Larapinta Trail

Stretching 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great desert walks. This world-class trek weaves through ancient quartzite ridges, ochre-red gorges and dry riverbeds, offering a profound immersion in Arrernte country. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each with its own character — from the sheer cliffs of Ormiston Pound to the permanent waterholes of Ellery Creek. Whether you tackle a day walk or the full end-to-end journey, the sheer scale and stillness of the landscape will leave you humbled.

Highlights & What to See

• Standley Chasm – A dramatic 8-metre-wide cleft in the range, best seen at midday when sunlight floods the red walls.
• Ormiston Pound – A natural amphitheatre of rocky cliffs, with a 7.8 km loop walk that showcases the trail’s classic scenery.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A permanent waterhole perfect for a refreshing dip after a hot day’s hike; the surrounding dolomite formations are striking.
• Mount Sonder – The trail’s iconic endpoint; the pre-dawn climb to the summit rewards with a panoramic view of the ranges at sunrise.
• Serpentine Gorge – A narrow, twisting gorge with a lookout that offers a different perspective of the range’s folded geology.
• Ghost Gum Flat – A surreal landscape of white-barked ghost gums against red rock, particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon light.

Suggested Time to Spend

To walk the entire trail end-to-end, allow 14–16 days — this gives time to fully absorb the environment and tackle the challenging terrain. Most walkers break the journey into sections, with many opting for a 5- to 7-day highlights itinerary covering Standley Chasm, Ormiston Pound and Mount Sonder. For a day trip, the 7.8 km Ormiston Pound Walk is the best single-day experience. If you’re short on time, a guided 3-day section from Glen Helen to Mount Sonder gives a taste of the trail’s grandeur. Plan your walk between April and September to avoid the summer heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway town, with its outback character, art galleries and the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum.
• West MacDonnell National Park – Explore more gorges and waterholes like Redbank Gorge and Simpson Gap, easily accessible by car.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – A spectacular 6 km rim walk through a towering sandstone canyon, about 3 hours’ drive west.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic monolith and domes are a 4.5-hour drive southwest; combine with the Larapinta for a complete Red Centre experience.
• Finke Gorge National Park – Home to the ancient palm-filled Palm Valley, a 4WD adventure about 2 hours from Alice Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.