The Larapinta Trail is a 223km hiking trail, along the Tjorita / West MacDonnell Ranges, which is quickly becoming one of Australia's favourites. Its twelve sections offer experiences which suit all hiking enthusiasts, so you, the traveller, can cater to your every desire; whether this is a partial day hike or a two-week-long journey from one end to end of the trail.
The trails offer spectacular views of the rugged, untamed Central Australian landscape. Lush green trees on top of red earth with a backdrop of golden sunshine and blue skies offer an experience like no other. There is so much unique wilderness to see it simply cannot be encapsulated in words. But we can try.
Sections | Tours | Transfers | Information
Section one is a comfortable walk which offers spectacular views of the area surrounding Alice Springs, particularly from Euro Ridge and Hat Hill Saddle. A limited supply of water tanks dot the first section of the trail and food drops can be arranged at Simpsons Gap - one of the campsites section one has to offer. Camping is also available at Wallaby Gap and Hat Hill Saddle.
This section of the trail is fairly flat and undulating, which makes it approachable for most hikers. The scenery is better on section two than section one and this leg can be broken up into two segments with an overnight stay at Mulga Creek. Otherwise, water tanks are available sporadically and a food cache can be organised at Jay Creek.
Section three of the Larapinta trail offers two walks: the high road and the low road. The high road offers stunning views from the top of a rocky gorge, while the low view involves walking through a creek bed. The high view is slightly more strenuous, but offers a better experience overall. Limited water is available in tanks and a food cache is available at Standley Chasm.
Hikers on Larapinta Trail
Ridgeline along Larapinta Trail - World Expeditions
Simpsons Gap - World Expeditions
Larapinta Trail - Outback Tour Services
Section four offers a wide variety of experiences and challenges and is some of the best track on the entire Larapinta Trail. Standley Chasm to Brinkley Buff is very scenic and there is nice camping at Birthday Waterhole where a food drop can be arranged.
Section 5 is definitely one of the most visually spectacular and best sections of the entire Larapinta Trail, particularly along Razorback Ridge. It is also one of the most difficult sections. Water is available in limited supply via water tanks and food drop-off can be arranged at Hugh Gorge.
After the rocky terrain of sections 4 and 5, section 6 of the Larapinta Trail is relatively flat. In saying this, it is the longest section of the trail, snaking across Alice Valley. Good bird watching is available. Ellery Creek has a food cache and there are water tanks available in limited supply.
Larapinta Trail at Ellery Creek Big Hole - Outback Tour Services
Section seven is one of the more mundane sections of the trail, however, is highly recommended for bird watchers. Water is available in tanks along the trail and Serpentine Gorge is home to a food cache.
Section eight is rather scenic with some great views along the high points of the trail. This section of the track is well supported with stone stairs and trail clearing. Water is available in limited supply from water tanks and a food cache can be arranged at Serpentine Chalet dam.
Section nine is tricky to complete in one session, however, offers some great views from Mt Giles Lookout. Waterfall Gorge makes a good halfway campsite. Limited water supply is available from water tanks scattered along the trail and food is available at the Ormiston Gorge Official Storeroom.
Ormiston Gorge Ghost Gum Lookout - Emu Run Experience
Ormiston Gorge and Pound
This section (section ten) is perfectly pleasant and easy to digest. The best scenery is observable at the start of the trail, closer to Ormiston Gorge. The views of Mount Sonder in the distance are particularly delightful. Water is available, but no food caches are available on this section of the Larapinta Trail.
Section eleven is a relatively comfortable but long and scenic walk. From Hill Top Lookout to Rocky Bar Gap there are superb 360-degree views of Mount Sonder. Water is sporadically available, but no food caches are available along section eleven.
Trekkers along the Larapinta Trail
Section twelve is an uphill battle which contains some loose trails and the occasional disappearing track. The 360-degree views from the summit, however, are some of the best the trail has to offer. There is no camping at the summit of Mt Sonder - camping is instead available at nearby Redbank Gorge.
Mt Sonder at sunrise
There are a plethora of companies who offer Larapinta Trail experiences. Please see the list below for more information.
Trek Larapinta was established in 1998, eight years after the trail first opened. The company focuses on tour quality and sustainability, maintaining strong local knowledge of the landscape and building meaningful connections within our community.
100% Adventure is a global travel company that offers five Larapinta packages. Packages range from $3000 to $4990 and take between six and sixteen days to complete.
World Expeditions offer fully-guided six-day adventures through the Larapinta Trail. Packages include luxury campsites with hot showers and three-course meals.
Australian Walking Company offers walking experience for six unforgettable days walking the Larapinta trail. Journey with expert guides, home cooked meals, and stay at their private eco-camp within the national park.
If you are a self guided trekker, there are plenty of operators who can help you on your journey, including End to End transfers to/from your desired stop.
The staff at the local Visitor Centre are happy to give advice and support ahead of your Larapinta Trail hike. You can hire food drop cage keys from the Centre, and book any transfers you may need.
For trekkers doing the hike on their own accord, see here for more information. Use the Avenza Maps App to track your walk on the interactive park map.
Parks Booking | Food drops | Water | Info packs | Safety | Contacts
To walk and camp along the trail, Parks and Wildlife NT have now set up an online booking system including fees. Before you leave for your hike, make sure to set up an account and reserve your campsites and walking pass, as reception is patchy at best once you are out on the trail. In the system click the "BOOK WALKING TRAIL" button, and follow the prompts, select "Larapinta Trail" as your great walk, enter your walking dates, number of people, and select a campground for each night, reserve and keep a record on you for your hike.
Walking fee is $25 per day (for overnighters), capped at $125 for multi-day treks, per person (day hikes are still free). Camping fees depend on site and facilities. There are 3 private sites that have to book directly with the provider, and are in the online booking system as $0 for the purpose of planning only (these are Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge).
There are food storage points along the trail that hikers are allowed to use. Multi-day hikers usually organise the food drops to replenish their kit before continuing onto the next sections.
You can leave food in storage rooms at Ellery Creek South, Serpentine Gorge and Ormiston Gorge (Standley Chasm can also offer food drops upon request). Get a key from the Visitor Information Centre in Alice Springs to get access to your food on the trail. Keys will be charged at $60 on collection, with $50 refunded at time of key return.
You can arrange food drops yourself or employ a local company to do so for you. Emu Run, Larapinta Trail Trek Support, and Outback Tour Services offer food drop box services. A secure container with a lid is recommended so that your food is protected from mice and insects. Make sure to add a label to your food drop box with your name, the date and your intended pick-up date. It is your responsibility to collect all food drop boxes within seven days of the labelled pick-up date.
Water tanks are available at the trailheads. You should boil the water, use sterilising tablets or a filter as the quality of the water can't be guaranteed. There are 16 water tanks along the trail to be used for drinking and cooking purposes only. Drink water regularly, don't wait until you are thirsty as this is one of the early signs of dehydration. Even if walking in mild conditions, you will still need to drink water regularly.
Water tanks are monitored and refilled by rangers according to the season and number of walkers on the trail. They are filled up well before they empty. You should urgently report any leaks, low tank levels or other concerns to rangers at Simpsons Gap (08 8955 0310) or Ormiston Gorge (08 8956 7799).
Trail information packs are available from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre or Parks and Wildlife NT and includes maps and detailed information about the trail. Packs cost $42 plus postage. Call or order online. Inside you will find:
It is important for Larapinta Trail trekkers to have an emergency plan.
It is recommended that trekkers walk together in a group of 3 or more, so that if 1 person becomes injured, 1 person can stay with them while the other looks for help.
Particularly during the hotter weather, it is recommended that hikers walk in early morning or late afternoon/evening to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day. While the days may be hot, the nights can also be freezing, so be sure to pack a warm layer to avoid hypothermia.
For your safety be sure to write in all logbooks located at the Trailheads so that in the case of an emergency, Rangers can track your movements. Please record your details clearly and accurately.
Mobile phone reception along the West MacDonnell Ranges can be highly unreliable and patchy. Hikers should carry some form of emergency communication such as a satellite phone or personal locator beacon. These can be hired from Larapinta Trail Trek Support or Adventure Rentals. Red Centre Adventures also sell Zoleo products for out of reception communication.
In case of bushfires, do not start a walk where a bushfire is prominent. In case of a fire starting while you are on the trail, find an open area such as a creekbed, avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, protect your skin and airways by keeping low.
In case of floods, the usually dry watercourses can lead to flash flooding. In this scenario head to high ground and never attempt to cross floodwaters.
If someone in your group gets lost contact 000 or Alice Springs Police (131 444) immediately. If you (or your group) gets lost, stay calm and remain together. Seek a nearby open area and wait for help. You should always have someone not on the trail know of your whereabouts who can contact for help if you have not made contact by an agreed time.
For full safety advice, see more information here.
Are you on a holiday before or after your hiking experience? Have you got a vehicle you want to keep in a safe place while you hike? Self Storage Australia has a safe storage location suitable for vehicles. Contact them to book your storage in today.
Alice Springs Police - 131 444
Friends of the Larapinta Trail Facebook Group
Parks and Wildlife NT - larapinta.trail@nt.gov.au or (08) 8951 8250
Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre - info@discoverca.com.au or 1800 645 199
Other important contacts for Larapinta Trail Services and Emergencies.
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