Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great desert walks – a world-class trek that reveals ancient geology, vibrant gorges and a profound sense of solitude. While it’s located in the Red Centre (not the Hunter Valley), its reputation as a life-list hike means many travellers incorporate it into broader outback itineraries. This guidebook entry focuses on the trail itself, offering insider advice for walkers and day-trippers alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm – a dramatic 800-metre-long cleft in the rock, best visited at midday when sunlight floods the walls. It’s an easy short walk from the car park.
• Simpsons Gap – a permanent waterhole framed by red cliffs; spot black-footed rock wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Ormiston Gorge – a stunning amphitheatre with a swimming hole; the Pound Walk loops through the gorge and over a saddle for panoramic views.
• Mount Sonder – the trail’s iconic summit (1380 m); a pre-dawn start rewards you with sunrise over the desert from the ‘roof of the range’.
• Glen Helen Gorge – a serene waterhole where the Finke River cuts through the range; perfect for a cool-off after a long walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers tackle the full Larapinta Trail in 12 to 16 days, camping at designated sites and carrying supplies (food drops can be arranged). If you’re short on time, sample the highlights on day walks: allow half a day for Standley Chasm, a full day for the Ormiston Pound Walk (about 8 km), or a dawn-to-midday hike up Mount Sonder (16 km return). A 3- to 5-day itinerary linking the best sections – such as from Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen – is a superb compromise. Note that the trail is best hiked between April and September; summer temperatures are extreme.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – the trail’s starting point; stock up on supplies, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and explore the Anzac Hill lookout.
• West MacDonnell National Park – the entire park is threaded by the trail; drive the Larapinta Drive to access many short walks and gorges.
• Kings Canyon – a 3-hour drive west of Alice Springs; the Rim Walk is a spectacular half-day hike on sandstone cliffs.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – about 5 hours south-west; combine the trail with the iconic monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta.
• Finke Gorge National Park – a 2-hour drive from Alice; explore the ancient palm-filled oasis of Palm Valley on a 4WD track.

Please check official sources for current details.