Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the breathtaking 360-degree views of Counts Point on the hard, Grade 4 Larapinta Trail, a 15km return bushwalk in Australia. Starting and ending at the easily accessible Serpentine Gorge trailhead, this 7-hour trek offers a high-ground journey with unparalleled natural vistas. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging adventure with spectacular scenic rewards.

Length:

15km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1121m

Min elevation: 733m

Total Ascent: 872m

Start: Serpentine Gorge carpark

End: Serpentine Gorge carpark

West MacDonnell National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Alice Springs

From state capital: 1,595km

Latitude: -23.75947050882706

Longitude: 132.979357835576

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

1,943 views

Safety advice

This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive. Carry an PLB or satellite phone. Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun.

Hike overview

The views at Counts Point is one of the most spectacular on the Larapinta Trail, and definitely the highlight of S8. This day walk is almost all on high ground offering 360 views of the surrounding area. Start and finish at Serpentine Gorge trailhead. Easy vehicle access.

Serpentine Gorge

Serpentine Gorge is a narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

Follow one of the many well-marked paths along the gorge through the cool shade of river red gums, or up to the lookout above the cliffs to survey views of the series of semi-permanent waterholes and the geology of the rugged MacDonnell Ranges.

In dry times, the waterholes in the surrounding area dry up, leaving Serpentine Gorge waterhole the only remaining waterhole in a large area. Birds will move in from the surrounding countryside and can easily be observed by sitting quietly by the edge of the waterhole.

The site of the Carpet Snake Dreaming, some areas in the Gorge and western cliffs have special significance to the Western Arrernte custodians.

Serpentine Gorge is also the Trailhead for sections 7 and 8 of the Larapinta Trail, a 231-kilometre long distance walking trail through the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Photo: oldsalt671

Tips

The best time to walk the trail ( i.e. coolest weather) is between May and August.
This is a remote area trail. Help takes time to organise and arrive
Carry an PLB or satellite phone
Carry enough water and protect yourself from the sun
Temperatures can rise to the high forties in summer

Gallery

Counts Point Hike (15km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Counts Point Hike (15km)

Total distance: 15267 m
Max elevation: 1121 m
Min elevation: 733 m
Total climbing: 872 m
Total descent: -872 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: West MacDonnell National Park.

Access to Serpentine Gorge is by conventional two-wheel drive vehicles but can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather, as the last few kilometres is rough access track. This road is not suitable for buses and caravans.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg

About the region

Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay. Take a dip in the cold waters of one the park's permanent water holes. The larger water holes include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.

There are numerous marked walking tracks ranging from leisurely to adventurous. The 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks for fit, experienced and well prepared walkers. The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.

Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies. Commercial facilities are available at Glen Helen Resort.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near West MacDonnell National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Counts Point Hike (15km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice