Larapinta Trail suggested itineraries – the question I get asked all the time when people find out I’ve done this 223 km stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges more than once – they just want the bottom line. When? Which bits? Which way? How tough is it really?
I’m Oleksandr Honcharenko, and I’ve walked the whole of the Larapinta, bit by bit and once with a backpack that was a bit too heavy for my own good. This isn’t a glossy brochure version – it’s how you actually plan a trip in the Northern Territory without getting fried by the heat or underestimating that ridge.
The trail runs from Alice Springs Telegraph Station right the way to Mount Sonder at Yarretyeke / Redbank Gorge in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. It’s split into 12 sections and managed by NT Parks.
The Trail in All Its Glory - Before You Plan
Before you even start locking in dates and booking a bunk at Alice Lodge Backpackers, you really need to understand this is the real Australian Outback – boulders, rock scrambling, exposed ridges and dehydration risks.
The trail crosses Arrernte Country and passes landmarks like Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Serpentine Gorge. Stay on track and respect sacred land guidelines.
What You Need to Know About the Route
- Total Distance: about 223 km
- Sections: 12
- Typical Time: 12–16 days
- Difficulty: challenging hiking trail
- Terrain: rocky climbs and ridgelines
You’ll pass places like Jay Creek, Serpentine Chalet Dam, Hugh Gorge Waterhole, and the Finke River.
The Weather Reality
What Direction Should You Hike?
Most hikers go east to west because:
- Gradual difficulty build-up
- Best highlights appear progressively
- Mount Sonder sunrise finish
- Easier logistics from Alice Springs
This route includes Standley Chasm, Brinkley Bluff, and Serpentine Gap.
West to East: An Alternative
Starting at Redbank Gorge offers quieter early days and finishes near Alice Springs amenities.
One Day Walks: For When Time's Tight
Not everyone can commit to a whole self-guided trek, and that’s alright. The good news is that some of the best bits of the terrain can be tackled in day-sized chunks.
Top One-Day Options
- Section 10 – Ormiston Gorge to Finke River — A classic ridge walk with stunning views, and you get to pass by the Mount Giles Lookout — it’s a must-do.
- Section 12 – Mount Sonder Summit Return — A 15.8km return trip from Redbank Gorge. Warning: start early, and don’t forget your hiking poles.
- Section 3 – Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm — A manageable section linking two of the most-visited gorges.
And then there are these shorter, but just as scenic walks:
- Ellery Creek Big Hole
- Serpentine Gorge
- Hugh Gorge Waterhole
- Wallaby Gap
You’ll spot all sorts of wildlife — like those Rock wallabies — near rocky outcrops and the ghost gums that line the creek beds in areas like Ghost Gum Flat.
End To End: The Full 12-Section Deal
Conquering all 12 sections is no joke — you’re looking at a serious undertaking. A 14-day itinerary with a bit of a buffer is probably the way to go.
Sample 14-Day Itinerary
| Day | Section | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section 1 | 13.8 km | Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap |
| 2 | Section 2 | 24 km | Through Jay Creek |
| 3 | Section 3 | 13.4 km | Finish at Standley Chasm |
| 4 | Section 4 | 23 km | Brinkley Bluff via Birthday Waterhole |
| 5 | Section 5 | 17 km | Ridge walking continues |
| 6 | Section 6 | 30 km | Longest section, heavy water carries |
| 7 | Rest | — | Ormiston Gorge recovery |
| 8 | Section 7 | 13.8 km | Through Serpentine Gorge |
| 9 | Section 8 | 26.8 km | Remote feel near Hermit’s Hideaway |
| 10 | Section 9 | 28.8 km | Big day toward the west |
| 11 | Section 10 | 24.7 km | Near Finke River |
| 12 | Section 11 | 9 km | Transition |
| 13 | Section 12 | 15.8 km | Mount Sonder summit |
| 14 | Contingency Day | — | Weather buffer |
Key camps include Mulga Camp, Miller’s Flat Campground, and areas near Serpentine Chalet.
Food Drops & Support
Independent hikers organise food drops or use companies like Larapinta Trail Trek Support. Many prefer the freedom of hiking on their own terms.
My pack weighed a 24 kg when I left Tangentyere Junction with emergency supplies, lightweight food, and an extra water load. I considered the Bibbulmun Track in WA, but also thought about the Heysen Trail in SA — Australia doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being flat.
Best Sections If You Can’t Do It All
Section 4 & 5 – Brinkley Bluff & Razorback Ridge
This is arguably the most dramatic part of the walk on the whole trail. You’ve got steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, some pretty serious rock scrambling and views that just go on and on across the Heavitree Range.
Section 10 – Ormiston Gorge to Finke River
Just your standard, classic West MacDonnell scenery with some great ridgeline walking to boot.
Section 12 – Mount Sonder
And then there’s the finish – Mount Sonder looming above Yarretyeke / Redbank Gorge.
The Hardest Section
Most hikers reckon Section 4 between Standley Chasm and Birthday Waterhole via Brinkley Bluff is the toughest.
So why is this bit so nasty?
- The climb to Brinkley Bluff is basically a killer
- Long stretches of exposed ridgeline
- You’ll need to be careful with your foot placement
- And to top it all off, you’ll have to carry water for a while
1,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain is easily exceeded. And the terrain? Bouldery and unforgiving to say the least.
I once made the mistake of underestimating the water carry in this section – my Garmin InReach went silent, but my brain was doing all the screaming: “Carry more water than you think you need”.
Best Time To Hike
The best time to do this trek is from May to August.
A Seasonal Guide
- May-June: Ideal temperatures and stable conditions all round
- July: Cold nights and peak season – it’s a bit chilly but pretty straightforward
- August: It’s starting to warm up, but it’s still manageable
But be warned: September to April is a no-go unless you’re an experienced hiker. The heat in the Australian Outback can quickly turn nasty.
You know, people think the cold is the biggest problem, but trust me, there have been mornings when I’ve woken up to frost near Serpentine Gap. Yeah, desert climate swings can be pretty extreme.
Tips For Not Getting Yourself Killed
Fitness is not the only thing you need to succeed – planning is key.
Water, Water, Everywhere
- Carry at least 4-6 litres of water per day
- Check with NT Parks about the water tank status
- Don’t bother relying on natural water sources – they’re not always reliable
Essential Gear
- Good sturdy boots or reliable trail shoes – don’t skimp on these
- Hiking poles for those descents
- Sun protection – we’re talking hat, long sleeves and the works
- A detailed map or GPX track to keep you on track
- A head torch for that epic Mount Sonder sunrise
- And just to be on the safe side, a Personal Location Beacon (PLB)
Mobile reception is patchy to non-existent, so don’t assume you can just give someone a call if you need help.
Know Your Terrain
Expect to deal with:
- Rock scrambling
- Loose stone on the descents
- Long exposed sections
- Dry creek crossings
The biggest risk is heat exhaustion – so pace yourself sensibly.
Costs & Budget Planning
The Larapinta Trail is pretty affordable compared to some of the other long-distance tracks, but it’s not free.
Basic Budget (Approximate AUD)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| NT Parks Pass | $30–$60 |
| Food (14 days) | $300–$500 |
| Shuttle Transfers | $200–$500 |
| Food Drop Support | $100–$300 |
| Guided Tour | $2,500–$4,000+ |
Fuel and logistics in and around Alice Springs can really add up. Set aside a bit for emergency supplies, and hopefully you won’t need the extra cash – but it’s always good to have a contingency day set aside for when things go wrong.
Final Thoughts
The Larapinta Trail is one that’s going to reward hikers who’ve done their homework – preparation and a healthy dose of humility are key. Work out your itinerary, keep the heat in mind, sort out your food drops carefully, and bring an extra litre or two of water – because optimism only takes you so far.
Whether you go it alone or go through a supported tour with an operator like Australia Tours, the landscape doesn’t change: it’s basically raw, vast and honest.
Every time I stand on Mount Sonder, gazing out over the West MacDonnell Ranges, I feel like I’ve been given a bit of a wake-up call. The Outback has a way of doing that to people.
FAQ
Is The Larapinta Trail Tougher Than The Jatbula Trail?
Do You Need Special Gear?
Are There Any Reliable Water Sources?
Most of the sections rely on water tanks, which have been installed, but make sure you double-check their status before you set off on your hike.
