The main access points include Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Bighole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. All roads to these places are sealed as these are on the main tourist routes of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Other areas are by 4WD only, this keeps the trail isolated and for walkers only. Although we offer a service to most access points, road conditions vary.

Jay Creek / Hamilton Downs. Entry to Jay Creek/Hamilton Downs lies 1½ hours from Alice Springs. Travel is via sealed roads along the North Stuart Hwy, then the Tanami Road, followed by a 30 to 45 minute drive along dirt road to the Hamilton Downs Youth Shelter.

Hugh Gorge / Birthday Hole. Access is 35 minutes travel on sealed roads along Larapinta Drive. Turn off into Hugh Gorge/Birthday Gap lies at the Hugh River. The road conditions past the Hugh River turn off are “BAD” 15km’s an hour is doing pretty well so we don’t recommend Hugh Gorge or Birthday Gap as an access point. This area is not accessed by Alice Wanderer & Centre Sightseeing.

Serpentine Gorge. Sealed roads all the way except for a couple of kilometres of dirt. A lovely spot as it lies off the main tourist spots.

Redbank Gorge. The road to Redbank Gorge is sealed as far as Glen Helen followed by 22km’s of dirt. Condition of the road depends on grading and rain. It is often rough and corrugated. The best part about Redbank Gorge is the isolation. The tourist route stops at Glen Helen Gorge and so very few tourists go to Redbank.

Note: Water quality and / or quantity are not always reliable at these water points. It is advisable to carry sterilization tablets and water.

Food Drops - Ormiston Gorge has a room set aside at the rear of the Rangers Station for food storage. Standley Chasm is frequently used as another food storage place, but please phone in advance as a courtesy.

There are no food storage facilities available at Ellery Creek. Alice Wanderer has lockable steel storage bins available for hire at Ellery Creek.

Showers – Glen Helen and Ormiston Camp Ground.

Telephones – Glen Helen, Ellery Creek (emergency phone),Standley Chasm, Hamilton Downs Youth Centre (near Jay Creek)

Extra Walking Tracks – Most of the day walks have diversions off the main track. This can add an extra 1-4km per day.

Best time to plan your walk – between May and August, the winter weather will keep walking comfortable. Temperatures average around 22° during the day. Be prepared for cool chilly nights averaging around 1° or 2°. Temperatures below 0° are not uncommon. During the summer months walking is not recommended. Summer temperatures reach 40°+ during November to March so please don’t plan your trip during these times.

And most important – always phone the rangers first to check that the water tanks are full.

The only cost of the Larapinta Trail is a $6.50 entrance fee at Standley Chasm. Kiosks are open at Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge selling light snacks and ice cream.

Glen Helen Lodge can get extremely busy. Although many walkers don’t mind a nice cool beer and a bed at night, a wonderful camping option is “2 mile beach”, located on the banks of the Finke River and with outstanding views of Mt Sonder located 1 km from Glen Helen, you will see the ‘Beach’ as you walk into Glen Helen. If you want to swap camp food and save carrying weight off your packs, enjoy a delicious hot meal at Glen Helen Lodge. Breakfast is also available.

Ormiston Gorge has two camping areas available. The place to camp for walkers is in the “Coach camping area”. At the back of the Kiosk, you will see the sign on a gate post.

Caterpillar nests are made by the Processionary Caterpillar. These caterpillars make an extraordinary sight when seen during February/March, traveling, head to tail. They make their nests in Mulga & Witchetty bushes. The nests can cause severe itching if touched or disturbed.

Spinifex spikes hurt. Spinifex lines much of the trail between Redbank to Ellery Creek. If you are skin sensitive, gaiters are recommended.

Dingoes are usually heard but not seen, but at Ellery Creek, they can be quite cheeky. Store your food well.

Parks & Wildlife Commission provide an Overnight Walker Registration Scheme to assist in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable walk. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of this scheme.

	Voluntary
	Requires a refundable deposit of $50/person or $200/group
	Is only for designated overnight walks
	Will ensure search and rescue begins if you do not deregister by 12.00 noon on day following your nominated day of completion
	Fully refunds the deposit when you deregister

	Credit card details
	Group leaders name and address
	Names of other people in the group
	Emergency contact name and telephone number
	The route you plan to take including the start and finishing point.
	Camp sites you plan to use
	Commencement and completion dates
	Vehicle details (if used) including location, registration, make, model, type and colour.
Or you may register in person with a cash deposit at Central Australian Tourism Industry Association, Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs. Please note if you pay in cash it will be refunded by cheque only and mailed to your nominated address.

	Your deposit will be fully refunded
	Deregistration is required no later than 12.00 noon on the day following your nominated completion date
	If you fail to deregister by the due time you may forfeit your deposit and may incur the cost of any unnecessary search

	Larapinta Trail through the West MacDonnell National Park
	Mt Giles – Ormiston Gorge to Mt Giles, West MacDonnell National Park
	Giles Track – George Gill Range, Watarrka National Park