South Australian woman, 25, drowns at popular Ellery Creek Big Hole in the Northern Territory

A woman has drowned at a popular Northern Territory outback swimming spot after she was pulled from the water unconscious.

The 25-year-old woman was travelling with friends through the NT when the incident happened at Ellery Creek Big Hole about 12.50pm on Sunday.

Witnesses reportedly pulled the unconscious woman from the water and attempted CPR until emergency services arrived.

Paramedics took over lifesaving efforts but the woman could not be revived.

The area was closed while police investigated the woman’s death, before it was reopened on Monday.

“Next of kin have been notified and at this stage the cause of death is believed to be drowning, however an autopsy has not yet been completed,” a NT Police spokesman said.

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a swimming spot, which cuts through a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, about 80km west of Alice Springs.

Swimmers are warned the waterhole can be extremely cold and prolonged exposure can result in hyperthermia.

The 27m-deep waterhole is among the popular camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots.

Northern Territory Police have urged visitors to take care around waterways and follow safety advice when visiting remote locations.