Larapinta Drive

Larapinta Drive is the quintessential outback road trip, slicing through the heart of the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. This sealed road offers easy access to some of the Red Centre's most dramatic gorges, waterholes, and cultural sites, all set against a backdrop of ancient quartzite ridges and blood-red cliffs. It's a self-drive paradise where you can pull over at a moment's notice to soak in the silence, spot a black-footed rock wallaby, or dip into a cool, clear swimming hole.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap – A dramatic cleft in the West MacDonnell Ranges with a permanent waterhole, perfect for a short walk or a picnic at sunset when wallabies emerge.
• Standley Chasm – A narrow, sheer-walled chasm that glows fiery orange when the midday sun hits the quartzite. The 1.2 km walk is easy and rewarding.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – One of the best swimming spots in the region, a deep, emerald waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs. The Dolomite Walk offers a great view.
• Ochre Pits – A fascinating cultural site where Aboriginal people have sourced ochre for thousands of years. The layered colours – white, yellow, red – are striking.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A stunning natural amphitheatre with a permanent waterhole and excellent walking trails, including the challenging 7.5 km Pound Walk.
• Glen Helen Gorge – The end of the sealed road, where the Finke River cuts through the range. The view from the lookout over the gorge and surrounding plains is unforgettable.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Larapinta Drive, allow at least a full day – start early from Alice Springs and drive the 130 km to Glen Helen Gorge, stopping at every major site along the way. If you want to do a few walks (especially Ormiston Pound or Standley Chasm), plan for two days, with an overnight at Glen Helen Resort or one of the campgrounds. The drive itself is easy, but the heat and flies mean you'll want to pace yourself with plenty of water and shade breaks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway to the MacDonnell Ranges, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, the Telegraph Station, and the Desert Park.
• Namatjira Drive – A scenic loop off Larapinta Drive that takes you past the historic Hermannsburg Mission and into the Finke River valley, with access to the Palm Valley oasis.
• West MacDonnell National Park – Larapinta Drive runs through it, but you can also explore lesser-known gorges like Redbank Gorge and Serpentine Gorge on foot.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – About 300 km southwest, this spectacular canyon is a must-do, best tackled on a day trip or overnight from Alice Springs.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Further afield but often combined with a Red Centre road trip, the iconic monolith and domes are a 4–5 hour drive from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.