Glen Helen Gorge

Glen Helen Gorge is a prominent gorge and permanent waterhole in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, about 132 km west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Carved by the Finke River through the West MacDonnell Ranges, it features towering sandstone walls and a large waterhole. It is a key visitor site on the Red Centre Way and Namatjira Drive, known for swimming, photography and its scenic desert landscape.

Visitors can expect a wide sandy gorge with high red sandstone cliffs enclosing a large, often deep waterhole fed by the Finke River. A short sandy walk from the car park leads to a viewing area and the water's edge. The setting is open desert with river red gums and rocky ranges. Visitors can swim in the waterhole (conditions permitting), take short walks, photograph the gorge walls and birdlife, and view information signage about the landscape and its significance.