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 landscapes of ochre ridges, deep gorges, and waterholes that have sustained Arrernte people for tens of thousands of years. From the rugged grandeur of Mount Sonder to the cool refuge of Ormiston Gorge, every step reveals a land that feels both timeless and alive.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme) – the iconic summit finish; the sunrise view from the top (Section 10) is a rite of passage for through-hikers.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – a dramatic natural amphitheatre of red cliffs and permanent waterholes; perfect for a refreshing swim after a hot day’s walk.
• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – a narrow cleft in the quartzite, best seen at midday when light floods the floor, illuminating the walls in fiery orange.
• Simpsons Gap – a serene gap with a permanent waterhole and a high chance of spotting black-footed rock-wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – a deep, cool waterhole flanked by towering red cliffs; one of the best swimming spots on the trail.
• Aboriginal rock art sites – scattered along the trail, especially near waterholes, these ancient engravings and paintings offer a profound connection to the region’s first peoples.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers tackle the full Larapinta Trail in 12–16 days, allowing for rest days and side trips. If you’re short on time, pick 2–4 day walks from Alice Springs: Section 3 (Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole) or Section 9 (Ormiston Gorge to Mount Sonder) are spectacular highlights. For a self-drive itinerary, base yourself in Alice Springs and day-walk individual sections, driving between trailheads. The cooler months (April to September) are essential – summer heat is extreme and water sources unreliable.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – the trail’s gateway town; stock up on supplies, visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.
• West MacDonnell National Park – the entire park is the trail’s setting; scenic drives and short walks (e.g., Ochre Pits, Redbank Gorge) complement longer hikes.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – a 3-hour drive west; the Rim Walk offers jaw-dropping views of 100-metre sandstone cliffs.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – 4–5 hours south; the red centre’s most famous monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta are essential for any outback itinerary.
• Finke Gorge National Park – accessible via 4WD; explore the ancient palm-filled Palm Valley and the Finke River, one of the world’s oldest watercourses.

Please check official sources for current details.