Swimming

Image Source: Tourism NT/Mitchell Cox

Refresh yourself at one of the many natural waterfalls in and around Alice Springs. Acting as the perfect central destination to discover many swimming holes nearby, take some time out to truly soak up the lush waterfalls surrounding the area.

When temperatures soar, you’ll no doubt be searching for the nearest swimming hole. From the barren desert to gushing water holes all in a car ride of each other, the contrast between landscapes here couldn’t be more apparent.

Pack yourself a picnic and spend the day between the waterfalls and rocky terrains. Discover the West MacDonnell Ranges with Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Redbank Gorge or Kings Canyon to name a few.

Ellery Creek is a stunning waterhole yet brings ice-cold water and high red cliffs. Dip in and out quickly and spend some time on the banks to see the rock faces come together, over 400 million years old. While Ormiston Gorge sits 300 metres deep, made up of earthy orange quartzite and if you enjoy hiking, the Ormiston Pound Walk will lead you to the swimming hole.

Image Source: Tourism NT/Laura Bell

Surround yourself amongst the incredible red land as the walls of Kings Canyon encompass you in the shaded Garden of Eden, named perfectly to suit, this palm-fringed swimming hole is a 300-metre cliff face. Unfortunately, this waterfall doesn’t allow swimming due to the incredible fauna and flora it brings and delicate environment, yet it’s still worth the visit. Continue on and you’ll start to make your way to Kathleen Springs where you’ll discover even more local bird life and beautiful native plants.

If you choose to take the Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs, you’ll find the Birthday Waterhole, only accessible by 4WD. Here you’ll also see an incredible range of native water birds for you to observe.

Take your camera with you and make the most of these incredible swimming holes in and around Alice Springs. Discover the diversity of these gushing waterfalls and spend your days slowly exploring each one.