Larapinta Drive

Larapinta Drive is the iconic 220-kilometre sealed road that arcs west from Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering a spectacular self-drive journey through the heart of the Red Centre. This route is a gateway to some of Australia's most dramatic outback landscapes, from ochre-red gorges and permanent waterholes to ancient rock art sites. It's a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Northern Territory's raw beauty and cultural heritage, easily woven into a multi-day itinerary that also explores the MacDonnell Ranges.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap – A stunning gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, home to a permanent waterhole and colony of black-footed rock-wallabies; best visited in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Standley Chasm – A narrow, sheer-walled chasm that glows fiery red when sunlight hits it (around midday); a short walk leads to the chasm floor.
• Ochre Pits – A sacred Aboriginal site where layers of ochre in vibrant reds, yellows, and whites have been mined for millennia; interpretive signs explain the cultural significance.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole and a 7.5km loop walk that climbs to a lookout over the entire pound; perfect for a swim and a picnic.
• Glen Helen Gorge – The western end of the drive, where the Finke River cuts through the range; a short walk leads to a waterhole with reflections of the red cliffs.
• Alice Springs Desert Park – Located just off Larapinta Drive, this award-winning park showcases desert wildlife, including bilbies and thorny devils, in naturalistic habitats.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to drive the entire length of Larapinta Drive and back from Alice Springs, making stops at the major gorges and walks. To truly soak it in, plan two days: overnight at Glen Helen Resort or camp at Ormiston Gorge, and spend the second day exploring the western gorges and the Finke River. Start early each day to avoid the midday heat and catch the best light for photography.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The hub of the Red Centre, with galleries, the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, and the historic Telegraph Station.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Beyond Larapinta Drive, the unsealed Namatjira Drive leads to further gorges, including the remote Palm Valley and Finke Gorge National Park.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – A 300km drive southwest on the Red Centre Way, offering the famous Rim Walk with 100-metre sandstone cliffs and the Garden of Eden waterhole.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – A longer drive (450km) southwest, but an essential Red Centre experience; combine Larapinta Drive with a loop via the Red Centre Way.
• MacDonnell Ranges East – The eastern side, including Emily Gap and Trephina Gorge, offers quieter walks and excellent birdwatching.

Please check official sources for current details.