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> Attractions
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The Larapinta Trail Situated in the heart of Central Australia, the Larapinta Trail extends over 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This exciting long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections, each a 1-2 day walk. The Trail encompasses some of the key attractions of the Ranges including Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. The Trail also links in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips to explore more of what the Park has to offer. The Larapinta Trail begins at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station and meanders through many gaps and sheltered gorges, climbs steeply over the rugged ranges, and has numerous stunning views and opportunities to photograph or admire the spectacular landscape. The Trail takes in a variety of desert habitats before rewarding walkers with 360° vistas from Mt Sonder – the highest point and end of the Trail. Each section is accessible to vehicles (some by high clearance 4WD only), so you can join or leave the Trail at any of the Trailheads. You can tailor your walking experience by choosing sections of interest to you and length of time you have to spend on the Trail. The Trail itself is made up of a range of grades catering for hikers of varying abilities. All walkers on the Trail need to have a good level of fitness and must be well prepared and equipped. Camping out under a sea of stars in the outback is a highlight of the Trail experience. Although they vary, most camp sites offer picnic tables and hardened tent sites – all Trailheads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. Whatever your motivation for walking the Trail...the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the inspiration, the challenge or the window it provides to the varied and fragile ecology…the beauty and grandeur of the Larapinta Trail will leave a lasting impression long after your visit to Central Australia. Walking The Trail The Trail is primarily intended to appeal to trekkers: people who are not wilderness or "map and compass" bushwalkers but nevertheless are capable and prepared to carry reasonable loads and camp out. The entire Trail will be passable to this type of walker. However, some sections are designed to slightly higher standards with additional facilities, in order to be attractive to people with less bushwalking experience. Section 1 of the Trail, from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station west to Simpsons Gap, is one such section. Walkers can join or leave the Trail at a number of points accessible to motor vehicles at regular intervals along its route. In effect, the Trail comprises a series of shorter sections, each a one or two day walk. In this way people can choose the length of time spent on the Trail. Overnight Walker Registration Scheme The Parks and Wildlife Service provides an Overnight Walker Registration Scheme to assist in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable walk. To register phone: 1300 650 730. Section Descriptions Section 1 ( Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap) is a 24 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is suitable for people of average fitness, used to walking long distances, with some steep ascents. Section 1 provides superb views over Alice Springs and the surrounding lowlands, as well as good bird watching opportunities. Section 2 (Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek) is a 25 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is suitable for people of average fitness, used to walking long distances, with some steep ascents. Some of the highlights for this section include passing through the home of one of the few Brushtail Possum colonies in Central Australia and exploring a landscape of rock outcrops over 2 000 million years old. Section 3 (Jay Creek to Standley Chasm) is a 14 km section of the Larapinta Trail and is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. This section is quite a challenging walk, through some of the steepest and most rugged country in the ranges. The low route is available to those with an average level of fitness. Section 4 (Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole) is an 18 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. The Trail follows the high quartzite ridges of the Chewings Range to the summit of Brinkley Bluff where walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. Steeply descending from the Bluff, the Trail enters Stuart’s Pass, an upper branch of the Hugh River. It then follows this river valley to Birthday Waterhole. Section 5 (Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge) is a 16 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. This challenging section of the Trail passes through Spencer Gorge, negotiates the spine of Razorback Ridge and then travels down narrow Linear Valley to the junction with the Hugh River. The Trail follows natural watercourses and it may be necessary to negotiate pools of water within Hugh Gorge. Section 6 (Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek) is a 31 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is only suitable for well-prepared, experienced walkers with a good level of fitness and capable of walking long distances. This section traverses across the Alice Valley from Hugh Gorge, in the Chewings Range, to Ellery Creek Big Hole in the Heavitree Range. It is one of the longest and most difficult sections of the Larapinta Trail. Section 7 (Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge) is a 14 km section of the Larapinta Trail and is suitable for people of average fitness, used to walking long distances, with some steep ascents. The sharp rocks on the first part of the Trail can be hard on tender feet but it provides the opportunity to learn something of the long geological history of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The abundance of birds, including the elusive Spinifexbird, is another highlight. Section 8 (Serpentine Gorge to the Ochre Pits) is a 20 km section of the Larapinta Trail and is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). Section 9 (Ochre Pits to Ormiston Gorge) is a 30 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail. It is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Trail taking you into the rugged heart of the range country. There is no reliable surface water along the way, so people contemplating this section must be prepared to carry a heavy pack with a considerable amount of drinking water. Section 10 (Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen) is a 13 km section of the Larapinta Trail that can easily be walked in a day. It is suitable for people of average fitness, used to walking long distances, with some steep ascents. This is one of the shorter sections of the Larapinta Trail. This section winds through rolling limestone hills at the headwaters of the Finke River, one of the world’s oldest rivers. Section 11 (Glen Helen to Redbank Gorge) is a 29 km overnight section of the Larapinta Trail and is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. The first part of the Trail meanders across low Spinifex-covered hills with the spectacular backdrop of Mt Sonder, then crosses the Davenport River and climbs to a hilltop lookout. It descends to shady, tranquil Rocky Bar Gap, at the foot of Mt Sonder, passes through this gap and travels along the southern flank of Mt Sonder to Redbank Creek. Section 12 (Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder and back) is a 16 km return section of the Larapinta Trail and is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. The arduous climb to the peak is well worth the effort and walkers will be rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. Ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes create magnificent vistas. This is a place to experience the grandeur of the desert landscape. Walking Track Grades for the Larapinta Trail Easy - a generally well-formed, mostly
level track (suitable for most people who walk occasionally)
Safety on the Trail Safety should be your first priority when walking the Larapinta Trail. Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, how much water you need to carry, how you will get to and from your start/finish point, what you will do in an emergency and current weather conditions. Your survival depends on careful planning, having the right supplies and knowing your limits. Extreme Conditions Typical conditions in May, June, July and August are clear sunny days often with a chilly breeze. You will require warm clothes - thermal wear is a good option, warm hat/beanie, and a good quality sleeping bag (at least -5 °C rating). Outside of these months expect warm to very hot conditions. Parks and Wildlife recommend planning your walk between April and October.
Average daily maximum and minimum temperatures (1940-2004) Bureau of Meteorology. Temperatures can exceed well above and below those mentioned. Water Carry and drink an adequate amount of water, take into consideration the weather conditions; distance to be walked; exertion involved; and your physical capabilities. Also allow enough for cooking and emergencies. Drink water regularly, do not wait until you are thirsty as thirst is one of the early signs of dehydration. Even if you are walking in mild conditions, you will still need to drink water regularly. Log Books For your safety it is essential that you write in all log books located at the Trailheads. This will assist Park Rangers to determine your location in an emergency. Overnight Walker Registration Scheme In the case of an emergency this voluntary scheme could save your life. Registering with the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme will ensure a search is conducted if you fail to return at your designated time. Carry relevant pamphlets and maps You shouldn’t have to use a compass on the Trail, however it is essential that walkers have the appropriate section maps and pamphlets. These will provide you with basic safety information, walking times, trail notes and geographic details. It is also recommended walkers carry the 1:250 000 topographic sheets (Alice Springs SF 53-14 and Hermannsburg SF 53-13) to assist in planning in the advent of an emergency. The maps can be purchased from the Map Shop (Level One, Alice Springs Plaza, Todd Mall, Ph: (08) 8951 9200), or from Geoscience Australia. Don’t walk alone Plan to walk with 2 or 3 other people. In the case of an emergency this will enable 1 person to stay with the casualty and 1 preferably 2 people to go for help. Be prepared for an emergency In addition to the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme it is a good idea to carry a satellite phone or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). There is very limited mobile phone service on the Trail (CDMA). Also carry a well stocked first aid kit. Larapinta Trail Package The Larapinta Trail package is available at a cost of $44 including GST. It contains 12 section maps with full Trail notes printed on virtually rip proof and water proof paper (packaged in a durable plastic pocket); a poster sized map of the entire Trail; fact sheets on safety, logistics and caring for the Trail; a bumper sticker and a Central Australian Visitor Guide. To order your copy speak to your Northern Gateway Holidays consultant.
For more information Parks and Wildlife Service NT
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