Where on earth
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- Region
- Australia
- Biome
- Desert range (500–1,380 m)
- Best season
- May – August
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
Key takeaways
- Biome: Desert range (500–1,380 m)
- Best season: May – August
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Larapinta Trail
Topic summary
A 231-km 12-16 day desert trek along the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: May – August
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Desert range (500–1,380 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Larapinta Trail trip tools
How to get there
The eastern trail start is Alice Springs Telegraph Station in the Northern Territory. The route extends west through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Mount Sonder. Most sections have vehicle access, though some require a high-clearance four-wheel drive. Confirm access suitability and arrange transport for both ends of your chosen walk before departure.
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station
The eastern starting point of the Larapinta Trail, which heads through the West MacDonnell Ranges toward Mount Sonder.
- Ormiston Gorge
A major trail landmark with a designated campground. Consider it when shaping a section-based itinerary, and confirm the relevant trailhead access and transport arrangements before committing.
Sources: nt.gov.au · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Larapinta Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Larapinta Trail
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Larapinta TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Larapinta Trail
Planning to fish Larapinta Trail, Australia? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Australia are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Larapinta Trail?
- A Australia fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Australia fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Larapinta Trail
Thinking about hunting Larapinta Trail, Australia? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Australia are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Larapinta Trail?
- Confirm the land around Larapinta Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Australia?
- A Australia hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
Along the West MacDonnell Ranges
The Larapinta Trail runs for over 230 kilometres through Central Australia, following the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Its eastern start is Alice Springs Telegraph Station; its western finish is the summit of Mount Sonder, the highest point on the trail. The walking alternates between ridgelines and the plains below, giving the route a changing relationship with the ranges rather than a continuous ridge traverse. Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge are among its major landmarks. Much of the appeal lies in linking these places on foot through Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Choose an itinerary around the terrain and places you want to experience, rather than treating the full traverse as the only worthwhile option.
Choosing a Walk and Arranging Access
The trail is divided into 12 sections, each taking one or two days to walk. That structure allows anything from a selected section to a longer journey linking several parts of the ranges. Most sections have vehicle access, but some access roads require a high-clearance four-wheel drive. Plan the walking route and the transport together: an appealing finish is only useful if your vehicle or arranged pickup can reach it. Do not assume every trailhead is suitable for the same vehicle. The Larapinta also connects with other walking tracks in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips. Build those additions into the itinerary before booking campsites, and leave enough flexibility in the daily walking plan for conditions and the demands of carrying overnight gear.
Camping and Overnight Planning
Overnight walks require advance planning around designated campsites. There are 26 designated campgrounds along the Larapinta Trail, as well as a privately owned and operated campground at Standley Chasm. Camping locations include Brinkley Bluff, Counts Point, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge. You must book a campsite for every night on the trail and camp only in designated sites; emergency, injury or illness are the stated exceptions to camping outside those areas. Overnight walking fees apply, along with camping fees for the designated campgrounds. Book and pay online before departure. Match each night's booking to a realistic walking day, and confirm water arrangements before setting out. In this Central Australian setting, carry sun protection and plan water needs carefully rather than relying on place names to indicate a dependable supply.
Route options
- Full Larapinta TrailOver 230 km
Walk from Alice Springs Telegraph Station through the West MacDonnell Ranges to the summit of Mount Sonder. The route comprises 12 sections and links landmarks including Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
- Individual Larapinta Trail Sections
Choose one section or link several for a shorter itinerary. Each section takes one or two days to walk. Match your selection to designated campsites and suitable vehicle access; some access roads require a high-clearance four-wheel drive.
- Larapinta Trail with Connecting Park Tracks
Include side trips on walking tracks connected to the Larapinta within Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Select the connections before finalising overnight bookings and transport.
Sample itineraries
- West MacDonnell Ranges section walk · 1 day
Choose a section rated for one day rather than attempting a longer traverse. The trail follows ridgelines and plains, with access at many trailheads. Confirm the section's walking grade and vehicle requirements before arranging drop-off and pickup.
- Two-day Larapinta overnight · 2 days
Choose one of the trail's two-day sections and book its designated overnight campsite. Build the trip around confirmed access and walking grades. Consider sections near highlights such as Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole or Ormiston Gorge, without assuming each highlight fits the same itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check conditions before departure
Plan for increasing warmth in Central Australia. Exposed ridgelines and plains call for sun protection, sufficient water and a walking pace adjusted to the forecast.
Summer
Summer; assess heat before committing
Treat heat as a major planning concern for this inland Australian walk. Reconsider long, exposed sections when forecasts exceed the group's ability to travel safely.
Fall
Fall; check daytime and overnight forecasts
Do not assume cooler seasonal conditions remove the need for sun protection and water planning. Carry layers for overnight camping and adjust section choices to current temperatures.
Winter
Winter; prepare for cold overnight conditions
Pack insulation and a suitable sleeping system for inland winter camping. Check temperatures before departure; exposed ridge walking still requires sun protection and careful water planning.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check conditions before departure | Plan for increasing warmth in Central Australia. Exposed ridgelines and plains call for sun protection, sufficient water and a walking pace adjusted to the forecast. |
| Summer | Summer; assess heat before committing | Treat heat as a major planning concern for this inland Australian walk. Reconsider long, exposed sections when forecasts exceed the group's ability to travel safely. |
| Fall | Fall; check daytime and overnight forecasts | Do not assume cooler seasonal conditions remove the need for sun protection and water planning. Carry layers for overnight camping and adjust section choices to current temperatures. |
| Winter | Winter; prepare for cold overnight conditions | Pack insulation and a suitable sleeping system for inland winter camping. Check temperatures before departure; exposed ridge walking still requires sun protection and careful water planning. |
Permits, fees & closures
Overnight walkers must pay walking trail fees and book designated campsites. Camping outside designated areas is allowed only in an emergency, injury or illness.
Fees: Overnight walking trail fees apply, plus camping fees at designated campgrounds. Standley Chasm has a privately owned and operated campground.
Reservations: Book a campsite for every night on the trail. Book and pay online before departure.
Official source: Plan your Larapinta Trail walk | NT.GOV.AU · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Ridgeline walking requires secure footing and attention to exposure; select sections that match the group's ability.
- Heat and sun exposure on Central Australia's ridges and plains require conservative pacing and water planning.
- Some trailhead access requires a high-clearance 4WD. Confirm access before relying on a pickup or exit.
- Sections take one or two days each. Underestimating walking effort can leave the group short of its booked campsite.
What to pack for Larapinta Trail
- Trail map and section information
- Navigation equipment
- Footwear suited to ridge and plain walking
- First-aid kit
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Water containers sized to the confirmed water plan
- Shelter for designated campsites
- Sleeping system suited to forecast temperatures
- Warm layers
- Food for the planned sections
- Booking confirmations
Larapinta Trail FAQ
- Where does the Larapinta Trail start and finish?
- It starts at Alice Springs Telegraph Station in Central Australia and follows the West MacDonnell Ranges to the summit of Mount Sonder, the trail's highest point.
- How long is the trail?
- The trail runs over 230 kilometres and is divided into 12 sections. Each section takes one or two days to walk.
- Can you walk only part of it?
- Yes. Most sections have vehicle access, allowing walkers to join or leave at many trailheads. Some access requires a high-clearance 4WD, so confirm transport requirements for the chosen section.
- Where can you camp?
- Use designated campsites and book every night. Options include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Finke River and Redbank Gorge. Standley Chasm's campground is privately operated.
- What are the main highlights?
- Highlights include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Mount Sonder. The trail also connects with other walking tracks in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park for side trips.