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Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Northern Territory

Ormiston Pound circuit & Ormiston Gorge

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Northern Territory

Ormiston Pound circuit & Ormiston Gorge

Moderate

4.9

(15)

172

hikers

Ormiston Pound circuit & Ormiston Gorge

02:24

8.49km

190m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.16 km

Ormiston Pound Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Ormiston Pound Walk leads bushwalkers deep into the heart of Ormiston Gorge, offering some of the most spectacular views in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The walk is a 6-kilometer loop that starts off at the Ormiston Gorge car park, though the Ormiston Pound, and Ormiston Gorge. The track is well-marked with some steep climbs and uneven rocky footing. Time your loop for the right time of day, as during summer temperatures regularly soar past 40 °C and the track is very sun exposed.

Tip by

7.76 km

Ormiston Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Ormiston Gorge was carved over millions of years by the Ormiston Creek, with towering red sandstone walls that rise up from the valley floor. The brilliant red is quite contrasted with the blue skies above on a clear day, making it very photogenic. The area is rich in geological history and biodiversity, with ancient rock formations, waterholes, and unique plants. Bushwalkers can explore the gorge via a network of walking trails, and while doing so, keep in mind the area is sacred to the Arrernte people. Also consider how hot this gorge can get. From November and February, temperatures can rise to 40 °C, so avoid visiting midday and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Tip by

8.09 km

Ormiston Gorge Pool

Highlight • Lake

The Ormiston Gorge Pool is a natural swimming hole, and a true oasis in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Fed by the Ormiston Creek, this crystal-clear waterhole is the perfect swimming spot, especially during the hot summer months, with calm waters and a sandy beach. The pool is surrounded by red cliffs and oasis greenery, feeling like a hidden paradise. It's just a short walk from the Ormiston Gorge car park, or can be included on a longer bushwalk, preferable at the end to cool off after walking. Don't forget your swimmers for this amazing dip, and sun protection, and the pool is quite exposed to the sun.

Tip by

8.49 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.40 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.03 km

406 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (780 m)

Lowest point (660 m)

Weather

Saturday 29 August

26°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Ormiston Pound circuit & Ormiston Gorge

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