Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great desert walks, offering an intimate encounter with ancient landscapes, gorges, and sweeping vistas. This world-class trek takes you through the heart of Arrernte country, where red quartzite ridges contrast with ghost gums and permanent waterholes. Whether you tackle a day section or the full 12–16 day end-to-end, you’ll experience the raw beauty of Central Australia far from the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – A dramatic narrow cleft in the range, best visited at midday when sunlight illuminates the red walls. A short walk from the car park leads to the chasm floor.
• Simpsons Gap – A permanent waterhole framed by red cliffs; a popular spot for birdwatching and sunset views. The 1.5 km walk from the car park is easy and rewarding.
• Ormiston Pound & Gorge – A natural amphitheatre of quartzite walls; the 7.5 km Pound Walk offers a loop through the gorge and past a permanent waterhole, with excellent swimming in warmer months.
• Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme) – The trail’s western terminus and highest point (1380 m). A challenging but spectacular sunrise hike rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A deep, permanent waterhole nestled between red cliffs, perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike. The short trail from the carpark leads to the waterhole.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A scenic gorge at the base of Mount Sonder, with a permanent waterhole and a historic homestead that now serves as a lodge and café.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a taster, allocate 2–3 days to tackle a few of the most accessible sections, such as Standley Chasm to Simpsons Gap or the Ormiston Pound loop. If you’re an experienced hiker with a taste for adventure, the full trail takes 12–16 days to walk end-to-end, carrying your own supplies or using a guided tour. Most walkers complete the trail between April and September, when daytime temperatures are mild. Plan to start early each day to avoid the heat, and always carry ample water (at least 4 litres per person per day).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The main hub for supplies and transport; explore the Alice Springs Desert Park and the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.
• West MacDonnell National Park – The Larapinta Trail runs through this park; other highlights include Serpentine Gorge, Ochre Pits, and the Redbank Gorge.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Home to the ancient Palm Valley, with cycads and palm groves; accessible via 4WD from Hermannsburg.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – A spectacular sandstone canyon with the Rim Walk, about 3 hours’ drive west of Alice Springs.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic red centre icons, about 4.5 hours’ drive southwest; combine with a visit to Kings Canyon for a classic outback loop.

Please check official sources for current details.