Ellery Creek Dolomite Circuit
Arrernte Country

45 min to 1 h 15 min

2.6 km
circuit

↑ 68 m
↓ -69 m

Moderate track
Starting from the Larapinta Trail Information Shelter in Ellery Creek South Day Use Area, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Ellery Creek Dolomite Circuit takes you through the hills covered with spinifex (depending on the time), revealing the geological narrative of an archaic inland sea. Along the way, informative signs provide insights into the area's fascinating geological features and local plant life. The track is marked with maroon-coloured arrows and leads to the popular swimming and picnic spot known as Ellery Creek Big Hole. You'll be visiting Snake Rock as well, which is a good place to take some pictures. Toilets and a camp site with a picnic spot nearby are available. A park pass is required for visitors to the NT to access this park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Photo by admin, 2022.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start From the Larapinta Trail Section 7 (near the Larapinta Trail Information information) (-23.7798449,133.0726859)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Stuart Highway, Alice Springs.
  • Turn on to then drive for 25 m
  • Continue onto Larapinta Drive and drive for another 850 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Larapinta Drive and drive for another 880 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Larapinta Drive and drive for another 44.3 km
  • Turn right onto Namatjira Drive and drive for another 41.7 km
  • Turn right and drive for another 1.6 km
  • Keep right and drive for another 75 m
  • Keep right and drive for another 55 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 35 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Larapinta Trail Information Shelter in Ellery Creek South Day Use Area (290 metres south of Ellery Creek Big Hole), head towards the toilets with water tanks next to them along the dirt path, moving away from the wooden tent pad. Pass by the toilets to your left and head along the dirt track as it leads you towards Ellery Creek. Cross the creek (bed) and stay on the designated track as it takes you west to continue along Ellery Creek Dolomite Circuit (counterclockwise). Follow the maroon arrows, not the blue ones.....
Turn map Directions & comments
From the Larapinta Trail Section 7 Start heading along Larapinta Trail Section 7 (a walking track).
Then pass the "Larapinta Trail Information".
Find the toilet at the start.
After another 65 m pass the sign.
After another 65 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Larapinta Trail Section 7 & Ellery Creek continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 7.
After another 65 m pass the sign.
After another 350 m pass the sign.
After another 320 m pass the sign.
After another 115 m pass the "Dolomite Walk".
After another 4 m (from the Larapinta Trail Section 7) veer left.
After another 940 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your right).
After another 510 m veer left.
After another 115 m come to the "Ellery Creek Big Hole - West MacDonnell NP" (6 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 45 m come to the camp site (about 60 m ahead).
From the Larapinta Trail Section 6 turn left.
After another 15 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Big Hole along Ellery Creek. This ancient waterhole is an exceptional spot to take a break and cool off. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 20 m turn left.
Continue another 15 m to find from the Larapinta Trail Section 7 at the end.

This little side trip takes you to the Big Hole along Ellery Creek. This ancient waterhole is an exceptional spot to take a break and cool off.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 55 m pass the BBQ (15 m on your right).
After another 25 m pass the picnic table (10 m on your right).
Then pass the "Picnic Shelter" (6 m on your right).
After another 9 m (from the Ellery Creek Walk) turn left, to head along Ellery Creek Walk (a footpath).
After another 20 m pass the shelter (on your left).
Then pass the sign (on your left).
After another 145 m come to "Ellery Creek Big Hole".
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek Big Hole

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Continue another 0 m to find from the Ellery Creek Walk at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 255 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Ellery Creek Dolomite Circuit


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 2.6 km
Time 45 min to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 880 m apart with the largest gap of 2.6 km.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1 km apart with the largest gap of 2.7 km.

Toilet: There is one 40 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
40 m[toilet]
Camp site
2.6 kmEllery Creek Big Hole - West MacDonnell NP
Camp site
2.6 km[camp site]
Shelter
2.6 km + 75 mPicnic Shelter
Shelter
2.6 km + 110 m[shelter]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Get more information
| Ellery Creek Big Hole | Ellery Creek Big Hole factsheet | Tjoritja / West MacDonnell NP | Get a park pass
Videos
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Reviews & Feedback
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Weather & Alerts
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