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.
The Simpsons Gap to Ellery Creek walk includes some of the most spectacular scenery along the Larapinta Trail. It has a good balance between rugged mountainous treks to undulating, moderate level treks. Start and finish points can be accessed by 2WD. This hike includes sections 2 to 6 of the Larapinta Trail starting at Simpsons Gap and finishing at Ellery Creek.
Simpsons Gap
Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Located just 18 kilometres from Alice Springs, it features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole and opportunities to spot resident wildlife. At dawn and dusk you might see Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the walking track into the gap. Vegetation typical of the MacDonnell Ranges is found in the area, including large stands of Mulga and over 40 rare and relict plants. There are several short walks that pass the native plants including ancient Ghost Gums and/or with views of the range. Simpsons Gap is also located on the Larapinta Trail, a 231 kilometre walking track through the West MacDonnell Ranges. From Simpsons Gap you can walk Sections 1 or 2 of the trail.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
The spectacular waterhole is fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) and surrounded by tall red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek. The site offers access to Sections 6 and 7 of the 231 kilometre Larapinta Trail walk via the southern alignment. Thousands of years of massive floods have carved out this waterhole, which is recognised as an internationally significant geological site. Take the 3 kilometre Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations. The Aboriginal name for Ellery Big Hole is Udepata. The permanent water made it a special meeting place for the Aranda people on the fish and honey ant dreaming trails.
Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.
- 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
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Total distance: 101911 m
Max elevation: 1192 m
Min elevation: 609 m
Total climbing: 3810 m
Total descent: -3751 m
Getting to the trailhead: West MacDonnell National Park.
The turn off to Simpsons Gap is along the Larapinta Drive. The Gap can also be reached by cycling 17 kilometres one-way along the Simpsons Gap Bike Path. Camping is permitted at Simpsons Gap for Larapinta Trail walkers only. Multi-day walker fees and camping fees apply. Multi-day trail use and campsites must be booked online before you arrive.
Closest towns to this walk: Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg
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.
Looking for more walks in or near West MacDonnell National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
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.
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
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