The Grade 3-5 Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a spectacularly unique 230km/143mi through-hike in Central Australia. The Larapinta is considered by many to be THE iconic Australian trail.

Our relaxed itinerary example utilises all the tricks – extra rest days, intermediate campsites, early starts, contingency days and more to ensure that your leisurely Larapinta is enjoyable.

Packed with variety, this first west to east part of the Larapinta Trail starts at Redbank Gorge, climbs Mt Sonder, traverses rocky creekbeds, crosses rivers and open plains before finishing with a spectacular optional circuit hike through Ormiston Gorge and Pound. All this through the majestic ancient landscape of central Australia!

Packed with variety, the central section of the Larapinta Trail between Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm is many hikers' favourite. Enjoy vast views from Counts Point, Giles Lookout, Brinkley Bluff and Razorback Ridge, swim in the refreshing pools of Birthday Waterhole, Fringe Lily and Ellery Creeks, and hop challenging rocks in Hugh, Spencer, Serpentine and Inargala Gorges.

This section starts with fun scrambles in gorges, plus high vast views from ridges. You’ll then experience plenty of variety as you follow a flower-filled valley before ducking north through a gap with a little scrambling to the beautiful Fish Hole.  The walking becomes easier with wildflowers, sandy riverbeds with impermanent waterholes, plains, desert woodland and gaps with pretty waterholes. Less rugged than the ranges further west, the hike along the edge of Euro Ridge still has marvellous views the entire way. Once you descend, you gradually begin to see railways, roads and bridges, and to hear traffic over the last few kilometres into Telegraph Station.