Larapinta Drive

Larapinta Drive is the iconic 230-kilometre sealed road that links Alice Springs with Kings Canyon, slicing through the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This route is far more than a connecting artery — it’s a scenic journey in its own right, offering dramatic chasm views, ochre-red gorges, and a string of waterholes that shimmer against the desert. For self-drivers, it’s the quintessential Red Centre experience, best savoured over a full day with stops at every lookout.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap – A photogenic cleft in the range with a permanent waterhole; arrive early for the chance to see black-footed rock-wallabies.
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – A narrow, sheer-walled chasm that blazes with fiery orange light when the sun is directly overhead (best visited around midday).
• Ochre Pits – Ancient Aboriginal ochre mines where the exposed cliffs display layers of white, yellow, and red pigments; a sacred site with interpretive signage.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A stunning natural amphitheatre with a permanent swimming hole and the excellent 7.5 km Ormiston Pound Walk that loops around the entire gorge.
• Glen Helen Gorge – The westernmost stop on the drive, where a deep waterhole reflects the towering red walls; the adjacent resort makes a good lunch break.
• Kings Canyon – The grand finale of the drive, offering the famous Rim Walk (6 km, 3-4 hours) and the gentler Kings Creek Walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day (8–10 hours) to drive Larapinta Drive one-way from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon, stopping at every major gorge and lookout. If you’re short on time, prioritise Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen. For a more relaxed pace, split the drive over two days with an overnight at Glen Helen Resort or Kings Canyon Resort. The road is sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles, but fuel stops are limited — fill up in Alice Springs and again at Glen Helen.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – Start or end your drive here; explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and the Desert Park.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – The range of gorges and waterholes along Larapinta Drive itself; consider hiking sections of the Larapinta Trail.
• Kings Canyon Resort – The main accommodation base for Kings Canyon, offering camping, glamping, and a pool.
• Watarrka National Park – Home to Kings Canyon and its rim walks; the park also protects rare desert flora and fauna.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – A 3-hour drive from Kings Canyon; combine with Larapinta Drive for a classic Red Centre loop.

Please check official sources for current details.