Wild swimming holes & outback beaches in the Red Centre

It's true the Red Centre is about as far from the coastline as you can get in Australia. But don't let that deter you from packing your swimsuit and sunscreen. Wild swimming holes and outback beaches are the perfect way to cool down in the Red Centre.

The Red Centre is dotted with swimming holesand outback beaches. The West MacDonnell Ranges conceal a surprising number of rock pools and swimming holes lined with white sand beaches. Most are shaded by eucalypt trees or towering sandstone cliffs that rise skywards into a cloudless blue sky.

Here's some of our favourite Red Centre swimming holes.

Ormiston Gorge

Aboriginal name: Kwartatuma – a sacred site of the Western Arrernte people.

Ormiston Gorge is another well-known and popularswimming hole. The swimming hole is a short walk from the carpark down a paved path that leads down onto the river bed. The swimming hole wraps around the base of near-vertical cliffs with large expanses of river sand for you to lay out your beach towel upon.

This is another year-round swimming hole, that also forms part of the Ormiston Pound Walk - a looping trail that takes 3 -4 hours to hike. Book a campsite and settle in for a few days to explore the area and really soak up the serenity of Ormiston Gorge.

How to get there: Drive 135km west of Alice Springs.

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Aboriginal Name: Udepata – meeting point for the Arrernte people on the fish and honey ant dreaming trail.

Located within Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park is Ellery Creek Big Hole, easily accessed by sealed road. Ellery Creek is surrounded by towering red cliffs that rise near vertical from the waterhole. Laze on the beach, kayak the tranquil waters and float to your hearts content in the clear, deep water. Book a campsite and stay overnight to really savour the magical, relaxed vibe of Ellery Creek Big Hole.

How to get there: 88km West of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive

Glen Helen Gorge

Aboriginal name: Yapalpe – named by the the Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Glen Helen Gorge is one of those expansive swimming holes the Red Centre is famous for, with its pool creating magical mirror-like reflections. A short walk from the car park takes you to a tranquil hideaway with shady banks beneath towering cliffs.

Glen Helen is an important refuge for wildlife so don't be surprised to share the waterhole with birds and marsupials. The gorge is formed by the Finke River carving a swathe through the ranges, creating a year-round waterhole. Enjoy the views of Mount Sonder, one of central Australia's highest peaks, which are particularly spectacular in the early morning or late afternoon.

How to get there: Glen Helen is located 132km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive.

Redbank Gorge

Aboriginal name: Yarretyeke

Redbank Gorge is a magnificent gorge and chasm at the base of Mount Sonder. Easily accessed by travellers driving the Red Centre Way, walking trails and camping areas make it a popular spot to spend time exploring this remote section of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Redbank Gorge is not only a wonderful swimming hole, it's a hot spot for bird watching too. Actually, that's true of many of the Red Centre waterholes, which are important water sources for wildlife.

How to get there: Drive 156km west of Alice Springs via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives and you’ll find Redbank Gorge at at the base of Mt Sonder (Rrewtyepme).

Sacred waterholes to visit (swimming not permitted)

Garden of Eden

Tucked away at the foot of Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park is a lush oasis aptly named the Garden of Eden. Rimmed by near-vertical cliffs of the canyon, the year-round waterhole is a sacred site and swimming is not permitted.

The best way to visit the Garden of Eden is by doing the 6km Rim Walk around the top of Kings Canyon. There's quite a steep uphill section at the start of the walk and walking shoes are necessary for the rocky trail.

How to get there: 470km from Alice Springs via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, 145km via the 4WD Mereenie Loop road.

Simpsons Gap

Aboriginal name: Rungutjirpa – a mythological home to giant goanna ancestors.

One of the closest waterholes and Aboriginal cultural sites from Alice Springs is Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The year-round waterhole attracts wildlife, such as black footed rock wallabies. Simpsons Gap has spiritual significance to the Arrernte people, as it was the mythological home of giant goanna ancestors.

Short walks meander through the foot of the ranges, which are also part of the 231km-long Larapinta Trail. The waterhole is shaded by eucalypt trees and sits at the base of near-vertical cliffs, creating a tranquil location.

How to get there: 17km west of Alice Springs

Serpentine Gorge

Aboriginal name: Ulpma – There is a Dreaming Story linked to an Eaglehawk ancestor which is significant to Aboriginal men.

Serpentine Gorge is the result of a narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges which is of significance to Western Arrernte people and is the site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming

The gorge holds water for most of the year, attracting birdlife and other wildlife as other nearby waterholes dry up. Walking trails around the gorge form part of sections 7 and 8 of the Larapinta Trail.

How to get there: 100km from Alice Springs