Join a community of trekkers

Connect with guides, receive news on new expeditions/routes, upload pictures, share/edit routes.

Larapinta Trail

Distance: 223 km

Duration: 12 days

Country:

Australia

The Larapinta Trail offers a captivating journey through Australia's Red Centre, showcasing the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Traverse ancient landscapes, discover hidden waterholes, and experience the thrill of desert hiking under a vast, starlit sky.

Pictures from trekking Larapinta Trail

These are pictures taken while trekking Larapinta Trail . They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Larapinta Trail , to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Larapinta Trail Itinerary

Experience the stunning Larapinta Trail in the Australian Outback.

Day 1

Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap (650 m)

Distance: 24 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hoursElevation change: +50 m

This long walk takes you through diverse and vast scenery, winding across creeks, gullies, and small landmarks. Euro Ridge, in particular, is known for its beautiful scenery, providing excellent views of the surrounding Alice Springs region.

Day 2

Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek (750 m)

Distance: 25 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +100 m

Proceed on your path to Jay Creek, where you'll experience a delightful trek across primarily level and gently undulating terrains.

Day 3

Jay Creek to Standley Chasm (800 m)

Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +50 m

The path goes over rocky gorges and narrow creek beds, making it tough on the feet and ankles.

Day 4

Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole (700 m)

Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hoursElevation change: -100 m

This segment of the Larapinta Trail stands out as one of the finest. It offers a diverse range of walking experiences and challenges, including some notably steep and demanding sections.

Day 5

Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge (750 m)

Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hoursElevation change: +50 m

This part is tough, with ridge walking, steep climbs, navigating dry river beds and boulders, handling waterholes, and winding through thick vegetation and river debris in narrow gorges.

Day 6

Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek (700 m)

Distance: 31 kmTime trekking / climbing: 11 hoursElevation change: -50 m

This is the longest part of the Larapinta Trail, with easy access from the trailhead at Ellery Creek. The terrain is sometimes undulating, winding, and can be monotonous.

Day 7

Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge (750 m)

Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +50 m

This section of the trail can be a bit dull and frustrating as it winds unnecessarily over small pieces of jagged high ground. However, it's a fantastic walk for bird watchers.

Day 8

Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (850 m)

Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +100 m

The trail involves steep ups and downs on rocky high ground, offering excellent views. The path can be unclear at times due to rocky terrain.

Day 9

Serpentine Chalet Dam to Ormiston Gorge (700 m)

Distance: 29 kmTime trekking / climbing: 12 hoursElevation change: -150 m

Trek to Ormiston Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder in the MacDonnell Ranges.

Day 10

Ormiston Gorge to Finke River (650 m)

Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: -50 m

This is the shortest part of the Larapinta Trail. The terrain is undulating and easy, making it a great choice for a nice day walk.

Day 11

Finke River to Redbank Gorge (700 m)

Distance: 26 kmTime trekking / climbing: 10 hoursElevation change: +50 m

Hike to Redbank Gorge, a remote and beautiful location.

Day 12

Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder and Redbank Gorge (1,380 m)

Distance: 16 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +680 m

Complete the Larapinta Trail by reaching the summit of Mt. Sonder. Camping at the top is not allowed, so you must return to Redbank Gorge and drive back to Alice Springs.