Ochre Pits
West MacDonnell National Park
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A colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. Ochre has always been an important part of Aboriginal culture and a vital part of everyday life. For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve congestion when mixed with eucalyptus leaves. White ochre was used as a magical charm, when mixed with water and blown from the mouth it is believed to abate the heat of the sun or the force of the wind. Weapons were painted with ochre to increase the success of hunting. It also protected the wooden weapons from termites.
Getting there:
From Alice Springs, head west out of town on Larapinta Drive/Namatjira Drive (Red Centre Way) towards Glen Helen for 113km before turning right (signposted) and travelling 500m on a graded track to the car park.
Maps:
Route/Trail notes:
A short walk in from the car park to a lookout above the ochre pit. Take your time and walk down into the pit itself and have a look around before returning by the same route.
Permits/Costs:
None.
Other References/Comments:
This is just one of a dozen or more walks that are accessible along the 130km stretch of Larapinta/Namatjira Drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen. Recommendation is to spend two/three days completing all the walks by taking an overnighter at the Glen Helen pub.
254 Ochre Pits (GPX)
1.4
30
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