The Larapinta Trail »

General Information »

The Larapinta Trail is an extended bushwalking track running west from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme). It was completed in 2002, and its 232 kilometres are fast gaining a reputation for offering one of the finest walking experiences in the world.

The steep red slopes of the West MacDonnell Ranges rise dramatically from the Central Australian desert. They typify the rugged landscapes of the Red Centre with the changing hues of their mountain peaks, rolling hills and dry river valleys made famous in the paintings of Albert Namatjira.

The Larapinta Trail provides an unequalled opportunity to experience this living desert landscape and take in its special wild and remote places. It crosses a variety of terrain, from high ridgelines to sheltered gorges and is home to many of the arid zone's rare plants. It also links the well known visitor attractions along the Ranges where walkers can join or leave the Trail.

 

Campfires and the Trail »

Due to large bushfires caused by mismanagement of campfires by walkers and non-walkers, there is a total fire ban on the Larapinta Trail.

Please adhere to the total fire ban, as this will help with regeneration of affected areas, provide a good balance of natural habitat and promote the future well-being of the Park.

Trek Larapinta camps in areas where fires are permitted, and our firewood is sourced from outside the Park. We are actively involved in replanting trees on private land for future use of firewood, and we also work at keeping our use of firewood to a minimum.

 

Larapinta Trail Gradings »

The Macdonnell Ranges are quite high by Australian standards, and the Larapinta Trail goes above 1000 metres 7 times along its length, from a base altitude of 600m. Mt. Sonder is 1380m. Many sections rise from the gorges to the ridgetops and back. This is reflected in the kilometres per day recommended. Do not underestimate the trail or the time needed.

Two sections of the trail (1 and 10) are Class 3 standard, according to Australian Trail Standards (AS2156), and are suitable for inexperienced walkers with moderate fitness. A minimum of bush walking skills is required as the trail surface is cleared, relatively even and well signposted with gentle slopes.

In class 4 Sections 2,3, 7,8 11 and 12, moderate fitness and bush walking skills are required. The track is distinct, but has some steep slopes with little surface modification, and it can be loose and rocky underfoot.

Sections 4, 5, 6 and 9 are all Class 5. The trail is remote, may be indistinct at times, with steep unmodified surfaces and requires good general fitness and bush walking experience. Signage may be limited. A high degree of self reliance is required for water, first aid, and communication.

There is no mobile phone footprint on most of the Trail.

 

Larapinta Trail Transfers for Independent Walkers »

Trek Larapinta can organise transfers for independent walkers. Please contact us for details.

Please feel free to contact us in regards to transfers to the more remote and obscure Larapinta Trail areas (such as Birthday Waterhole, Hugh Gorge and Jay Creek), as these areas are not serviced by other transfer companies. We are also happy to talk with people about providing semi-supported services on the Larapinta Trail.

Thanks, Trek Larapinta.

 

See our |  Larapinta Trail Tours

See our |  Birdwatching & Other Tours