Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's great desert walks, a 223-kilometer trek through the West MacDonnell Ranges that reveals the raw, ancient heart of the Northern Territory. This world-class long-distance trail winds along the spine of the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, passing through chasms, waterholes, and ridgelines that have been sacred to the Arrernte people for tens of thousands of years. For self-drive travellers, the trail is easily accessed from Alice Springs, with many sections doable as day walks or overnight adventures, offering a profound immersion in the red-centre landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm – A dramatic, narrow cleft in the rock that glows fiery orange when the midday sun hits it. A short walk from the car park, it's a must for photographers.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A stunning natural amphitheatre with a permanent waterhole, perfect for a swim after the 8km Pound Walk. Keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A deep, cool waterhole surrounded by red dolomite cliffs; a popular spot for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
• Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme) – The trail's highest point (1380m) and a classic sunrise hike. The view from the summit across the ranges is unforgettable.
• Serpentine Gorge – A quieter gorge with a lookout over the mulga scrub and a hidden waterhole at the end of a short walk.
• Glen Helen Gorge – Where the Finke River cuts through the range; a lovely spot for a picnic and a paddle, with the Glen Helen Resort nearby for supplies.
• Arrernte Cultural Sites – Throughout the trail, look for interpretation signs explaining the Dreamtime stories and traditional uses of plants and waterholes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors tackle the full Larapinta Trail in 12–16 days, camping at designated sites. However, if you're short on time, you can experience the highlights in 2–4 days by doing day walks from Alice Springs or staying at the trailhead lodges. For a self-drive itinerary, base yourself in Alice Springs and explore sections like Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, and Ormiston Gorge as day trips. If you have a 4WD, you can access more remote trailheads. Aim to walk in the cooler months (April to September) when daytime temperatures are pleasant.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway to the trail, with great cafes, the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, and the Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – A spectacular sandstone canyon about 3 hours west, offering the iconic Rim Walk and a chance to see the Garden of Eden waterhole.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – A 5-hour drive southwest, where you can marvel at Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta, with rich Anangu culture.
• West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) – The entire range is dotted with gorges, waterholes, and lookouts; explore further west to Redbank Gorge and the ghost gums of Finke River.
• Simpsons Gap – A beautiful gap in the range just 20 minutes from Alice Springs, with a short walk to a permanent waterhole and a chance to see black-footed rock wallabies at dusk.
• Chambers Pillar – A remote sandstone pillar rising from the desert plains, accessible by 4WD, with a fascinating history as a landmark for early explorers.

Please check official sources for current details.