Larapinta Trail

Stretching 231 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great desert walks. This multi-day trek rewards hikers with ever-changing landscapes – from rugged quartzite ridges and deep gorges to waterholes fringed by ghost gums. The trail is a journey through ancient country, rich in Arrernte culture and stories, with each section offering a distinct wilderness experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm: A dramatic, narrow chasm where sunlight briefly illuminates the red walls – best visited around midday.
• Ormiston Gorge: A stunning waterhole and gorge; the 8km Pound Walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
• Mount Sonder: The trail’s highest point (1380m); a dawn hike to the summit rewards with breathtaking views over the MacDonnells.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole: A deep, permanent waterhole perfect for a refreshing swim after a day’s hike.
• Simpsons Gap: A scenic gap with a permanent waterhole, home to black-footed rock-wallabies.
• Section 9 – Mount Sonder via Finke River: Arguably the most iconic section, traversing spinifex-clad ridges and the ancient Finke River valley.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most hikers dedicate 12 to 16 days to complete the full trail, though many opt for shorter sections of 3–5 days. Section 1 (Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap) is a popular half-day walk, while Sections 9–10 (Ormiston Gorge to Mount Sonder) can be done as a challenging 2–3 day trek. Plan to spend at least a full day exploring any single section; the trail is best savoured slowly, with time to soak in the silence and scale of the landscape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: The trailhead town; visit the Desert Park and learn about Arrernte culture.
• West MacDonnell Ranges: Explore other gorges, gaps and waterholes accessible by car along Larapinta Drive.
• Kings Canyon: A spectacular sandstone canyon in Watarrka National Park, about 3 hours’ drive west.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Iconic monolith and domes, a 4–5 hour drive from Alice Springs, easily combined with a Larapinta trip.

Please check official sources for current details.