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Length: 223km
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Duration: 20 days
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Grade: 3-4
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Style: One Way
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Start: Alice Springs Telegraph Station
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End: Mount Sonder
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Location: West MacDonnell Ranges National Park
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Closest Town: Alice Springs
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Distance from CBD: 4.2km
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State: NT
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Latitude: -23.671268
Longitude: 133.885239
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...





West MacDonnell Ranges National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
Hike Summary
Ranked as one of the planet's top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 223 kilometre path that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder.
Challenge yourself to hike the whole trail or tackle one of its 12 sections, all of which vary in difficulty and length. Each section can be reached by four-wheel drive, so you can join or leave the trail at any of the Tailheads.
The Trail encompasses some of the key attractions of the ranges including Simpsons Gap, and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. It weaves past some of the world's most ancient metamorphic and igneous rock and nearly 600 species of rare flora.
The Trail also links in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips to explore more of the Park.
Along the way you camp under the stars. Most camp sites have picnic tables and tent sites. All Trailheads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. Fully guided tours are available, otherwise set off on your own ensuring you're well equipped and have notified the relevant authorities.
Camping fees
Some campgrounds in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park have campsite fees, including:
Ellery Creek Big Hole - $5 per person
Ormiston Gorge - $10 per person
Redbank Gorge - $5 per person.
You should carry the correct amount as change is not available.
There is a charge to stay at Standley Chasm and Glen Helen Resort as these are privately owned and operated.
All other campsites are free and most are set aside for use by Larapinta Trail walkers.
Planning
Fun Fit Adventure have prepared a 4-part guide, based on their own personal experience, on the Larapinta trail . The guide covers everything including planning, suggested itinerary and gear to take. Check it out on their site at funfitadventure.com
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.
Getting there
West MacDonnell National Park travelling to there | From Alice Springs car, campervan and motrhome access to the Park is via Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive. From Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) the unsealed Red Centre Way (4wd access recommended) connects to West MacDonnell National Park. Simpsons Gap is also accessible via a 17 km sealed bicycle track which starts opposite Flynn’s Grave, 7 km from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive.
West MacDonnell National Park access | is accessible nearly all year round. The cooler months (April to September) are the most pleasant. All roads can be impassible for short periods after heavy rain.
Hikes Nearby
11 thoughts on “Larapinta Trail (223km)”
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Kate Parsons on the cards
Nice little hike for us one day Nikki haha
Haha sure!
Steffanie Pernase Karolina Karunaa Szymańska first of my list when I come back?
Awesome! Ive heared about that one ? let me know some time before so I can plan it ahead
20 days a bit long though, maybe in 2 years ?
I’d be keen! We’d have to do it in less than 18 days with my job?
Hands down the best walk I’ve done so far!
Ali Morley
View from Mt Sonder is amazing but the full exploration of Redbank Gorge makes it my favourite place in the world. I’ve traveled and guided extensively – especially in Australia and RBG blows my mind.
I’m contemplating a Larapinta hike in 10..12 days around July..August 2020 (assuming interstate travel is back on by then).
Although normally I do long hikes solo (and go faster then majority of people), won’t mind some self-sufficient companion, at least to make logistics (carpooling from Melbourne to Alice, food drops, etc) simpler and cheaper.
Pls write ezemskovatyandexdotru of into facebook if interested.
Cheers,
Eugene