Ochre Pits

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Ochre has been used all over the world for decoration and painting since pre-historic times. At this location you can see the natural ochres in the cliff face here have provided a source of materials for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. And they still provide brilliant colours for modern man too, since their shifting hues make for some excellent photos.

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Episodes

Community

Bush Medicine

Episode in Ochre Pits

ALL LOCATIONS Rhonda Inkamala talks of bush medicines for every ailment are found in the West Macs. Thousands of years of indigenous knowledge has developed a extensive 'bush' chemist.

Travel and places 15 years

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01:28

Traditional uses for Ochre

Episode in Ochre Pits

OCHRE PITS Davie Inkamala looks back at the traditional uses of ochre and how this versatile material was and is still used to this day.

Travel and places 15 years

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Ochre - Worldwide Phenomenon (Image copyright: Deborah Clarke)

Episode in Ochre Pits

ALL LOCATIONS Local Historian, Dick Kimber transports us into the world of ochre and its variety of uses by Centralian Aboriginal peoples. Photo courtesy Deborah Clarke

Travel and places 15 years

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01:28

More of The West Macs View more

Standley Chasm A relatively short and easy drive from Alice Springs, Standley Chasm (Angkerle) cuts through the tough sandstone to form a picturesque natural alleyway. Surging flood waters over thousands of years are responsible for this beautiful site, which is at its most impressive in the middle of a sunny day. As the light shifts across the cleft, visitors are treated to a magnificent display of colours and forms. The reliable trickle of water has ensured the survival of species from a time when Central Australia was a lusher place. Updated

Simpsons Gap A number of scenic gaps pierce the West MacDonnell Ranges. One of these is Simpsons Gap, site of one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. The area is an important spiritual site to the Arrarnta Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. At dawn or dusk Simpsons gap it is renowned as a place to see black-footed rock wallabies along the site's short walking track. Good examples of many of the vegetation communities of the MacDonnell Ranges are found in the Simpsons Gap area, including large stands of mulga, and the area around the gap is a major stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants. Updated

Ormiston Gorge Ormiston Gorge offers visitors all the spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges. The rugged scenery of the the Gorge is complemented by a near-permanent water hole. The water and the shelter of the rocks attract an interesting variety of native fauna and flora, including a number of relict plant species. The recent rediscoveries of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat in the Ormiston Gorge vicinity demonstrate what an important role the Park plays as a fauna refuge. Ormiston Gorge is also home to a major ranger station. There are wonderful opportunities to swim here plus there are full tourist facilities including an information centre. Updated