FAQ about the Larapinta Trail & things to do in Alice Springs »

Larapinta Trail: general information

Q: What does Larapinta mean? Or where does the Trail get its name?

In Western Arrernte (pronounced AH-run-dah), Lhere means "river" and pirnte means "salt". Lhere-pirnte means "salty river" and is the traditional name for the Finke River, one of the oldest watercourses on the earth.

We see this river from some of the ridges on the Trail and, in some of the later sections, we cross it on our path. And, sometimes, we camp near one of its permanent waterholes, in beds of sand worn down from these old hills.

 

Q: How long is the Larapinta Trail?

It is officially 223km from its starting point at Alice Springs to its end point at the summit of Mt Sonder in the West MacDonnell Ranges. However, we think it's total length is 231km, provided you want to get back down Mt Sonder to the car waiting below!

 

Q: What is the terrain like on the Larapinta Trail?

There is a mix of creek-bed walking, gorge walking, steep ascents and descents and more gently undulating country ("undulating" is a word you may get sick of us saying!).

However, overall, the Larapinta Trail is most renouned for its rough and rocky surfaces. (The Larapinta Trail is rocky. Rocky is the Larapinta Trail ...!)

Each trip has a different grade, which reflects the type of walking encountered on that tour. Grades and fitness levels for each trip are described briefly on the respective tour page and in more detail in the tour itineraries, which can be downloaded from the tour pages.

 

Q: Is the Larapinta Trail rocky?

Yes. Yes, it is rocky.

 

Q: What are the temperatures like? Or what's the climate on the Larapita Trail?

April and September are generally warmer throughout the day but have cool nights. The cooler months (May through to August) are near-perfect for bushwalking. We can get very cold conditions in the mornings or up on the ridge tops, so be prepared! It can also drop to zero-or-below at night, so it doesn't hurt to bring your ugg boots (or thermals, gloves, beanie and general stash of warm clothes).

There's also a chart of average temperatures on the Larapinta Trail information page.

 

Q: Will my mobile phone work on the Larapinta Trail?

There is no reception on the Larapinta Trail, except for limited reception on some of the high ridges.

 

 

 

Q: What else is there to do in Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is a rich cross-cultural outback town and, at times, just sitting in the Todd Mall can bring an enlightening experience.

But we can also recommend:
Nature and Wildlife: the Alice Springs Desert Park, Olive Pink Cafe & Botanic Gardens, The Reptile Centre
Art Galleries: Araluen Cultural Precinct, the various galleries in Alice Springs CBD
Local history: Royal Flying Doctor Service (with cafe), the School of the Air, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Road Transport Hall of Fame, a tour with Tailormade Tours

Other beautiful places in Central Australia: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (King's Canyon), Palm Valley
*please note: these "other beautiful places" are a reasonable distance from Alice Springs ... if you plan to visit them, be sure to allow yourself an extra day or two ... or five.

 

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