Starting from the car park at the end of Ormiston Gorge Access Road, Mount Zeil, this circuit walk explores the Ormiston Gorge and western parts of the Ormiston Pound, visiting Ghost Gum Lookout along the way. Embark on a scenic journey where you’ll make your way through diverse environments and vegetation as you become one with nature. Notice the contrast between the colour of the bush and the strikingly red boulders. Expect to see an unreal view of the Ormiston Pound surrounding you, making you feel like you’re in a gigantic crater. The gorge itself looks beautiful from the Ghost Gum section of the walk along with the stubborn Ghost Gums growing on rock faces. There is a permanent waterhole you’ll need to cross that is at least thigh-deep, so bring your jumpers and take advantage of the situation. Check the water level at the visitor centre beforehand and protect yourself well from the sun to be safe. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 880 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 44.3 km
Turn right onto Namatjira Drive, 2 and drive for another 81.3 km
Turn right and drive for another 7.2 km
Turn right and drive for another 295 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the northern end of the car park, head along the dirt track that is sealed by little rocks, following the brown “Walking Track To Gorge” sign. Cross the road using the white crosswalk, then turn right and go through the “Walks Information” shelter. Head along the dirt track (Larapinta Section 9) and pass by a brown directional signpost to your left (Larapinta Section 9 - Pound Walk) to continue along Ormiston Pound Circuit(counterclockwise). This is the recommended direction of travel.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Waterhole Walk & Ghost Gum Walk Start heading along Larapinta Trail Section 9 (a walking track).
Ormiston Gorge (about 105 m back from the start).
Find the Larapinta Trail Information at the start.
After 660 m cross the ford.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Larapinta Trail Section 9 & Pound Walk) veer left, to head along Pound Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you up to the rim of the hill for more panoramic views over the land. Expect 10-15 minutes added to your hike. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 2.3 km continue straight, to head along Pound Walk.
After another 1.6 km cross the ford (about 50 m long)
After another 490 m cross the ford (about 95 m long)
After another 470 m cross the ford (about 90 m long)
After another 325 m continue straight, to head along Pound Walk.
After another 175 m cross the ford.
After another 420 m cross the ford.
After another 570 m cross the ford.
After another 85 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Ghost Gum Walk & Pound Walk veer right, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
If you're travelling in the clockwise direction, you can veer left here and finish the walk following the creek bed. Keep in mind that this route involves another creek crossing.
After another 380 m come to the viewpoint (8 m on your left).
Turn right, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
After another 480 m come to the "Ghost Gum Lookout" (40 m on your left).
Turn right, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
After another 480 m find the "Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge" (25 m on your right).
Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge
Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge
+
-
After another 5 m continue straight, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
After another 50 m veer left, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
After another 35 m pass the "Snack Kiosk" (50 m on your right).
After another 15 m pass the "Ormiston Gorge" (35 m on your right).
After another 70 m come to the end.
This optional side trip takes you up to the rim of the hill for more panoramic views over the land. Expect 10-15 minutes added to your hike.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 170 m come to the "Viewpoint" (on your left).
After another 350 m come to a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 530 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Ormiston Pound Circuit
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
8.8 km
Time
2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
