Arrernte Bush Track — Ochre Pits, West Mac Donnell Ranges

  • Bushwalk
  • Return — 6 km
  • 2 hours
  • Easy
  • 4/5

Access and details

  • Trail head: Park your car at Ochre Pits Rest Area 23 44 7 S,132 52 5 E on Namatjira Drive, a 110 km drive from Alice Springs.
  • Access: by car (or bicycle) only. No public transport.
  • Facilities: gas barbecues, pit toilets and tables at the rest area. Camping and open fires are forbidden. No water.
  • Warnings: this walk may be really hot on sunny days, make sure to take sunscreen, a hat, at least 1L of water each and drink it.

Track

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From the Ochre Pits Rest Area follow the only walking track going to the Ochre Pits, and continue past the cliffs on the Arrernte Track. Then follow the red markers along the rolling hills, on a narrow track bordered with spinifex grass. The landscape is rugged and beautiful. One the day we walked here, it was raining and the clouds added a dramatic effect to the deep color of the soaked red ground. This is just a wonderful place to walk and explore.

When you do reach the Inarlanga Pass and meet the Larapinta Trail it’s time to retrace your steps back to the car park.

Useful resources