Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's great desert walks. This world-class trek weaves through ancient quartzite ridges, narrow gorges and dry riverbeds, offering an immersive journey into Arrernte Country. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each with its own character, from the dramatic cliffs of Standley Chasm to the panoramic views atop Mount Sonder. Whether you tackle a day walk or the full end-to-end expedition, the Larapinta Trail delivers a profound sense of solitude and connection to the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Sonder (Section 12): The trail’s grand finale — a sunrise climb to the 1380-metre summit rewards with sweeping views over the red centre.
• Ormiston Pound (Section 10): A giant natural amphitheatre of red rock; the 7.5 km loop walk is a must-do day hike with permanent waterholes.
• Standley Chasm (Section 2): A narrow cleft of sheer red walls that glows at midday; easily accessible from Alice Springs.
• Simpsons Gap (Section 1): A dramatic gap flanked by ghost gums, home to black-footed rock-wallabies at dusk.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole (Section 4): A deep, cool waterhole perfect for a refreshing dip after a hot walk.
• Cultural Heritage: The trail passes ancient Arrernte sites; look for rock engravings and learn about traditional land management.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 14–16 days to complete the full trail, camping at designated sites each night. For a taste of the experience, a 3–4 day itinerary focusing on sections 9–12 (including Mount Sonder and Ormiston Pound) is highly recommended. Day walks from Alice Springs to Standley Chasm or Simpsons Gap can be done in half a day. Whichever you choose, plan for extreme temperatures — walk in the cooler months (April to September) and carry plenty of water.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs: The trail’s eastern gateway, with supplies, accommodation and the excellent Alice Springs Desert Park.
• West MacDonnell National Park: Offers additional gorges and waterholes accessible by car, such as Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park): A dramatic sandstone canyon with the popular Rim Walk, about 3 hours west.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: The iconic red monolith and domes are a 4-hour drive from the trail’s western end, perfect for combining with a Red Centre road trip.
• Finke Gorge National Park: Home to ancient palm groves and 4WD tracks, a less-visited gem near Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.