Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's great desert treks. It weaves through ancient landscapes of ochre ridges, rocky gorges, and dry riverbeds, offering walkers an immersive encounter with the Central Australian wilderness. This is a trail for those who crave solitude, raw beauty, and a deep connection to the land—a journey that rewards with sweeping panoramas, Indigenous cultural insights, and the unforgettable sensation of sleeping under a canopy of stars.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm – A dramatic, narrow cleft in the quartzite cliffs, best visited at midday when sunlight illuminates the walls in fiery orange.
• Ormiston Pound – A natural amphitheatre of red rock, where a 7 km loop walk leads to permanent waterholes perfect for a cooling dip.
• Mount Sonder – The trail's iconic finale; a pre-dawn climb to the summit rewards with a spectacular sunrise over the desert plains.
• Simpsons Gap – A serene waterhole framed by towering cliffs, home to black-footed rock-wallabies and a key spot for birdwatching.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A stunning gorge where the Finke River cuts through the range; the nearby resort offers the last hot shower before heading into the wilderness.

Suggested Time to Spend

The full Larapinta Trail takes 12–16 days end-to-end, but most walkers tackle sections over 3–7 days. For a classic taste, spend 4–5 days walking from Glen Helen to Mount Sonder (Sections 8–10), or opt for a 3-day guided trek focusing on Ormiston Pound and Standley Chasm. If you're short on time, a day walk from Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap or a scenic flight over the ranges offers a quick but memorable glimpse. Plan your visit between April and September to avoid the summer heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway to the trail, where you can stock up on supplies, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and explore the historic Telegraph Station.
• West MacDonnell National Park – Drive the Larapinta Drive to discover more gorges, waterholes, and short walks like the Ochre Pits and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
• Kings Canyon – A 3-hour drive southwest, this dramatic sandstone canyon offers the famous Rim Walk and a chance to see the Garden of Eden waterhole.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Combine your trek with a visit to the iconic monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta, both about 4 hours' drive from Alice Springs.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Explore the ancient Palm Valley, home to the rare red cabbage palm, accessible via a 4WD track from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.