Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the challenging 223km Larapinta Trail, a Grade 4 hike that takes you from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder, through the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park in the Northern Territory. Located just 4.2km from the town of Alice Springs, the trail offers a diverse range of terrains and landscapes, including the towering peaks of Mount Sonder, permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen, and nearly 600 species of rare flora. Estimated to take 16 days, this one-way trail is a rewarding experience that showcases the very best of Australia's natural beauty. Please note that the final pick-up point is at the Redbank Gorge car park.

Length:

223km

Duration:

16 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 1344m

Min elevation: 591m

Total Ascent: 8327m

Start: Alice Springs Telegraph Station

End: Mount Sonder

West MacDonnell National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Alice Springs

From state capital: 4.2km

Latitude: -23.67094700766246

Longitude: 133.8850300118539

Overview

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Important info

Walking the Larapinta Trail requires detailed planning and preparation, irrespective if you plan to walk overnight or End to End. The Larapinta Trail is rugged and remote. The level and amount of planning you do before the walk will directly influence the outcome of your walk. Water, food, equipment, health, fitness and emergency planning will be some of your key considerations.

Hike overview

Exploring the Stunning Larapinta Trail Walk

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. Note that you can't be picked up at Mount Sonder and will have to actually walk back to the Redbank Gorge car park. With the many side trips and access to campsites, it is likely you will walk closer to 250km.

The Larapinta Trail snakes its way through the West MacDonnell Ranges, a timeless sentinel standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australian Outback. As you embark on this epic journey, you'll be transported to a realm where time seems to stand still, where the whispers of the ancient past mingle with the rugged beauty of the present. The Larapinta Trail is a journey of both physical and spiritual challenge. The unforgiving terrain will test your limits, but the rewards are immense. As you conquer each obstacle, you'll discover a newfound strength and resilience within yourself. And as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Outback, you'll experience a sense of peace and tranquility that is unmatched by anything else in the world.

Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse range of landscapes that will leave you breathless. From the towering peaks of Mount Sonder to the lush oasis of Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Larapinta Trail showcases the very best of Australia's natural beauty.

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. One of the best trek options of the Larapinta Trail is the End to End (E2E) full traverse of all 12 sections. Walkers get to experience the full variety of landscapes, challenges and rewards of the Larapinta Trail. It is a challenging and rewarding long distance trek which requires a high level of fitness, experience and preparation. It is one of Australia’s best long distance treks which can be completed comfortably over a 15-16 day period, but the duration will vary based on your level of fitness and time constraints.

The Trail walk 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. The Larapinta Trail is a journey that will stay with you long after you've completed it. The memories you create along the way will be etched in your mind forever. So if you're looking for an adventure that will challenge you both physically and spiritually, the Larapinta Trail is the perfect choice for you.

Here's a generic End to End (E2E) Itinerary

How you plan to complete your End to End will be an individual or group choice which will be influenced by you and/or your groups time constraints, resources, fitness, experience levels, and what decisions you make on the day. Note: Alternative day/night finish points detailed below may extend the time (days) more than is shown. Abbreviations: THD: Trailhead CMP: Campsite ALT: Alternative

Day One - Section 1
Telegraph Station THD to Simpsons Gap THD (Alternate Finish: Wallaby Gap CMP or Hat Hill Saddle)

Day Two - Section 2
Simpsons Gap THD to Mulga Camp CMP (Alternate Finish: Jay Creek THD)

Day Three - Section 3 (via Alt High Route)
Jay Creek THD to Standley Chasm THD (Alternate Finish: Millers Flat CMP)

Day Four - Section 4
Standley Chasm THD to Brinkley Bluff CMP (Alternate Finish: Stuart's Pass CMP)

Day Five - Section 4
Brinkley Bluff CMP to Birthday Waterhole THD

Day Six - Section 5
Birthday Waterhole THD to Fringe Lily Creek CMP (Alternate Finish: Hugh Gorge Junction CMP)

Day Seven - Section 5
Fringe Lily Creek CMP to Hugh Gorge THD (Alternate Finish: Hugh Gorge Junction CMP)

Day Eight - Section 6
Hugh Gorge THD to Rocky Gully CMP (Alternate Finish: Ghost Gum Flat)

Day Nine - Section 6
Rocky Gully CMP to Ellery Creek THD

Day Ten - Section 7
Ellery Creek THD to Serpentine Gorge THD

Day Eleven - Section 8
Serpentine Gorge THD to Serpentine Chalet Dam THD (Alternate Finish: Counts Point CMP)

Day Twelve - Section 9
Serpentine Chalet Dam THD to MT Giles Lookout CMP (Alternate Finish: Waterfall Gorge CMP)

Day Thirteen - Section 9
MT Giles Lookout CMP to Ormiston Gorge THD

Day Fourteen - Sections 10 & 11
Ormiston Gorge THD to Hill Top Lookout CMP (Alternate Finish: Finke River THD)

Day Fifteen - Section 11
Hill Top Lookout CMP to Rocky Bar Gap CMP

Day Sixteen - Section 11
Rocky Bar Gap CMP to Redbank Gorge THD

Day Seventeen - Section 12
Redbank Gorge CMP - Mt Sonder to Redbank Gorge THD

Best time to walk the Larapinta

The best time to walk the Larapinta ( i.e. coolest weather) is between May and August. The busiest time on the trail is June and July. There is about a 20-30% chance of rain over a 15-16 day period on the Larapinta Trail. Sometimes it can drizzle for a week at a time, anytime of the year, including May-August. Downpours and the resulting flash floods and general flooding, while not frequent, does occur. Keep this in mind if you plan to camp or trek in narrow gorges, crevasses, creeks and rivers during heavy rain. Boulders and massive trees weighing hundreds of kilograms are thrown around creeks and rivers during these floods.

Water

Your itinerary will largely be influenced by your water needs. Each trailhead and intermediate point has water tanks which can be used for resupply. There are very few reliable natural water sources along the Larapinta Trail. Camping on high ground overnight will require rationing your water. Water will also be a main consideration for any off track walks since there are no tanks anywhere off the Larapinta Trail or away from the main visitation areas. Natural water sources are extremely limited in this area. Boil or treat the tank water if you want to be 100% sure that its bug free. Some hikers don’t and have no problems, but it’s still a risk each hiker weighs up individually.

Injury or emergency

If you sustain an injury or have an emergency and have the ability to initiate a rescue ( i.e. EPIRB or satphone) expect to wait between 12-24 hours for rescue. If you don’t have an EPIRB or satphone and rely on a runner, expect the wait to be between 24-48 hours. Always remember, if you need to yell for help it is extremely difficult to be heard out in the open along the Larapinta Trail because of the wind and terrain –always carry a whistle.

Camping fees

There are no trail fees, only camping fees in some places. Some campgrounds in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park have campsite fees, including Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge. 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.

For more information, visit the official Larapinta Trail website https://www.larapintatrail.com.au/

Tips

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
Water is mostly limited to the tanks at trailheads
There are very few places to buy food. Organise this beforehand
Temperatures can drop below freezing in June
Temperatures can rise to the high forties in summer
Take money (cash) to pay for camping fees for some sections
The best time to hike the Larapinta Trail is during the cooler months, from April to October.
Be sure to carry plenty of water, as there are no reliable water sources along the trail.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Be aware of the risks of hiking in a remote area, such as snakebite and heatstroke.
Let someone know your plans and expected return date.

Trail features

Trail Running
Aboriginal Art
Rivers
Gorges
Scenic Viewpoints
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
River Crossings
Untreated Water
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites

Gallery

The Larapinta Trail (223km)

Walk map and GPX file

The Larapinta Trail (223km)

The GPX has been simplified to remove all side trips, alternate routes and access to campsites, as everyone's itinerary will vary.

Total distance: 234027 m
Max elevation: 1344 m
Min elevation: 591 m
Total climbing: 8327 m
Total descent: -8226 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: West MacDonnell National Park.

One of the great advantages of the Larapinta Trail is its access. Alice Springs is a well serviced regional centre with various air, road and rail options that can get you here. A number of Larapinta Trail trailheads can be accessed by 2WD vehicles and all of the major highways and roads are in good condition. There are also options of being dropped off and picked up by tourism operators. All major car rental companies are also in town.

Getting to Alice Springs is fairly straight forward. Qantas has direct flights to Alice Springs from most major cities in Australia. A major sealed highway connects Alice Springs with Darwin and Adelaide. A number of popular 4WD routes through the deserts link Alice Springs to the Kimberley Region and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. A scenic rail option is also available

Get there with Google Maps

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

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Picnic Shelter

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

The Larapinta Trail (223km)

11 Reviews on “The Larapinta Trail (223km)”

Overall rating

Grant Hollingworth

Only have this four stars as o haven’t officially done it all yet. Have only done a few day hikes and overnighters in sections. One day soon I’ll hike the entire traverse.

15/09/2023, 01:25

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Eugene Zemskov

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

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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:

April 28, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info

Hike overview