Walking the Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory

The Larapinta Trail is a twelve day walking trail through the West MacDonnell Range in Australia’s Red Centre. It’s the most famous of the Northern Territory’s long distance walking trails. Taking it on requires self-sufficiency and camping out in basic campgrounds. Highlights include Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge.

The Northern Territory might not be the world’s most obvious walking destination. It is, after all, very hot and rather remote. But it doesn’t half pack in some incredible walks. On the shorter, half day end of the scale, the Uluru Base Walk at the big red rock formerly known as Ayers Rock, is superlatively fascinating. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the Watarrka National Park and Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata-Tjuta are similarly brilliant.

For those who like a challenge, it’s possible to up the difficulty levels with multi-day walks in the Top End. The Jatbula Trail from Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine and Tabletop Track in Litchfield National Park involve camping out and carrying your own gear.

The Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs

Of these major Northern Territory walks, however, the Larapinta Trail is the granddaddy. It is split into twelve sections, and heads through the Red Centre from Alice Springs.

Alice Springs offers stunning outback scenery on a West MacDonnell Ranges day tour, fascinating nocturnal visits to the Desert Park and scenic camel tours.

The Larapinta Trail is 223km long, and it is hard going. That’s partly due to the heat and sheer distance. But there are some significant climbs as well.

Stretching across Central Australia’s rumpled West MacDonnell Range, the Larapinta Trail involves some long daily stints of up to 28.6km. There are several trailheads along the route – the first being at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the last at the Redbank Gorge car park. Standards at the campsites en route vary significantly. All have water supplies, some have barbecue facilities, and some have kiosks selling supplies. Those with kiosks are the Telegraph Station, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. It’s best to check opening hours at these kiosks before departure, however.

Larapinta Trail attractions

The Larapinta Trail is undoubtedly a big undertaking. But the walk links together some splendid sights, as the mountains, gorges and dry river beds of the region combine.

Highlights include Standley Chasm, where a thin corridor threads through the red rock. The creek bed is lined by ghostly gum trees and cycads.

Ormiston Gorge on the Larapinta Trail

Of the many gorges, the Ormiston Gorge is arguably the prettiest. Plenty of wildlife hangs out in the Ormiston Pound, which the gorge wraps around. Ellery Creek Big Hole is a fantastic spot for a swim, too.

As the distance and remoteness of this trail would indicate, a strong degree of self-sufficiency is needed to take it on. You’re going to have to carry your own kit and supplies. That, of course, is half the appeal of this most rewarding of outback adventures.

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