Public Toilets in West MacDonnells, NT
6 toilet locations mapped across the West MacDonnell Ranges — swimming holes in the desert. Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen. Permanent waterholes in 40+ degree heat. Plus the Larapinta Trail (223km). From Simpsons Gap (22km from Alice) to Redbank Gorge (160km out), every dunny in the ranges sorted.
Interactive Toilet Map
6 facilities available in West MacDonnell Ranges
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Where Are You?
The West MacDonnells stretch 160km. Toilets are at each major gorge but there's NOTHING between them. Drive times between gorges can be 30-60 minutes. Use every toilet you pass.
At Simpsons Gap (22km from Alice)
Simpsons Gap toilets
First gorge, closest to Alice Springs. Well-maintained. Accessible. Rock wallabies at dawn.
Simpsons Gap is the most visited gorge — just 22km from Alice Springs on sealed road. The toilet block is in the main car park. This is a good 'test' stop before committing to the longer drive west. Look for black-footed rock wallabies in the early morning.
At Standley Chasm (50km)
Standley Chasm toilets
Privately managed site. Entry fee applies ($12 adult). Toilet inside the paid area.
Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) is Aboriginal-owned and has an entry fee. The toilet is inside the paid area — you need to pay to access it. There's also a small cafe. The chasm is famous for its noon light show when sun hits the narrow walls.
Swimming at Ellery Creek (88km)
Ellery Creek Big Hole toilets
Popular swimming hole with camping. Last gorge on sealed road. Toilet near car park.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is the last major stop on sealed road from Alice Springs. The permanent waterhole is excellent for swimming (cold water even in summer). Toilet near the car park and campground. Popular camping spot.
Swimming at Ormiston Gorge (135km)
Ormiston Gorge toilets
Best swimming hole in the ranges. Well-maintained toilet. The jewel of the West MacDonnells.
Ormiston is the highlight — towering red cliffs, permanent waterhole, ghost gums. The best-maintained facilities west of Ellery Creek. Accessible toilets in the car park. Worth the drive on unsealed road. The Pound Walk (3hr loop) starts here.
At Glen Helen (140km)
Glen Helen toilets
Gorge with a homestead lodge. Accommodation, fuel, and toilet facilities. Last services heading west.
Glen Helen has the only accommodation and fuel west of Alice Springs in the ranges. The homestead lodge is basic but has proper toilet facilities. If you're heading to Redbank Gorge, use the toilet here — it's the last proper one.
At Redbank Gorge (160km)
Redbank Gorge pit toilet
Westernmost gorge. Basic pit toilet. Remote. Mount Sonder trailhead.
Redbank Gorge is the most remote toilet in the West MacDonnells. Basic pit toilet at the car park. This is the trailhead for Mount Sonder (the Larapinta Trail finish) and the gorge swim. BYO toilet paper. No water, no services.
Distance Between Toilets
This is outback driving — long distances with nothing between gorges. Plan your toilet stops around your gorge visits. Every toilet you pass, use it.
| From | To | Distance | Drive Time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | Simpsons Gap | 22km | 20min | Sealed |
| Simpsons Gap | Standley Chasm | 28km | 25min | Sealed |
| Standley Chasm | Ellery Creek Big Hole | 38km | 35min | Sealed |
| Ellery Creek | Ormiston Gorge | 47km | 45min | Unsealed |
| Ormiston Gorge | Glen Helen | 5km | 5min | Unsealed |
| Glen Helen | Redbank Gorge | 25km | 30min | Unsealed (rough) |
Outback Toilet Rules
Use every toilet you pass. The next one could be 45+ minutes away.
Carry water. Minimum 4 litres per person per day. There is no drinking water between gorges.
Carry toilet paper. Remote pit toilets (Redbank, some camping areas) frequently run out. Pack your own supply.
Things to Do in the West MacDonnells
Swimming holes in the desert — permanent waterholes in ancient gorges where you can swim in 40+ degree heat. Plus the 223km Larapinta Trail along the spine of the ranges. Red Centre at its finest.
Ormiston Gorge Swimming
The best swimming hole in Central Australia. Permanent waterhole below towering red quartzite cliffs. Cold water year-round. Ghost gums and spinifex. Unforgettable.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Popular swimming hole 88km from Alice (sealed road). Deep permanent waterhole in a dramatic gorge. Cool water even in summer. Great camping nearby.
Larapinta Trail (223km)
World-class long-distance walk along the West MacDonnell spine. 12-20 days end-to-end. Or walk individual sections (12 sections). Alice Springs to Mount Sonder.
Standley Chasm (Noon Light)
Narrow chasm lit by the noon sun — the vertical walls glow orange-red for 15 minutes around midday. Aboriginal-owned. Entry fee. Café on site.
Simpsons Gap (Rock Wallabies)
Closest gorge to Alice Springs. Black-footed rock wallabies visible at dawn and dusk. Easy 15-minute walk from car park. Sealed road access.
Glen Helen Gorge
Permanent waterhole at the junction of the Finke River and ranges. Scenic helicopter flights available. The only accommodation west of Alice in the ranges.
Mount Sonder Sunrise
The Larapinta Trail's western terminus. Climb for sunrise — one of Australia's most spectacular dawn vistas. 15km return from Redbank Gorge. Start at 3am.
Ochre Pits
Ancient Aboriginal ochre quarry. Multicoloured ochre bands in cliff face — yellows, reds, whites. Sacred site. Short walk from road. Free.
Where to Stay in the West MacDonnells
Limited accommodation in the ranges. Most visitors base in Alice Springs and day-trip, or camp at the gorges. Glen Helen Lodge is the only accommodation west of Alice.
Bush Camping (Multiple Sites)
Camping at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, and others. Basic facilities — pit toilets, no power, no showers (mostly). BYO everything. $10/adult/night. Magnificent star-filled skies.
Nearest dunny: On-site pit toilets at each campground.
Glen Helen Lodge
The only accommodation in the western ranges. Basic rooms, bar, and meals. Fuel available. 140km from Alice Springs. Good base for Ormiston and Redbank. Call ahead — intermittent operations.
Nearest dunny: On-site facilities.
Alice Springs (Base)
Most visitors use Alice Springs as their base. Hotels, hostels, and caravan parks. Day-trip the eastern gorges (Simpsons, Standley, Ellery). The western gorges need 2+ days.
Nearest dunny: Alice Springs facilities.
Getting to the West MacDonnells
Self-Drive
From Alice Springs, head west on Larapinta Drive. Sealed road to Ellery Creek (88km). Unsealed but usually 2WD-OK beyond to Ormiston and Glen Helen. Check road conditions after rain.
Fuel: Fill up in Alice Springs. Glen Helen has fuel (140km). Redbank Gorge does not. Carry spare fuel if going beyond Glen Helen.
Tours
Several operators run day trips and multi-day camping tours from Alice Springs. Good option if you don't have your own vehicle or don't want to drive unsealed roads. Tours include swimming stops and some provide camping gear.
Heat Warning
Summer (Nov-Mar): Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Carry minimum 4 litres of water per person per day. Heat exhaustion is a real risk on walks.
Best time to visit: April to September. Comfortable days (20-28°C), cold nights. Perfect for swimming, hiking, and camping. Winter mornings can drop below 0°C.
Larapinta Trail — Toilet Facilities
The 223km Larapinta Trail has pit toilets at designated campsites (trailheads). Here's what to expect on the trail.
| Section | Toilet | Water | Road Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telegraph Station (Start) | Yes | Yes | Sealed | Alice Springs start point. Proper flush toilets. |
| Simpsons Gap (Section 2) | Yes | Yes | Sealed | Day-use facility. Well-maintained. Road access. |
| Standley Chasm (Section 4) | Yes | Yes | Sealed | Private site — entry fee for day visitors. Trail walkers OK. |
| Ellery Creek (Section 6) | Yes | — | Sealed | Campground. Last sealed road access heading west. |
| Ormiston Gorge (Section 9) | Yes | — | Unsealed | Best facilities in western sections. Water tank (check level). |
| Redbank Gorge (Section 12/End) | Yes | — | Unsealed | Pit toilet. Mount Sonder trailhead. Trail finish point. |
Between trailheads: no toilets. Practise Leave No Trace — dig a cat hole 15cm deep, 100m from water and trails. Carry out all toilet paper in a zip-lock bag. Water drops can be arranged at trailheads (tour operators).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there toilets at Ormiston Gorge?
Yes. Ormiston Gorge has public toilet facilities in the main car park and picnic area. These are the best-maintained toilets in the western section of the ranges. Ormiston also has the best swimming hole — a permanent waterhole at the base of towering red cliffs.
Is there a toilet at Ellery Creek Big Hole?
Yes. Ellery Creek Big Hole has toilet facilities near the car park and camping area. This is one of the most popular swimming holes in the West MacDonnells — a permanent waterhole surrounded by red cliffs. The toilet block services both day visitors and campers.
How far do the West MacDonnell Ranges stretch?
The West MacDonnell Ranges extend approximately 160km west of Alice Springs. The sealed Larapinta Drive provides access to the eastern gorges (Simpsons Gap 22km, Standley Chasm 50km, Ellery Creek 88km). Beyond Ellery Creek, the road becomes unsealed to Ormiston Gorge (135km) and Glen Helen (140km).
Is there a toilet at Simpsons Gap?
Yes. Simpsons Gap has public toilet facilities in the main car park. This is the closest gorge to Alice Springs (22km) and the most visited. The gap itself is a short walk from the car park. Look for black-footed rock wallabies in the early morning.
Can you swim in the West MacDonnell Ranges?
Yes — the permanent waterholes are the main attraction. Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Glen Helen Gorge all have permanent swimming holes. The water is cold year-round (even in summer when air temperatures exceed 40°C). No lifeguards — swim at your own risk.
What is the Larapinta Trail?
The Larapinta Trail is a 223km long-distance walking track along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It takes 12-20 days to complete end-to-end, from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. Pit toilets are available at designated campsites (trailheads). Carry all your own water between sections.
Is the road sealed to all gorges?
No. Larapinta Drive is sealed to Ellery Creek Big Hole (88km from Alice Springs). Beyond that, the road to Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, and Redbank Gorge is unsealed but usually suitable for 2WD in dry conditions. Check road conditions after rain. The unsealed sections add to the adventure but require care.
Camping in the West MacDonnells
Bush camping under billion-star skies — one of the best camping experiences in Australia. Basic but magnificent. All sites have pit toilets.
- Cost: $10/adult/night, $5/child. Pay at self-registration stations.
- Pit toilets at all designated campgrounds — basic but functional
- No showers at any campground (except Glen Helen Lodge — guests only)
- No drinking water — carry all water in (min 4L/person/day)
- No fires (gas stoves only). No generators. No power.
- Dingoes present — secure all food. Do not feed wildlife.
Nearby Areas
The West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) extend 160km west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Part of the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park (Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park). No permanent population. Ancient landscape — 800 million years old. Western Aranda (Arrernte) country.
