Bushwalk Australia

Hi. I'll be walking parts of the Larapinta Trail with my husband starting 15 Aug and finishing up on either the 19 or 20 Aug (4 or 5 nights). We're hoping for some help in deciding what sections we do and how we access these sections from Alice Springs.

We've decided we definitely want to walk sections 3, 4 & 5 (in reverse ie. Hugh Gorge to Jay Creek) as well as Redbank Gorge-Mt Sonder return (before or after S3-5, we're not fussed). We've looked into paying for transfers, but they are quite expensive. We've thought about doing Section 2 for easier access from Simpsons Gap. But still, the cost of the extra transfers really adds up.

I understand that Hugh Gorge is difficult to access and requires a 4WD. Is there any easier to access the trail at some point between Hugh Gorge and Ellery Creek? Maybe at Ghost Gum or Rocky Gully? Or are these just as difficult to access?

Do the Friends of the Larapinta Trail help out with transfers? (with a donation of course). The Friends of the Great South West Walk helped us out with transfers to/from Portland over Easter. Are there any other budget friendly transfer options?

Thank you!

sarahp wrote:Is there any easier to access the trail at some point between Hugh Gorge and Ellery Creek?

No.
If you don't have/can't get a 4WD, commercial service is your only real option between Ellery and Standley unless you want to do it the hard way.
There is walking track that goes into Rocky Gully from the MVO, but you'd have to walk all the way - roughly a 12km round trip. It is doable if you have a spare day and the transport to get to/from the start of the MVO.

There is a lot of traffic on this road during the tourist season (Apr-Oct) and the trail is close to the road. It is normally easy enough for one person to walk to the road and get a ride with tourists or workers. A group probably needs to book a vehicle.