Central Australia has an arid environment where rainfall is low and unpredictable. During summer temperatures can regularly exceed 40 or even 45 degrees Celsius, leading to high evaporation rates. Reliable water sources are critical for sustaining isolated habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial species. In general, the current knowledge of the location of long-lasting water holes is incomplete. Many waterholes may be known but unrecorded, such as the Coca Cola waterhole below. This is because landholders are reluctant to disclose where springs are located for fear of attracting campers and bushwalkers.

Glen Helen resort has been closed down due to water supply issues despite the paradise setting of Glen Helen Gorge.

There are number of popular water holes that are ideal for cooling down, such as Boggy waterhole, only an hours drive from Hermannsburg. Here you can camp amongst the river red gums and visit the nearby historic police camp ruins.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is another popular swimming location, approximately 80 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Ellery is also a sacred site for the Central and Western Arrernte people, who themselves don’t swim here because of dreaming story here is Honey Ant Dreaming, providing a framework for their cultural practices and beliefs.

Birthday Waterhole is a semi-permanent pool on the Hugh River in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. It is popular amongst the local for its relaxing camping spot. Surrounded by large River Red Gums fringe Birthday Waterhole, which is an important ecological site. A high-clearance four-wheel drive is required to get to this waterhole, approximately 14 kilometres from the turn-off on Namatjira Drive.

Wigley’s Waterhole just North of Alice Springs is another place for locals to cool down during summer. During European colonization of the red center, it was also a popular spot for Travellers to quench their horses. Waterholes were important in allowing explorers to progress, especially permanent or long-lasting waters that were readily accessible to horses and camels. In Central Australia the distance between permanent waterholes is greater than 50km.  Not forgetting Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge. All great spots for taking a dip.