Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 kilometres along the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great desert walks. This world-class trek takes you through ancient landscapes of ochre ridges, deep gorges, and waterholes that have sustained Arrernte people for tens of thousands of years. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each with its own character, from the dramatic chasm of Ormiston Gorge to the soaring quartzite cliffs of Mount Sonder. Whether you tackle a few day walks or the full end-to-end journey, you’ll be rewarded with profound solitude, spectacular sunsets, and a deep connection to the red centre.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Sonder (Section 12) – The trail’s iconic finale: a sunrise summit gives you a 360-degree panorama of the MacDonnell Ranges, with the desert stretching to the horizon.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound (Section 10) – A stunning natural amphitheatre with a permanent waterhole perfect for a refreshing dip after a long walk.
• Simpsons Gap (Section 1) – A dramatic gap in the ranges where black-footed rock-wallabies are often spotted at dawn and dusk.
• Standley Chasm (Section 2) – A narrow chasm that glows fiery orange when the sun is directly overhead – best visited around midday.
• Counts Point (Section 8) – A panoramic lookout over the Finke River plain, offering a true sense of the vastness of the outback.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole (Section 5) – A deep, permanent waterhole surrounded by red cliffs, ideal for a swim or a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days walking selected sections, often focusing on the central highlights around Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, and Mount Sonder. For the full 223-kilometre through-hike, allow 14 to 16 days. If you’re short on time, a day walk from Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm gives you a taste of the landscape. The best walking season is from April to September, when daytime temperatures are mild; summer is extremely hot and not recommended for multi-day treks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway town, where you can stock up on supplies, learn about Arrernte culture at the Alice Springs Desert Park, and visit the historic Telegraph Station.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – The entire range is a series of gorges, waterholes, and walking tracks; you can easily spend a week exploring by car.
• Kata Tjuta – The domed rock formations near Uluru offer a completely different desert experience, with the Valley of the Winds walk being a must-do.
• Uluru – The world-famous monolith is about 450 kilometres south-west; combine your Larapinta trip with a few days at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
• Kings Canyon – In Watarrka National Park, this dramatic canyon features the Rim Walk and the Garden of Eden waterhole, about 300 kilometres south-east.

Please check official sources for current details.