Ormiston Gorge and Pound Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

Ormiston Gorge showcases There is a limited supply of the spectacular geology and drinking water at Ormiston Safety and Comfort landforms of the MacDonnell Gorge. People planning to stay • Observe park safety signs. Ranges. The Gorge has a near- should carry their drinking water • Carry and drink plenty of water. requirements with them. It is permanent waterhole, estimated • Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, recommended that all tank and to be up to 14 metres deep at its insect repellent, suitable southern end. surface water at Ormiston Gorge clothing and footwear. be treated before drinking. The area contains an interesting • Avoid strenuous activity during variety of native fauna and flora Visitors can purchase basic the heat of the day. Fact Sheet including a number of relict plant supplies, food and drinks • Consider your health and fitness species remaining from a tropical from the commercially operated when choosing a walk. kiosk. Phone (08) 8954 0152 for past. The rediscovery of the Long- • Swim only where opening times (hours may vary). tailed Dunnart and the Central recommended. Rock Rat in 1997 highlights the Swimming - The Gorge has Please Remember Park as an important fauna refuge. a near-permanent waterhole situated 500 metres from the Walks • Keep to designated roads and Access Information Shelter. The waterhole tracks. Ormiston Gorge is located 135 is ideal for swimming, especially • All historic, cultural items and km west of . Access in the warmer months. Swimmers wildlife are protected. is via Larapinta and Namatjira should be aware that most • Fires are not permitted, use the Drives. The Visitor Centre is waterholes are extremely cold. gas barbecues provided. approximately 8 km from the Prolonged exposure, even during • Put your rubbish in the bins Ormiston Gorge turn-off on summer, can result in hypothermia. provided or take it with you. . Sealed roads Beware of submerged logs and • Pets are not permitted. provide access by conventional rocks and do not jump or dive into • Generators are not permitted. vehicles. All roads can be the water. impassable for a short period after • A permit is required for Drone heavy rain. Walking - The best way to use – conditions apply and it appreciate the scenery of must be obtained prior to your When to visit Ormiston Gorge and Pound is to arrival in the Park. The Park is accessible all year follow one of the marked walking round. The cooler months (April to tracks. the flat expanse of the Pound and September) are the most pleasant. Waterhole Walk - 300 m 5 returning along Ormiston Gorge minutes (one way) Grade 1 Easy via the main waterhole. What to do with wheelchair access to the end For the keen walker there Camping - Camping of the paved path. facilities are available. are two overnight walks Spaces are limited and operate on Ghost Gum Lookout 1.2 km 45 to Bowmans Gap and Mt Giles, a first come, first served basis. Gas minutes return Grade 3 moderate. and the Larapinta Trail also barbecues, toilets and showers are Ghost Gum Walk 2.5km loop passes through the area. These provided. Camping fees (cash only, walk 1.5 hours Grade 3 moderate. are challenging long distance no change available) are payable After climbing up to the Ghost walks and careful preparation and on site and camping is only Gum Lookout, continue by planning is required. For more permitted in designated areas. following the path around the details visit www.nt.gov.au There is a separate campground for western side of the Gorge and Have an Emergency Plan: schools and large groups. Bookings return via the main waterhole. Notify a reliable person of your are required. Additional camping Ormiston Pound 8.5km 3-4 hour intended route and plans. Ensure areas are provided at Redbank loop Grade 3 moderate completes they know to contact police if you Gorge and Ellery Creek (fees a full circuit from the Walks do not return by the arranged date. apply). Information Shelter, meandering Walkers should carry a satellite around scenic slopes, dropping into phone or personal locator beacon.

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station Regional Office - Arid Zone Research Institute Ph: (08) 8956 7799 South ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870 PO Box 1120 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 www.nt.gov.au/parks Ph: (08) 8951 8250 Fax: (08) 8951 8290 Ormiston Gorge and Pound - Part of the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

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Finke Gorge National Park To Adelaide

On Park Locality 4WD Road Information Gas BBQs Lookouts Meals Simpsons Gap Ranger Station On Park Facilities Ranger Station Wood BBQs Swimming Drinks Off Park Locality Larapinta Trail

Parking Areas No Fires Bicycle Path Accommodation Mountain Bicycle Path Standley Chasm Off Park Facilities Privately operated Toilets Camping Wheelchair Access Caravan Sites Sealed Road Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park Picnic Facilities Short Walks Fuel Medical Clinic 0210 0 Unsealed Road Park Boundary Drinking Water Overnight Walks Kilometres

Bowmans Gap 1 - 2 days return Walkers to Bowmans Gap or Mt Giles should carry Ghost Gum Walk some form of emergency 1.5 hour loop communication.

Ormiston Gorge

Mt Giles Ghost Gum Lookout Waterhole Walk 2 - 3 days return 20 mins one way 5 mins one way

O r m is Larapinta Trail to n Section 10 (4 hours to 5 hours to Glen Helen) Pound Walk Visitor information 3 - 4 hour loop

Download the Avenza Maps Larapinta Trail Section 9 App on your device whilst you Overnight Walk are still in range to find the FREE local park map you need. Ormiston Gorge - Facilities & Activities Once downloaded, the maps can be used without a Information Ranger Station Sealed Road network connection. Your device’s built in GPS will plot your real-time location within the park onto the map. Picnic Facilities Parking Area Walking Track These GPS enabled maps will assist you to stay on track. To ilets Overnight Walks Larapinta Trail

Park Map Camping Wheelchair Access Contours

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r e Major Drainage e Caravan Sites Lookouts k Waterhole 0 0.5 1 Gas BBQ Swimming Short Walks Cafe Recommended To Namatjira Drive walking direction Kilometres & Alice Springs

A/08/2021PWCNT Fact Sheet For more information visit www.nt.gov.au/parks or contact Tourism Central Australia 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800 www.discovercentralaustralia.com