Larapinta Drive

Larapinta Drive is the iconic 245-kilometre sealed road that connects Alice Springs with the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering one of Australia’s most spectacular outback drives. This route weaves through ancient landscapes, past ochre-red gorges, permanent waterholes, and the rugged backbone of the country, providing a perfect self-drive adventure for those seeking immersion in the Red Centre’s natural and cultural wonders. As you cruise along the bitumen, you’ll encounter dramatic escarpments, wildlife like rock wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles, and a profound sense of the deep time that shaped this land.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap: A striking gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges with a permanent waterhole, perfect for a short walk and spotting black-footed rock-wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye): A narrow, steep-walled chasm that glows fiery orange when the sun is directly overhead (best visited around midday). A 1.2 km walk leads to this cultural site of the Arrernte people.
• Ochre Pits: A natural quarry where Aboriginal people have sourced ochre for ceremonial and artistic purposes for millennia. The multi-hued cliffs are a photographer’s dream.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound: A stunning waterhole and natural amphitheatre surrounded by quartzite cliffs. The 7.5 km Ormiston Pound Walk is a highlight, but even a short dip in the gorge is unforgettable.
• Glen Helen Gorge: The westernmost gorge of the West MacDonnells, with a permanent waterhole and a historic pub for a cold beer after a day of exploring.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: A deep, permanent waterhole perfect for a refreshing swim, surrounded by red dolomite cliffs and shady river red gums.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Larapinta Drive, dedicate a full day for a one-way drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen, stopping at each major attraction. However, to include walks and swims, plan for at least two days, staying overnight at the Glen Helen Resort, Serpentine Gorge campground, or one of the basic bush camps. A leisurely pace allows you to hike the Ormiston Pound Walk (3–4 hours) and soak in the serenity of the gorges. If you’re combining with a visit to Uluru, allow an extra half-day to drive back to Alice Springs or continue west to Kings Canyon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: Start or end your Larapinta Drive journey here, exploring the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: The entire range offers endless walking trails, 4WD tracks, and hidden gorges beyond the sealed road, such as Redbank Gorge and Mount Sonder.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park): A 3-hour drive from Glen Helen, this dramatic canyon offers the famous Rim Walk and is a must-do for hikers.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Continue your outback adventure with a 4.5-hour drive from Alice Springs to the iconic rock formations, best visited at sunrise or sunset.
• Finke Gorge National Park: A 4WD-only destination with the ancient Palm Valley, home to the rare red cabbage palm, about 2 hours from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.