Ellery Creek Big Hole is a permanent waterhole that has been carved out of the rock of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) after thousands of years of rain and flood. Known to the Arrernte traditional owners as Udepata, Ellery Creek also holds ancient cultural significance. Being a permanent waterhole, it has long served as a meeting place for the people of the region and also features in local dreaming stories.
More than being a fun place to swim and hike, Ellery Creek also possesses incredible natural beauty and is home to a wide variety of unique flora and fauna.
For a map of the park, click here. Use the Avenza Maps App to track your walk on the interactive park map.
The Ellery Creek Big Hole is situated within the towering red cliffs of Ellery Gorge. Visitors can relax on the sandy banks of the water or go swimming through the picturesque gorge.
Visitors should be very aware of taking safety precautions when swimming. Swimmers should always walk into the water to test its depth and should never jump off rocks. Children should always remain in sight. There are no crocodiles in Central Australian waterholes.
There are two walks that you can do when visiting Ellery Creek.
This is a five-minute walk taking you from the car park down to the swimming hole. It is very manageable and accessible to wheelchairs.
This is a 3km loop walk that will allow you to take in the broader surrounds of the swimming hole. The walk is estimated to take around 1.5 hours for most walkers. It is of moderate difficulty with some steep inclines. Make sure to bring water.
Ellery Creek Walk
Dolomite Walk
The Ellery Creek Campground is located near the visitors' car park and a short walking distance from the swimming hole. Disabled access to the swimming hole from the campground is available via the Ellery Creek Walk.
There are ten designated sites for camping and caravaning. These sites can be booked online in advance. Ellery Creek is a Category B campground, and the applied rates are $4 for adults, $2 for children, and $10 for families. Campsites are bookable online here, and no longer payable onsite.
Facilities at the Ellery Creek campground include:
There is water available at the campground. It is advisable, also, to bring your own shade equipment as there is limited natural shade at the camping site.
Ellery Big Hole is located 80km to the west of Alice Springs. Access can be gained by car via Namatjira Drive. Visitors should be aware that the last 2km is unsealed and may not be usable after heavy rain, a 4WD is then advised.
Ellery Big Creek Hole can also be reached on foot by those hiking the Larapinta Trail. It is connected to both sections 6 and 7 of the trail.
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