Swimming in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

The Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park has a number of permanent waterholes ideal for swimming during summer.

The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge.

Be safe around water

Park rangers monitor the safety of swimming holes.

You must swim in designated areas.

Conditions change rapidly with flash flooding and electrical storms.

If it doesn’t feel safe, don’t swim.

Exercise caution and swim to the conditions you feel comfortable with.

Depth and currents can be overwhelming to novice and young swimmers.

Swimmers should be aware that most water holes are extremely cold.

Prolonged exposure, even during summer, can result in hypothermia.

Beware of submerged logs and rocks. Do not jump, dive or swing into the water.

Children should always be supervised.

No glass within 10m of waterways. This includes glass bottles, jars and cups.