Birthday Waterhole is a semi-permanent
pool on the Hugh River in the Tjoritja/
West MacDonnell National Park. It is also an access point for Sections 4 and 5 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta walking trail that extends from
Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. Large River Red Gums fringe
Birthday Waterhole, which is an important ecological site. Waterbirds are attracted to the
waterhole because of its large populations of desert
rainbow fish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates. Camping is permitted and access is by high-clearance four-wheel drive only.
Birthday Waterhole is 14.4 kilometres from the turn-off on Namatjira Drive. Allow 1 hour driving time. There are no facilities at
Birthday Waterhole so ensure you have all of your water and camping requirements with you.
The
campground is a very pleasant but narrow and small area. Larapinta Trail walkers should note that tour groups and the general public use this area and at times can be 'crowded'.