Ellery Creek Big Hole

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches 161km west of Alice Springs and will draw you in with its majestic beauty.

Spectacular waterhole with walking, swimming, picnics and camping.

Known as Tjoritja by the Traditional Owners, the continuation of cultural practices and a connection to the land is highly significant for local Aranda Aboriginal culture.

Cool scenic gorges are important refuges for plants and animals, many are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests.

Some of the sites you shouldn't miss on a journey here include Simpsons Gap, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm (privately operated) and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.

The spectacular waterhole is fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) and surrounded by high red cliffs and sandy Ellery Creek. It is also at the trailhead for Sections 6 and 7 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk.

Thousands of years of massive floods have carved out this waterhole, which is recognised as an internationally significant geological site. Take the 3 kilometre Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations.

The Aboriginal name for Ellery Big Hole is Udepata. The permanent water made it a special meeting place for the Aranda people on the fish and honey ant dreaming trails.

Camping is permitted (fees apply). Entry is via a gravel road suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles.

You can do all of the following activities in the park:

bushwalking
wildlife spotting
camping
scenic lookout
cycling
birdwatching
ranger-guided activities.

Swimming is permitted at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Redbank Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.

When visiting the park remember all of the following:

stay on designated roads and tracks
historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
fires are permitted in communal fire pits only
collect firewood before entering the park
bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
pets are not permitted in the park
generators are not permitted in the park.

From Alice Springs, access the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park's many visitor areas along Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive.

From Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) access the park on the unsealed Red Centre Way (Mereenie Loop). You need a permit to access this road.

Address
80km west of Alice Springs. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives