Larapinta Trail main route.
This optional side trip takes you to the permanent waterhole along Roe Creek at Simpsons Gap. You can't swim in the waterhole, but the possibility of seeing a black-footed rock wallaby in this peaceful place can make the 25-30 minutes you'll spend worthwhile.
This little side trip takes you to the Scorpion Pool where you can see some scorpions --hence the name-- and spot some birdlife as well. Expect 10-15 minutes of moving time out & back.
This optional side trip takes you to the Wallaby Gap along the creek bed. Expect 10 minutes of moving time out & back.
Larapinta Trail main route.
This little side trip takes you to the Bond Gap where you can see some contrast in colour as mentioned in the description.
This side trip takes you to Mulga Campsite where there are picnic tables & seats and a toilet. Set amidst Mulga trees -- hence the name-- , this site features a softer flat surface.
Larapinta Trail main route.
This alternate high "Ridge Route" is more scenic and offers panoramic 360-degree views over the land, yet is much more challenging due to the steepness of the track.
This optional side trip takes you into Standley Chasm aka ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, which means ‘Gap of Water’. The 3-metre wide chasm is home to multiple bird species, wallabies and lizards. Please buy a ticket from the kiosk and respect the Arrente people, which are the traditional owners of the land.
Larapinta Trail main route.
This little side trip takes you to a lookout where you can get great southerly views over the land. Expect 5 minutes of moving time out & back.
This optional but recommended side trip takes you to the Bridle Path Lookout. Expect impressive views of rockfaces and the valley below.
Larapinta Trail main route.
Larapinta Trail main route.
An alternate access point from/to Ellery Creek Big Hole Campsite & Day Use Area (old Section 7 trailhead). If you're coming from the east and want to use the old southern alignment, take this route.
This side trip takes you to Rocky Gully Campsite (and the group campsite further away), which is located on the bed of a usually dry stream.
Larapinta Trail main route.
An alternate access point from/to Ellery Creek Big Hole Campsite & Day Use Area (old Section 7 trailhead). If you're coming from the west and want to use the old southern alignment, take this route.
This optional but recommended side trip takes you to the Serpentine Gorge where there is a secluded waterhole sacred to the Western Arrernte people. Veer right before you come to the gorge to get to the lookout that looks over the waterhole and into the gorge.
Larapinta Trail main route.
This highly recommended side trip takes you to the Counts Point viewpoint where there is a campsite as well (tent pads only). Breathtaking views of the surrounding land await you.
This considerable side trip takes you to the Serpentine Chalet Bush Camp, passing by the Serpentine Chalet itself (ruins) along the way. Will add around an hour of moving time to your hike (out & back).
Larapinta Trail main route.
Larapinta Trail main route.
Larapinta Trail main route.
Larapinta Trail main route.
This side trip takes you you to the permanent waterhole in Redbank Gorge, where you can swim in the cool waters of Davenport Creek and spot some wildlife as well. Expect 35-40 minutes of moving time (out&back) added to your hike.