Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's great desert walks. This world‑class trek winds through ancient quartzite ridges, past permanent waterholes and ochre‑coloured gorges, offering a raw, immersive encounter with the Central Australian landscape. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each with its own character, from the dramatic cliffs of the Pound Walk to the cool, shaded valleys of Ormiston Gorge. Whether you tackle a short day walk or the full 12‑day end‑to‑end, the Larapinta delivers both physical challenge and profound solitude.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm – A narrow, steep‑walled chasm best visited at midday when sunlight illuminates the red walls.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A scenic waterhole and a natural amphitheatre of cliffs; the Pound Walk offers a rewarding loop with panoramic views.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A permanent waterhole at the base of sheer cliffs, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day’s walk.
• Mount Sonder – The trail’s highest point (1380 m); a dawn ascent rewards you with sweeping views over the ranges.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A deep, crystal‑clear waterhole flanked by red rocks, ideal for swimming and birdwatching.
• Serpentine Gorge – A narrow, winding gorge with a hidden waterhole and ancient cycads.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow at least 12–14 days for the full 223 km, but the trail is modular: section walks of 2–4 days are popular, especially Sections 1–3 (Alice Springs to Standley Chasm) or Sections 9–12 (Glen Helen to Mount Sonder). Day walkers can easily visit Ormiston Gorge or Standley Chasm as a half‑day detour from Alice Springs. For a self‑drive itinerary, combine a 3‑day hike with exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges by car.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The trail’s start/finish; stock up on supplies and explore the Desert Park and the town’s Aboriginal art galleries.
• West MacDonnell Ranges (by car) – Drive the Larapinta Drive to reach trailheads and other gorges like Simpsons Gap and Redbank Gorge.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Home to the ancient Palm Valley, a lush oasis of red cabbage palms, about 130 km southwest.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – A dramatic sandstone canyon with rim walks, 300 km southwest of Alice Springs.
• Uluru‑Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic monolith and domes, 450 km away; a classic extension for a longer outback road trip.
• MacDonnell Ranges East – Explore the less‑visited eastern end, including Trephina Gorge and N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park.

Please check official sources for current details.