Welcome to the Larapinta Trail – where every step is a journey through ancient landscapes, and the very essence of the land seems to whisper its tales to those who explore it. It’s one of the best things to do in West MacDonnell National Park, and that’s saying a lot considering what this incredible nature-filled park offers.
Whether you take a day hike, head out for a few days, or attempt the entire trail on a 15-day journey, it’s a journey that takes you through some of the most stunning and untouched landscapes of the Northern Territory. See why this is, without a doubt, one of the best hikes in Australia.
Want to know all about planning your trip to West MacDonnell NP? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Exploring The Larapinta Trail
Imagine walking in the footsteps of the Arrernte people, traversing ochre-hued deserts, swimming in gorges and scaling dramatic mountain ridges.
In July 2022, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure over seven days across the ridge tops and down into the gorges of the Larapinta Trail.
We hope this inspires you to explore this fantastic area.
When is The Best Time to Hike Larapinta Trail?
The Larapinta Trail has a desert climate, with hot days and cold nights.
Hiking is most comfortable during the cooler months of the dry season (May to October).
About The Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail stretches for approximately 223 kilometres across the West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia’s Northern Territory and is divided into 12 sections.
Section 1 begins 4 kilometres outside Alice Springs at the Old Telegraph Station. The entire trail takes typically around 12 to 14 days, depending on your pace.
Expect to ascend and descend approximately 5,000 metres throughout the trail, with Mount Sonder (also known as “Rwetyepme”) the highest peak, at 1,380 metres above sea level.
The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including rocky ridges, deep gorges, open plains, dry river beds and stunning mountain vistas. It crosses the traditional lands of the Arrernte Aboriginal people and holds great cultural significance.
How Do I Get to Larapinta Trail?
Alice Springs is most easily reached by plane, via Alice Springs Airport, which has direct flights from Darwin and major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
From the airport or town centre, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or hire a car to access the trailheads.
It’s also possible to drive to Alice Springs. But because of its remote location, it can take 14-15 hours. Train and bus options are also available.
For your pre-and post-hike nights, check out Alice Springs Hotels like the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs for a bit of luxury before heading out into the wilderness.
Tackling The Trail
You can tackle the trail in many ways, including small unguided groups, solo self-supported, or guided hikes.
We chose a guided hike with a base camp with 100% Finke River Culture and Adventure. This meant we stayed in one camp and were driven to the trailhead each morning, hiked, and were then picked up and driven back to camp each afternoon.
In 7 days, we completed sections 1 to 7, totalling around 140 kilometres, or over half of the trail.
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A Guided Hiking Adventure
The Larapinta Trail is on the bucket list of many hikers. When you add the expertise and cultural insights of a guided group, the experience becomes truly exceptional.
It isn’t just about conquering the trail; it’s about delving deep into the heart of the Australian outback and connecting with its rich history and culture.
All The Essentials
Groups like 100% FRCAA provide everything you need at base camp:
- tents with stretcher beds
- hot showers
- toilets
- all your meals.
Small Group Camaraderie
Our team on the trails consisted of myself and Mark, my brother Peter, his partner Leanne, Sisters Leanne and Tanya, husband and wife Serene and Tom, their brother-in-law Zac, and our guide Bart.
Our support crew was the fantastic Al, Kate and Troy.
Hiking with a small group of like-minded adventurers fosters a sense of camaraderie that enhances the experience.
We laughed, shared stories, lent each other a hand when needed and celebrated the triumphs of conquering not only the trail together but many personal challenges along the way.
We started as a group of strangers and left as lifelong friends.
A Must-Do in West MacDonnell National Park
Whether you tackle a few sections, the whole lot, go alone, or join a guided group walk, this hike will not disappoint!
Note: You must purchase a park visitor pass for the West MacDonnell Ranges at Park pass | NT.GOV.AU or at the NT visitor centre in Alice Springs.
The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most iconic and rewarding hiking experiences. With its gorgeous landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history, it offers trekkers an unparalleled adventure through the heart of the Australian Outback.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, the trail’s varying levels of difficulty and breathtaking vistas will leave you with unforgettable memories. If you’re seeking a challenge that connects you to nature, history, and serenity, the Larapinta Trail should undoubtedly be at the top of your hiking bucket list.
You can always get more inspiration for other National Parks to visit by following @northerhq or get your West MacDonnell National Park daily fix @westmacdonnellnationalpark on Instagram or at our Facebook page.
*Cover image is by @roamwilder_ on IG.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we definitely suggest checking out Rentalcars.com. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
