Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is a world-class long-distance walking track that stretches 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. This is the Red Centre at its most raw and magnificent: a landscape of ancient quartzite ridges, deep gorges, and ghost gums clinging to dry creek beds. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each offering a different facet of the Central Australian desert. Whether you tackle a single day-walk or the full 12-14 day expedition, you'll be rewarded with some of the most dramatic and remote scenery on the planet.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Sonder (Section 12) – The trail's grand finale. The sunrise from the summit, with the desert plains unfurling below, is an iconic outback experience.
• Ormiston Pound (Section 10) – A natural amphitheatre of red cliffs and spinifex. The walk through the pound is a highlight, with a permanent waterhole perfect for a swim.
• Standley Chasm (Section 3) – A narrow cleft in the rock that blazes with colour at midday. It's a popular day-walk and a great introduction to the trail's beauty.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole (Section 4) – A deep, permanent waterhole surrounded by red dolomite cliffs. It's a refreshing spot to cool off after a hike.
• Counts Point (Section 9) – A challenging climb that rewards with a panoramic view over the Finke River valley and the West MacDonnells.
• Aboriginal Cultural Sites – The trail passes through Arrernte country, with many sites of cultural significance. Look out for ancient rock art and learn about the Dreamtime stories that shape this land.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 12 to 14 days for the full 223-kilometre traverse, which is the best way to experience the trail's full diversity. If you're short on time, you can sample the highlights in 3 to 5 days by choosing one or two sections – for example, the Ormiston Pound and Mount Sonder combination is a classic 3-day loop. Day-walkers can easily visit Standley Chasm or Ellery Creek Big Hole as a half-day trip from Alice Springs. The trail is best walked between April and September; summer heat makes it dangerous and is not recommended.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The trail's eastern terminus and the hub for supplies, gear hire, and guided tours. Combine your walk with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service or the Desert Park.
• West MacDonnell National Park – The park that contains the Larapinta Trail. Many of the trail's highlights are also accessible by car, making it easy to explore gorges and waterholes without walking the full distance.
• Kings Canyon – A spectacular gorge in Watarrka National Park, about 3 hours' drive from Alice Springs. The rim walk is a must-do and pairs well with a few days on the Larapinta.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Further southwest, the iconic monoliths are a natural extension to any Red Centre itinerary. Allow at least two days to see the sunrise and sunset.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Home to the ancient Finke River and the historic Palm Valley, this park offers 4WD tracks and short walks that complement the Larapinta experience.

Please check official sources for current details.