges, the Ormiston Gorge is a wonderful watering hole. There is a cafe and good facilities. There is a short walk to a nice lookout spot overlooking the Gorge which is an easy walk, although quite a few steps!

The water level was way down the day we were there - end of the dry - and it has been a very dry dry season. So the water was not very inviting for a swim!

This is a well set up tourist area with a camp ground, toilets, cafe, showers etc.
Small walk to the gorge is worth it for a swim. Plenty of flies! Bring the bug spray, cold drinks and sunscreen. Easy to access the gorge with a walking track down to the sandy gorge.

A leisurely walk along a level path brings you to another great location. Trees, shade, water and beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for. If you have time, there are walks you can take.

Great spot to sit and relax. Also got done short walks around. Good place to bring kids. If U wanna do a picnic this is a great spot with tree shades around the gorge.

Absolutely awesome. Walked the Ghost Gum Walk (sadly, all the trees had burned in a fire). However, this provided ample, clear views of the gorge in all its majestic beauty.

Definitely one not to miss. Heaps of parking and also a kiosk.how good is that. Nice little walk from the car park to the water were you can enjoy a swim to cool off. Another great place to stop along the West Macs.

Beautiful gorge. About 8 km walk with moderate difficulty. Take care to keep an eye out for signs - otherwise it's easy to get lost. There is a permanent water hole at the end to swim in!