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Larapinta Trail The Larapinta Trail is an exciting long distance walking track through the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges across the heart of Central Australia. This staged long distance Trail is being established as part of the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory's development of the world-class West MacDonnell National Park. The Trail is an extended walking track running approximately 250 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges - from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder, Mount Razorback and beyond. Eight sections of the Trail were opened by mid 1997 with the remaining sections to open as completed in the next two or three years. At present the Trail offers over 150 kilometres of track through this ancient and fascinating arid landscape. Track Standards And Logistics The Trail is primarily intended to appeal to "trekkers" - that is people who are not "wilderness" or "map and compass" bushwalkers but nevertheless are capable walkers prepared to carry reasonable loads to camp out. The entire Trail will be passable to this type of walker. However, some sections will be designed to slightly higher standards with additional facilities, in order to be attractive to people with less bushwalking experience or determination. Section 1 of the Trail from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station west to Simpson's Gap is one such easier section. Walkers can join or leave the Trail at a number of conventional and four-wheel drive vehicle access points at regular intervals along its route. In effect, the Trail will comprise a connected series of shorter sections, each a one, two or three day walk, between these trailheads. In this way people can choose from a day hike to a two week adventure on the Trail. A total of thirteen sections will join and make up the entire Trail. Several sections of the Trail will be constructed to "Class B" standard which is best described as being to "boot" standard. The Trail is well defined throughout with a cleared and levelled surface of in-situ material just under one metre wide and vegetation cleared. Grades are moderate in places, but generally less that 1 in 4. Rough steps, cross drains, rockbars and other minor works are constructed where required to limit erosion and make the Trail more easily passable. The remainder of the Trail, notably those sections through rougher or more difficult country, will be constructed to the slightly lower "Class C" standard. These sections appear more as a well used footpad or track and have more difficult stretches, without being dangerous. Some rock scrambling may be required on these sections. The Trail is nevertheless clearly defined and passable throughout. These more difficult sections of the Trail are recommended for walkers with some hiking experience. The Trail is signposted with direction markers - especially at major track junctions, crossing points, spur take-offs and other possible points of confusion. The entire route will also be posted with distance markers and each individual section is marked in its own right. Distances run from the eastern or Alice Springs end of the Trail. Camping Campsites, including some minor facilities, have been developed at the more frequently used sections of the Trail. Elsewhere recommended campsite are identified, but no facilities provided, and walkers permitted to camp where they choose. At present walker's campfires are permitted, with care, along the Trail but we encourage walkers to carry portable cooking appliances to reduce the impact of wood collection. No rubbish disposal facilities are provided except at the start and end of some sections. It is therefore required that hikers follow the "carry in, carry out" principle, that is to take out all rubbish that you take on your hike and if possible more. Present Status At present Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Trail west from Alice Springs to Standley Chasm are open and in use - representing a total of 60 kilometres of track. Further west Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 comprising 90 kilometres of track, are also open. Section 1: A 23 kilometre overnight walk from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station west to Simpson's Gap, was completed and opened in mid 1990. It has proved tremendously popular, amongst both locals and tourists, with usage levels estimated in the order of 2,000 walkers per year. This includes a high proportion of day walkers on selected parts of the Trail. This section features superb views over Alice Springs and the surrounding lowlands. Visitors also follow the Aboriginal dreaming track of an ancient Euro (hill kangaroo) ancestor for several kilometres, trace part of the original Overland Telegraph Line route, and enjoy superb birdwatching opportunities. A bushwalker's camping area, with water and basic facilities, has been established approximately halfway at the scenic Wallaby Gap. Section 2: A future 23 kilometre overnight walk from Simpsons Gap west to Jay Creek near the Old Hamilton Downs Youth Camp. This section has been constructed to the same "boot" standard as Section 1. However, as it is more distant from Alice Springs and traverses less well-known areas it has a slightly more remote and challenging feel for most visitors. Highlights of this section include passing through the "home" of one of the few Brushtail Possum colonies in the Centre; exploring a landscape of rock outcrops over 2,000 million years old; following in the footsteps of explorer Gilbert McMinn; Dan browsing in a "bush supermarket" of traditional Aboriginal foods and medicines. Section 3: A short but difficult length of Trail continuing west from Jay Creek for approximately 14 kilometres to Standley Chasm. It passes through some of the steepest and most rugged country in the Ranges with scenery varying from moist sheltered gullies to spectacular vantage points. This Section involves ascents and descents of over 350 metres as the Trail climbs the high broken ridges of the Chewings Range. Rare plants and spectacular views abound in terrain that the few people that have enjoyed it, up until now, describe as more like the rugged wilds of south-west Tasmania than Central Australia. By necessity Section 3 has been developed to the more difficult "Class C" standard, and is suited to fitter walkers with some previous experience. To fully appreciate the rugged beauty of this section it is recommended as an overnight walk. An alternative "low" route is available on this section for those visitors not able or willing to take the climb to the summit of the Chewings Range. The sections ends with the option of packhauling and wading through sheltered waterholes in Standley Chasm. Section 3 was constructed by Aboriginal people from Standley Chasm - an established and well-known Aboriginal - owned tourist attraction in "The Centre". Section 8: Further west along the Range is a 19 kilometre length of Trail from Serpentine Gorge to the Ochre Pits. This section offers exhilarating views as the Trail runs along the high quartzite ridgelines that so typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. The ridge above Serpentine Gorge such as Counts Point seems like the top of the world, with views to Haasts Bluff on the western horizon, past Mt Zeil at 1531 metre (the highest point in the Northern Territory) and Mt Sonder to the comet crater of Grosse Bluff, across the Missionary Plains south to Hermannsburg, east along the razorback Heavitree Range, and north over the Alice Valley to Mt Giles dominating the jagged Chewings Range. Section 8 makes these spectacular panoramas accessible to even novice backpackers. It has opened the grand sweep of the West MacDonnell Ranges, from one of its high ridges, for more visitors to enjoy than was ever previously thought possible. Section 8 may also be undertaken as two seperate full day walks for those not prepared or able to camp out. Section 9: Opened in 1997, is one of the more difficult sections of the Trail taking you into the rugged heart of the range country. This section begins at the Inarlanga Pass, a four kilometre walk from the Ochre Pits and ends at Ormiston Gorge. It is recommended to allow two days to complete this 27 kilometre section with overnight camping permitted either on the ridgetop or in the gorge below the lookout. As with Section 8 this section provides spectacular views of the surrounding country. From a lookout provided at the height of 1088 metres views of the spectacular Gosses Bluff, an ancient meteorite crater and Mt Giles, the highest point in the Chewings Range reward those who travel this section. Section 10: A shorter length of track linking the popular attractions of Glen Helen Gorge and Ormiston Gorge, is constructed to the higher "Class B" standard, this section winds through rolling limestone hills at the headwaters of the Finke River with views to the surrounding ranges and Mt Sonder. The tourist resort and facilities of Glen Helen Lodge are located at the western end of this section. Section 11: Also opened in 1997, begins four kilometres from Glen Helen Homestead along section 10. This 25 kilometre section is recommended as a two day journey and provides close-up views of the majestic Mt Sonder. A part of this section of Trail involves a climb from Davenport Creek to a quartzite ridge offering impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Section 11 allows hikers to experience a variety of habitats from rocky ridgetops to dry creekbeds lined with majestic River Red Gums. This section has been completed to a "Class C" standard and is therefore more suitable for experienced hikers. Section 12: A return walk leading from Redbank Gorge up Mt Sonder. This section is over rocky and steep terrain and is more suited to experienced and fit bushwalkers. However, the arduous climb to the peak is well worth the effort. The views from the summit of Mt Sonder are some of the most spectacular available in the West MacDonnells. Walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. Ranges, plains, valleys and saltlakes create magnificent vistas. This is the place to experience the grandeur of the desert landscape. With eight sections completed, the Larapinta Trail is proving a great success as both an attraction and an experience for visitors. So much so that it won the 1991 Northern Territory Tourism "Brolga Award" for the most outstanding environmental heritage and cultural tourism attraction. More Information Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
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