Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek Big Hole is a beautiful area within the West MacDonnell Ranges. Located about 80km from Alice Springs, via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. It's an easy drive along these roads, and access to the waterhole and camping area is on sealed roads, until near the end of the road, where the last 2km is unsealed.
This waterhole is one you will want to visit and swim in!!
Campground
Driving into this area, the feature of this campground is going to be the waterhole, which is in the Ellery Creek (more on the waterhole further on).
The campsites are all located in one area (in a loop) and are very close to the day visitor carpark. When we visited in early September, the campground was about half full, as the peak season had ended, and the weather was warming up. All campsites work on in a first in, first served basis, so in May-August period, you may encounter trouble securing a spot, as camping options in this area are limited.
The campsites have designated spots to camp, as bollards surround them.
Privacy and shade between sites was minimal. In summer, bring extra shade shelter. The campsites seem to circle around a communal area where there is an extra shelter (see picture below).
It's not a picturesque campsite - but the beauty lies in the waterhole nearby.
The ground was very hard and dusty, and space for sites varies, but some big rigs might have trouble securing a suitable spot, especially if crowded.
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Facilities
At the campground there are toilets, showers, free BBQs and a shelter. As previously mentioned, I would bring your own shade if the weather is warm.
Drinking water - like everywhere, it is advisable to bring your own.
Drinking water - like everywhere, it is advisable to bring your own.
Activities
The Ellery Creek waterhole is the main reason to visit here, and an added bonus is that you can swim in it (some waterholes this is not permitted). It is so inviting, surrounded by sandy banks, on a warm day you will want to run in and immerse yourself in the beautiful water.
Only 160m from the carpark/camping ground, this is an easy walk for every visitor.
It was extremely warm the day we were there, so couldn't wait to jump in. A number of other people were standing around in the shallows, shivering, and we soon found out why. The water was freezing. My feet felt like they were turning blue just standing in the water. Others plunged in, only to get out, very quickly. The brave ones, persevered and swam further out!
I know why I had read about people experiencing hypothermia, even in summer, in these waters. It would be a real possibility!
Walkers can do a 3km loop walk on the Dolomite Walk. The Larapinta Trail, sections 6 and 7 also meet at this location.
Make sure you check out this location on your trip to Central Australia.
Want to read about more camping spots in the Northern Territory, near Ellery Creek? Read on.
Camping at Ormiston Gorge
Camping at Serpentine Bush Chalet
Camping Standley Chasm
