Ellery Creek Big HoleEllery Creek Ellery Creek Big Hole Fauna Ellery Creek Big Hole Flora

Ellery Creek is part of the Finke River system, with Ellery Creek Big Hole being one of the largest permanent waterholes in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, that offers an important source of water for the local wildlife.

Known locally as the ‘Alice Springs Beach’, it also provides a popular refreshing stop for many locals and travellers.

The Aboriginal name for Ellery Bighole is ‘Udepata’. This permanent water made it a special meeting place for the Arrernte people on the fish and honey ant dreaming trails.

Water Safety - Ellery Creek Big Hole, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Water Safety – Ellery Creek Big Hole, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

Located about an hour’s drives west of Alice Springs, along Namatjira Drive, the waterhole is a great place to swim or just relax on a hot day. Swimmers should take care, as the water is deep, and during the winter, extremely cold. For your own safety, do not climb or jump from rocks.

Dingo at Ellery Creek Big Hole
Dingo at Ellery Creek Big Hole

The park also offers a great spot to camp, especially for those who are happy to ‘rough it’. There are wood barbecues provided, but you must bring your own wood into the park. Generators are not permitted. More information can be found on the Northern Territory Parks and ReservesTjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park section of the website.

Images © Ausemade PL


Source: Northern Territory Parks and Reserves


Ellery Creek Big HoleEllery Creek Ellery Creek Big Hole Fauna Ellery Creek Big Hole Flora

West MacDonnell RangesBirthday Waterhole Ellery Creek Big Hole Finke Two Mile Glen Helen Gorge Jay Creek John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve Laura Creek Larapinta Drive Mount Sonder / Rwetyepme Namatjira Drive The Neil Hargrave Lookout Ochre Pits Ormiston Gorge & Pound Point Howard Lookout Redbank Gorge Simpsons Gap

MacDonnell RangesEast MacDonnell Ranges West MacDonnell Ranges Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park