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 Standley Chasm 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. Start at Standley Chasm, finish at Ellery Creek. This multi day hike includes sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Larapinta Trail.
Section 4 (grade 5) is one of the best sections along the entire trail. The views from Brinkley Bluff reinforces why the Larapinta Trail is one of the worlds most spectacular trails. The trek from Standley Chasm to Reveal Saddle is relatively good going. The tricky part starts from the saddle to the Bluff because the ground starts to become very rocky with a couple of false summits. The descent from Brinkley Bluff has been vastly improved with switchbacks after significant track work in 2016 and 2017. From Stuarts Pass its easy and smooth going.
Section 5 (grade 5)is definitely one of the most visually spectacular and best sections of the entire Larapinta Trail. The entire section offers great views, particularly between Linear Valley and Hugh Gorge. It is also one of the most difficult sections involving ridgetop walking, steep climbs, clambering over dry river beds and boulders, negotiating waterholes and snaking through thick vegetation and thick river debris in narrow gorge areas.
Section 6 (grade 4) is the longest section of the Larapinta Trail, but much of the trail winds up, around and over undulating and boring terrain for no particular reason. That said, it is a pleasant walk across Alice Valley and a welcoming change after the rugged mountainous terrain of S5. Excellent walk for bird watching. Rocky Gully is a nice half way campsite.
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.
- 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
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Well Marked Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Trail Running
- Rivers
- Gorges
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Total distance: 61589 m
Max elevation: 1192 m
Min elevation: 668 m
Total climbing: 2357 m
Total descent: -2452 m
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Standley Chasm is located approximately 50km west of Alice Springs and is on privately owned Aboriginal land. From Alice Springs, follow Larapinta Drive west for 40km, until you see the turn off signs to Standley Chasm. Turn on to this road, and there's another 8km to the Chasm's entrance.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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West MacDonnell National Park
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West MacDonnell National Park
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West MacDonnell National Park
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Trephina Gorge Nature Park
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
