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Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges: the sections and the big walks

Brief answer

The Larapinta Trail runs 231 km by Tourism NT's figure, or 223 km by Tourism Central Australia's, in 12 sections from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, walked best April to September.

Trail essentials

  • Overnight walkers pay AUD 25 a day, capped at AUD 1256
  • There are 16 water tanks to treat and use45
  • Mount Sonder takes about 6 hours return14

Check out 51 stops

The West Macs, pin by pin

Choose a route and tap a pin or stop to see its note and open it in Google Maps.

Map of the Larapinta Trail trailheads from the Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder

  1. The Telegraph Station, where the trail starts, was established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide.

    Google Maps

  2. Section 1 from Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap is 23 km.

    Google Maps

  3. Section 2 from Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek is 24 km.

    Google Maps

  4. Both entry points for sections 3 and 4 sit inside the Standley Chasm gates.

    Google Maps

  5. Birthday Waterhole is a semi-permanent pool; its campsites are 4WD only, with no facilities.

    Google Maps

  6. Section 5 ends at Hugh Gorge after Razorback Ridge, one of the hardest stretches of the trail.

    Google Maps

  7. Ellery Creek Big Hole gives access to sections 6 and 7 of the trail.

    Google Maps

  8. Serpentine Gorge is the trailhead for sections 7 and 8.

    Google Maps

  9. Serpentine Chalet is reached by four-wheel drive only.

    Google Maps

  10. Ormiston Gorge is the trailhead for sections 9 and 10.

    Google Maps

  11. Section 10 is Grade 3 and section 11 is Grade 4.

    Google Maps

  12. Redbank Gorge is the base for the Mount Sonder climb, with camping only at its two designated campsites.

    Google Maps

  13. Mount Sonder is section 12 of the trail, 1,380 m above sea level.

    Google Maps

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors

The Larapinta Trail follows the spine of the ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. This guide takes it section by section, then covers the season, fees, water, food drops and the shorter walks.

Editorial team, westmacdonnellrangestour.top · Updated November 8, 2026 · 7 mins to read

Essentials

  • Length231 km by Tourism NT, 223 km by Tourism Central Australia.1,2
  • Sections12, each reachable by four-wheel drive.3,4
  • SeasonFacilities and water are serviced April to September.5
  • FeeAUD 25 a day for overnight walkers, capped at AUD 125.6
  • Day walksFree, and most highlights are within reach of one.6,7

One trail along the spine of the ranges

The Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges, runs from the historic Telegraph Station on the edge of Alice Springs to Mount Sonder in the west. Tourism NT describes it as a 231 km path along the rocky spine of the ranges and ranks it among the planet's top 20 treks.1 Tourism Central Australia gives the same trail as 223 km.2 Both are official figures, so plan your days and water around the higher one.

The start has its own story. The Telegraph Station went up in 1871 to pass messages along the line between Darwin and Adelaide.8 From there the trail heads west in 12 sections of varying difficulty and length.3 A four-wheel drive can reach every section, which lets walkers start or finish at any trailhead.4 That is what makes it a trail for both end-to-end trekkers and people with a single free day.

The ground underfoot is a large part of the appeal. Along the way it crosses metamorphic and igneous rock that ranks among the oldest on Earth, and close to 600 species of plants.9 It links with other walking tracks in the national park, which allows side trips to gorges and lookouts. Expect ridgelines, dry creek beds, rocky climbs and, at the end of many days, a waterhole with red walls around it.

Section by section

The Larapinta Trail from east to west

SectionFrom and toLengthNote
1Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap23 km15Euro Ridge16
2Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek24 km17From the gap33
3Jay Creek to Standley Chasm13 km18High or low road19
4Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole17 km20Very scenic21
5Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge18 km24Razorback Ridge25
6Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek31 km27Longest28
7Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge14 km34Birdwatching35
8Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet19 km304WD access only36
9Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge29 km31Mt Giles views37
10Ormiston Gorge to Finke River13 km38Grade 339
11Finke River to Redbank Creek26 km32Grade 440
12Mount Sonder1380 m peak41No summit camping42

Lengths from Tourism Central Australia's section list; Tourism NT gives section 10 as 8.9 km to the Finke River trailhead.43

The eastern sections, from the Telegraph Station to Ellery

Section 1 covers the 23 km from Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap.15 The first day follows the spine of Euro Ridge, leaving the town behind.16 Section 2, from Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek, is 24 km.17 Section 3, Jay Creek to Standley Chasm, is 13 km and offers a high road along a rocky gorge top and a low road through a creek bed.18,19

Section 4, from Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole, is 17 km.20 Tourism Central Australia rates the stretch from Standley Chasm to Brinkley Bluff as very scenic.21 Both entry points for sections 3 and 4 sit inside the Standley Chasm gates, and the owners offer drop box storage at AUD 5 per box and overnight parking at AUD 5 per vehicle per night.22,23

Section 5, Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge, is 18 km.24 It is one of the most visually spectacular sections, particularly along Razorback Ridge, and also one of the most difficult.25,26 Section 6, Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek, is 31 km.27 It is relatively flat and the longest section of the trail, crossing Alice Valley.28 Ellery Creek Big Hole then gives access to sections 6 and 7.29

Section lengths

How long the longer sections are, in kilometers

  • Section 123
  • Section 224
  • Section 417
  • Section 518
  • Section 631
  • Section 819
  • Section 929
  • Section 1126

Section lengths as Tourism Central Australia lists them; Tourism NT's total for the trail is longer.15,17,20,24,27,30,31,32

The western sections and Redbank Gorge

Section 7, Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge, is 14 km.34 It is one of the more mundane sections but recommended for bird watchers.35 Section 8, Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet, is 19 km.30 Serpentine Chalet is reached by four-wheel drive only, and its dam belongs to the remains of an early attempt at tourism in the ranges.36,53

Section 9, Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge, is 29 km, with great views from Mt Giles Lookout and Waterfall Gorge as a halfway campsite.31,37 Tourism Central Australia lists section 10, Ormiston Gorge to Finke River or Glen Helen, as 13 km.38 Tourism NT gives it as 8.9 km, a single day of medium grade walking to the Finke River trailhead.43 It is Grade 3, and section 11 is Grade 4.39,40

Section 11, Finke River to Redbank Creek, is 26 km.32 Between Hill Top Lookout and Rocky Bar Gap the views of Mount Sonder open out to a full 360 degrees.54 Redbank Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges is the base for the final section. It lies 156 km west of Alice Springs, and its pool is a walk of 2 km, roughly 1.5 hours return.55,56 There is no camping on the summit of Mt Sonder, only at Redbank Gorge.42

Pick your Larapinta

How much of the trail is right for you?

Start from the time and fitness you have.

  • If I have a single day

    Walk Mount Sonder

    About 6 hours return, and no walker fee as a day walk.14,49

  • If I want the hardest views

    Section 5

    Razorback Ridge is spectacular and one of the most difficult sections.25,26

  • If I want comfort

    A guided trek

    Guided six-day walks stay in camps with hot showers and camp cooks.46,48

  • If I am coming in summer

    Short dawn walks only

    From October to March trekking is highly discouraged.50

  • If I want the whole thing

    Plan 12 to 15 days

    Official estimates run from approximately 12 days to 10 to 15 days.44,51

Three ways to walk it

End to end, guided or by the day

Self-guided

End to end alone

Self-sufficient

  • TimeAbout 12 days44
  • FeeAUD 25 a day, capped at AUD 1256
  • Water16 tanks45
See this trip

Guided

Guided trek

Camps and cooks

  • LengthSix-day walks46
  • SeasonApril to September47
  • ComfortHot showers, camp cooks48
See this trip

Listing

Camping tour with Mt Sonder

3 days by 4WD

  • Length3 days
  • Walks2 to 15 km
  • Pricefrom $627
See this trip

Mount Sonder at sunrise

Section 12 is Mount Sonder itself, starting and ending at Redbank Gorge.88 The summit is 1,380 m above sea level, with views across the ranges and plains.80 Its official grade is grade 4, moderate to difficult.112 The mountain is known as Rutjupma, the pregnant lady, to the Western Arrernte, for whom it is sacred.96 Walker fees are not payable for Mt Sonder as a day walk.49

Tourism Central Australia breaks the climb into stages. From the Redbank Gorge carpark to the saddle is 1 hour and 1.6 km, and from the saddle to the summit 2.5 hours and 5.5 km.12 The whole return comes to 6 hours and 14.2 km.14 For sunrise, get on the trail by 3:30 am to allow about 2.5 to 3 hours for the climb.11 Winter sunrise usually falls between 6:40 am and 7:20 am.13

Tourism NT calls the summit views at dawn worth a 2am wake-up call.113 A night climb needs a high-quality head torch.114 Winter climbers may meet gale-force winds, fog or cloud, so carry a warm windproof layer.115 Near the summit round-leafed mallee and native pine take over, and Wedge-tailed eagles and Peregrine falcons ride the updraughts around the top.116,117

Mount Sonder for sunrise

The climb from Redbank Gorge, stage by stage

  1. Night before

    Camp at Redbank

    Camping is only at the two campsites at Redbank Gorge.10

  2. Start

    Leave the carpark

    Be on the trail by 3:30 am for sunrise.11

  3. First hour

    Up to the saddle

    1 hour and 1.6 km from the carpark.12

  4. Summit

    Rutjupma's top

    2.5 hours and 5.5 km from the saddle.12

  5. Dawn

    Watch the light

    Winter sunrise comes between 6:40 am and 7:20 am.13

  6. Return

    Back to the carpark

    The whole return is 6 hours and 14.2 km.14

Season, fees, food drops and water

Timing is the first decision. Rangers service the campsites and water only from April to September.5 Central Australia has extreme heat from October through to March, a serious risk to hikers with high bushfire danger.52 In that period trail sites and water are not maintained, commercial operations are suspended and trekking is highly discouraged.50 Walk in the cool months, or keep to short day walks at dawn.

Overnight walkers pay. The walking fee is AUD 25 per day, capped at AUD 125 per person for multi-day treks, while day hikes are free.6 Anyone staying out overnight books trail use and campsites online in advance.105 Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge are 3 private sites booked directly with the provider.118 Mobile reception is patchy, so make every booking before you leave town.119

Food and water need planning. Food storage rooms are at Ellery Creek South, Serpentine Gorge and Ormiston Gorge, and Standley Chasm offers food drops on request.120 Keys cost AUD 60 on collection, with AUD 50 refunded on return.106 Boxes must be collected within seven days of the labelled pick-up date.121 There are 16 water tanks along the trail, and the water should be boiled, treated or filtered.45,108

Video

Walking the whole Larapinta Trail alone

Laura Waddell on YouTube · The clip loads only after you tap play.

Central Australia experiences extreme heat conditions from October through to March, which can pose a serious risk to hikers and result in high bushfire danger.
Tourism Central Australia52

Trek planning

A Larapinta checklist

Before you leave town3

  • Book multi-day trail use and campsites online105
  • Collect a food storage key, AUD 60 with AUD 50 back106
  • Buy the trail information pack with section maps107

On the trail4

  • Boil, treat or filter tank water108
  • Walk in a group of 3 or more109
  • Carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon110
  • Pack a warm layer, nights can be freezing111

Guided treks, going alone and West MacDonnell Ranges hiking by the day

How long the full trail takes depends on who you ask. Tourism NT says approximately 12 days.44 Tourism Central Australia gives 14 days minimum on one page and usually 10 to 15 days on another.122,51 Going alone, you need to be self-sufficient, carrying your own food and camping gear.123 Walk in a group of 3 or more, and write in the logbook at each trailhead so rangers can trace your movements.109,124

Guided treks carry the load for you. World Expeditions offers fully guided six-day walks, and Australian Walking Company offers six days with guides and a private eco-camp in the park.46,125 Tourism NT describes guided walks staying in three luxury safari camps with hot showers and camp cooks.48 Trek Larapinta was set up in 1998, eight years after the trail first opened.126 Fully guided and catered tours run between April and September.47

For most visitors, West MacDonnell Ranges hiking means day walks, and Tourism NT notes that most of the trail's highlights are reached on day walks from picnic and camping areas.7 Walk a stretch from Standley Chasm, the Ormiston Pound loop or Mount Sonder from Redbank. The site's day trip has short walks at Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek, chosen to suit all ages and fitness levels. Carry a satellite phone or beacon on any longer walk.110

Staying safe between trailheads

The trail is remote, and the official advice is practical. When days are hot, walk in the early morning or late afternoon and pack a warm layer for nights that can be freezing.111 Summer bushwalkers should also carry a fly net, wear long socks and pack a snake bandage in a small first-aid kit.127 On forecasts above 36 degrees celsius, some tracks are closed outright.128

Water and weather can turn quickly. In a flood, head to high ground and never try to cross the water.129 Usually dry creek beds are where flash floods run, so do not camp in them when storms are about. Carry at least the water you need to reach the next tank, and never count on one tank alone to see you through.

Tell someone your plan before every section. Tourism NT advises a satellite phone or personal locator beacon and letting friends or rangers know where you are going.110 Fill in the trailhead logbooks without fail.124 For walkers in a group, Tourism Central Australia's rule of 3 or more lets one person stay with an injured walker while another fetches help.109

FAQ

Quick questions get quick answers.

How long is the Larapinta Trail?
231 km or 223 km, by source.

Tourism NT gives 231 km and Tourism Central Australia 223 km, in 12 sections.1,2,3

When is the best time to walk it?
April to September.

Campsites and water are serviced only from April to September, and October to March brings extreme heat.5,52

How much does it cost to walk?
AUD 25 a day for overnighters.

The fee is capped at AUD 125 per person, and day hikes are free.6

Is there water on the trail?
Yes, in tanks.

There are 16 water tanks along the trail; treat the water before drinking.45,108

How long does Mount Sonder take?
About 6 hours return.

The return walk from Redbank Gorge is 14.2 km and takes about 6 hours.14

Can I camp on top of Mount Sonder?
No.

Camping is only at the two designated campsites at Redbank Gorge.10

Do I need a guide?
No, but you need a plan.

Guided tours are available; otherwise go well equipped and notify the authorities.130

Sources

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  2. Tourism Central Australia · Everything you need to know about the Larapinta Trail ↩
  3. Tourism NT · Larapinta Trail ↩
  4. Tourism NT · Larapinta Trail ↩
  5. Tourism Central Australia · Larapinta Trail ↩
  6. Tourism Central Australia · Everything you need to know about the Larapinta Trail ↩
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  8. Tourism NT · Insider guide to hiking the Larapinta Trail ↩
  9. Tourism NT · Larapinta Trail ↩
  10. Tourism Central Australia · A Guide to Hiking Mount Sonder ↩
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Related guides

More to read before the ranges

GuideWest MacDonnell Ranges tours: half day, full day, pricesGuideWest Macs, East Macs or Kings CanyonGuideDriving the West MacDonnell Ranges yourselfGuideOne, two or three days in the West Macs

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