Larapinta Trail Itineraries: Ultimate Guide to Hikes & Tips

Q: Can I do the Larapinta Trail in a day?

Yes, you can do shorter sections in a day like Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm or Mount Sonder summit, but the whole trail will take multiple days.

Q: Do I need to carry water?

Yes, you should always carry plenty of water. Some areas have water tanks but it’s always best to carry several litres of water with you at all times.

Q: What should I pack for the Larapinta Trail?

Must-haves are a weighted day pack, tent, sleeping bag, muesli bars, food caches, rain jacket and first aid kit. Refer to your packing list before you depart for a safe and enjoyable journey.

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most famous long-distance hikes, 223 km through the rugged Red Centre of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Whether you want a short day walk or a multi-day adventure, the trail has something for all levels of hikers. With diverse terrain, stunning views and deep cultural significance the Larapinta Trail is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. This guide has suggested itineraries for one day walks to the full end-to-end journey so you can plan a hike to suit your fitness level, time frame and personal preferences.

One Day Walks

If you’re short on time or new to the trail there are several one-day walks with stunning scenery and manageable distance. Some of the best options are:

Simpsons Gap (Section 1): An easy 17 km walk from Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap with views of the surrounding ranges and local wildlife.
Standley Chasm (Section 3): A short but sweet 4 km return walk to one of the most famous landmarks on the trail, best viewed around midday.
Ormiston Pound Walk (Section 9): A 7 km circuit with panoramic views, a natural amphitheatre and a waterhole.

Two Day Itineraries

If you have a weekend to spare, a two-day trek allows you to get deeper into the landscape and camp overnight. Recommended routes are:

Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap: Do Section 1 over two days and enjoy the views at your own pace and camp at Wallaby Gap.
Serpentine Gorge to Ormiston Gorge (Sections 7 and 8): A more challenging but rewarding trek through the gorges with camping at Waterfall Gorge.

Two to Three-Day Itineraries

A longer itinerary is perfect for those who want to taste the remoteness of the Larapinta Trail. Suggested options:

Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge (Sections 5 and 6): A stunning route with red cliffs, sandy creek beds and waterholes, perfect for a two to three-day adventure.
Standley Chasm to Hugh Gorge (Sections 3 and 4): A tough but stunning route with the most rugged and beautiful scenery on the trail.

Two to Four-Day Itineraries

If you want to go on an extended trip without doing the whole trail consider these options:

Ormiston Gorge to Redbank Gorge (Sections 9-12): A popular trip to the highest peak in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Mt. Sonder, with sunrise views.
Jay Creek to Ellery Creek (Sections 2-5): A varied trip with open plains, narrow gorges and Indigenous cultural sites.

Four to Five-Day Itineraries

This length is good for intermediate hikers wanting a bit of challenge and scenery. Notable options:

Serpentine Gorge to Redbank Gorge (7-12): Tough but scenic hike to the top of Mt. Sonder.
Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm (1-3): Good mix of landscapes, Aboriginal sites, and campsites.

Five to Six-Day Itineraries

For a longer but still doable trek these itineraries cover a good chunk of the trail:

Ellery Creek to Ormiston Gorge (5-9): Moderate hike with ridge lines and secluded waterholes.
Hugh Gorge to Redbank Gorge (4-12): Rugged and remote section, for experienced hikers with good navigation skills.

Six to Seven-Day Itineraries

For a week-long adventure these routes show the best of the Larapinta Trail:

Simpsons Gap to Ormiston Gorge (1-9): This is an Extended hike with a good balance of tough climbs and scenery.
Serpentine Gorge to Redbank Gorge, including Mt Sonder Summit (7-12): This is a Thrilling and varied hike to one of the best views in Central Australia.

Challenging Itineraries

Some of the tougher sections of the Larapinta Trail, like the hike to Mt. Sonder and Razorback Ridge, are for experienced hikers with high fitness levels. Expect rough terrain, loose rock, uneven surfaces and water crossings. These sections require good navigation and planning, including food drops and access to water. The views and true wilderness make these sections unforgettable.

End to End

The Larapinta Trail End-to-End is one of Australia’s most iconic hikes. For experienced hikers, this is the opportunity to fully experience Central Australia. From Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder, this takes up to 2 weeks to complete. The trail is rough, steep and remote with dry camping. Trail heads at Wallaby Gap and Millers Flat are starting points for hikers but you need to plan ahead for food boxes and supplies. Along the way you will see some of the most spectacular views in the outback, the Glen Helen Gorge and the creek beds near Serpentine Chalet Dam.

Guided vs Self Guided

When hiking the Larapinta Trail you have the option of guided or self-guided. A guided tour provides a more relaxed experience with expert trail guides who will tell you about the natural and cultural history of the area. These tours also provide logistics like food drops, water tanks and camp kitchen setups at key campsites like Waterfall Gorge and Hugh Gorge. Independent hikers may prefer the freedom of a self-guided trek but this requires more preparation, packing lists, food caches and making sure you have access to clean water.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike the Larapinta Trail is during the cooler months May to September. These months are more manageable with cooler nights and mild days perfect for hiking in the outback. Summer is extremely hot with temperatures over 40°C so it’s best to avoid hiking during the hotter months as heat exhaustion is a real concern.

Essential Tips for Hiking

Fitness Level: What’s your fitness level? From moderate to challenging, the Larapinta Trail has something for everyone.
Water: Carry at least 3 litres of water per person per day. Water sources are scarce. Pack a water bladder and consider a lightweight refillable water bottle.
Camping Gear: Lightweight tent, sleeping bag and all the essentials. Camp kitchen supplies like gas barbecues are available in some areas, but be prepared for dry camps with no amenities.
Trail Conditions: Rocky mountainous terrain and uneven paths. Hiking poles and sturdy footwear with aggressive tread are a must.
Emergency Supplies: First aid kit, sunscreen and rain jacket. Conditions can change quickly. Consider purchasing carbon credits or supporting a carbon project developer as part of your adventure purchase.