A SHORT HISTORY

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's best long walks due to its spectacular scenery and rich desert colours, amazing flora and fauna, and wild remoteness. The track visits major natural features like Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge as well as many other stunning natural features along the range. The area abounds with spinifex and dry rocky ridges, but far from being barren, the walk includes lush pockets of vegetation, deep shady gorges and icy cold waterholes.

The grandeur and timeless beauty of these ranges provide the backdrop and setting for the Larapinta Trail. It offers walkers an unequalled opportunity to experience the ranges’ breathtaking ancient landscape and unique ecosystems.

LOCATION

The Larapinta Trail runs through the West MacDonnell Ranges, close to Alice Springs, the only large town in the southern half of the Northern Territory. ‘The Alice’ is a bustling metropolis of around 50,000 people and has many regular services including a busy commercial airport, regular interstate rail services, car hire services, high quality hotels, charter buses and tours.

The eastern end of the track starts at the old Telegraph Station, site of the original Alice Springs, approximately 4kms from the current township, and it runs pretty much due west from there but can be walked in either direction.

ACCESS

There aren’t any regular public transport services to the start of the track, however tour buses run to Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen and it is possible for trekkers to purchase a one way seat to these spots. Some people elect to do this and then walk back to Alice Springs. Walking from Standley Chasm to Alice Springs makes a good 3 to 4 day walk and is a popular choice. Parties wishing to walk the entire track can charter a mini-bus or four wheel drive to take them to the western end of the range. Of course this is more expensive than joining an existing tour.

LOGISTICS & CLIMATE

The Trail is primarily intended to appeal to trekkers and bushwalkers as you will have to carry a reasonable loads and camp out. Walkers can join or leave the Trail at a number of points accessible to motor vehicles at regular intervals along its route. Campsites, including some minor facilities, have been developed at the more frequently used sections of the Trail. Elsewhere, recommended campsites are identified but no facilities provided and walkers are permitted to camp where they choose. Walkers are encouraged to carry portable cooking appliances to reduce the impact of wood collection.

OVERVIEW OF SEVERAL SECTIONS

SECTION 1 A 23 kilometre overnight walk from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station west to Simpson's Gap, which was completed and opened in mid 1990.

SECTION 2 A 23 kilometre overnight walk from Simpson’s Gap west to Jay Creek near the Old Hamilton Downs Youth Camp.

SECTION 3 A short but difficult length of Trail continuing west from Jay Creek for approximately 14 kilometres to Standley Chasm.

SECTION 8 Further west along the Range is a 19 kilometre length of Trail from Serpentine Gorge to the Ochre Pits.

SECTION 9 Opened in 1997, this is one of the more difficult sections of the Trail taking you into the rugged heart of the range country.

SECTION 10 A shorter length of track linking the popular attractions of Glen Helen Gorge.

SECTION 11 Also opened in 1997, this section begins four kilometres from Glen Helen Homestead along section 10. This 25 kilometre section is recommended as a two day journey and provides close-up views of the majestic Mt Sonder.

SECTION 12 A return walk leading from Redbank Gorge up Mt Sonder. This section is over rocky and steep terrain and is more suited to experienced and fit bushwalkers.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR THE LARAPINTA TRAIL

DAY 1 Daytrip - Redbank Gorge to Mt Sondor, 16k return

DAY 2 Redbank Gorge to Rocky Bar Gap, 10.5km

DAY 3 To Glen Helen, 18.5km

DAY 4 To Ormiston Gorge, 12.5km

DAY 5 To Waterfall Gorge (carry water), 16km

DAY 6 To Serpentine Chalet Dam, 17.5km

DAY 7 To Serpentine Gorge, 13km

DAY 8 To Ellery Creek, 14km

DAY 9 To Rocky Gully, 16km

DAY 10 To Hugh Gorge, 15.2km

DAY 11 Birthday Waterhole, 16km

DAY 12 To Millers Flat, 22.6km

DAY 13 To Arenge View, 13.6km

DAY 14 To Wallaby Gap, 20.2km

DAY 15 To Alice Springs, 15.4km