Ormiston Gorge and Pound

The Ormiston Gorge is a thrilling chasm in the heart of the West Macdonnell Ranges, a short section of the Larapinta Trail, and easily accessible from the Alice Springs-Hermannsburg road. So, it gets visitors. The Ormiston Pound is a remarkable cliff-girt hole beyond the gorge, to which fewer people venture out. (Pound is an Australian geological term for a depression or basin surrounded by cliffs.)

The Ormiston Pound walk is a 3 1/2 hr circular walk from Ormiston Gorge car park. Start along the river bed along the road. Climb up to a saddle, then round to a brilliant view into the pound. Then descend into the pound, to view amazing old quartzite cliffs fractured and piled on top of each other through huge forces 300-400 million years ago. A huge variety of flora on the pound floor. The vast opposing quartzite cliffs narrow to form a creek, so the final water-hole has to be crossed holding our packs over our heads in chest-high water. Final climb out to a viewpoint back over the creek and forward to the river valley and carpark.

There is a huge variety of flora on the pound floor, of even greater beauty and variety than seen elsewhere in the area. Walkopedia friend Reggie Heyworth reports: "saw zebra finches and an extremely close up (2 feet!) encounter with a very confiding pair of spinifex pigeonsThe vast opposing quartzite cliffs narrow to form a creek, so the final water-hole has to be crossed holding our packs over our heads in chest-high water. Final climb out to a viewpoint back over the creek and forward to the river valley and carpark. All our group agreed it was one of THE great short walks. A  stunning circuit taking in extraordinary geology, views and flora. 10/10!"

The West Macdonell Ranges striate their way across Australia's red hot, red earthed Red Centre. A very ancient area, even by geological standards, these mountains now mere stumps compared to their original height. All this history makes for a fascinating landscape, with fantastically contorted formations, spectacular gorges and mysterious and engrossing pounds.

The famous Larapinta Trail passes through the gorge, although the pound is a side-walk.

SEE OUR WEST MACDONNELL RANGES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMTION, INCLUDING PRACTICALITIES.

THIS PAGE IS STILL AT A RELATIVELY EARLY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.  Please help us by recommending making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!