Search bushwalks Page 6

Environment

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

Mount Sonder

15.1 km return

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the car park at the end of Redbank Gorge Road, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you up to the summit of Mount Sonder via the Larapinta Trail Section 12, visiting Mount Sonder Lookout along the way. This track may challenge you with its gradual incline and the lack of shade, but the views you’ll get at the summit may last you a lifetime. Being able to see tens of kilometres in all directions really is an experience like no other. Take in the vast scenery and try to identify the surrounding peaks as you rest and enjoy some food. The track is well-maintained and features reflective markers for you to spot them easier. In fact, most people go for sunrise hikes and enjoy the night sky full of stars as they make it up there. You can stay at the Sonder Camp midway and make this a multi-day walk as well. As aforementioned, the track is quite exposed so try to start as early as possible and wear a hat. Bring lots of food and water, and bring layers of clothing in colder parts of the year. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S12: Mount Sonder

Larapinta Trail, S12: Mount Sonder

15.1 km return

5 h to 7 h

Starting from Redbank Gorge Carpark, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to Mount Sonder and back via the Larapinta Trail (Section 12), optionally visiting Redbank Gorge along the way. This is the twelfth and final section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. A worthy finish for an epic hike, Mount Sonder offers you some of the best views in the whole Macdonnell Range. And you don’t even need to get to the top to get these looks as the track has 360-degree views throughout. The permanent waterhole in the gorge is worth a visit, especially on a warmer day as the waters of Davenport Creek stay cool no matter how hot it is outside. The campsite near the trailhead has toilets and water, requiring a fee of $5 per person. The Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless. Wear a hat and sunscreen as there’s almost no shade along the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Jatbula Trail, S5 and 6: Sandy Camp to Lelyin

Jatbula Trail, S5 and 6: Sandy Camp to Lelyin

15.1 km oneway

3 h 45 min to 6 h 30 min

15.1 km

Oneway

Walk

3 h 45 min to 6 h 30 min

Starting from Sandy Camp (Pool), this walk takes you past Sweetwater Pool campsite to Edith Falls Road, falls, pool and campsite via the Jatbula Trail. After a peaceful night under melaleucas, you'll start heading towards Sweetwater Pool. This spacious waterhole is a great stop before continuing the walk toward the final segments of the trail. At Edith Falls you'll have the option to enjoy the multiple falls and rock pools. It's a great way to end your journey if you have the time. You can also stay on the main route and just visit the viewpoint at the edge of the escarpment, which provides you with an excellent view of the waterfall and the scenery. Edith Falls is usually very busy, so book your place beforehand to make sure you get to enjoy this site. Please treat any water you find before using it. Let us begin by acknowledging the Jawoyn people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S5: Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge

15.3 km oneway

9 h to 2 days

Larapinta Trail, S5: Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge

Starting from the Birthday Waterhole - Section 4/5 Junction (900m north of the actual waterhole), Burt Plain, this walk takes you to Hugh Gorge via the Larapinta Trail (Section 5), exploring Razorback Ridge along the way. This is the fifth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. Prepare for an arid journey that can surprise you with shady and even refreshing parts. Your effort will be rewarded with picturesque views and vast valleys with amazing scenery. Remember to pause and experience the feeling of remoteness and serenity as you make your way through the national park. You may find some shelter from the sun whilst hiking through Spencer Gorge. The designated campsite along Fringe Lilly Creek has tent pads, yet you’ll need to handle everything else yourself. You may need to cross bodies of water depending on the season and forecast. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance to access both trailheads. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S4: Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole

Larapinta Trail, S4: Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole

16 km oneway

8 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the kiosk at the end of Standley Chasm Road, Hugh, this walk takes you to the Birthday Watherhole via the Larapinta Trail (Section 4), visiting Bridle Path Lookout and Brinkley Bluff Summit along the way. This is the fourth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. The Brinkley Bluff will surely dazzle you with the breathtakingly picturesque views it offers, and that’s when you’ll know why the Larapinta is amongst the best hikes you can do in the whole world. Besides the eye-candy, the remoteness of the experience coupled with the challenge of steep ridges and the dry environment makes this hike an epic journey. Stuart’s Pass (named after explorer John McDouall Stuart) features a soft and sandy campground that is located on a riverbed, yet you may want to consider camping at Brinkley Bluff just for the views and the general experience. Customize your journey and plan well to not be beaten by the quartzite ridges of Chewings Range. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to access the Birthday Waterhole trailhead. For your information, the actual Birthday Waterhole is 900 metres down south of the said trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Kings Canyon Access, Petermann, this track takes you to the Kathleen Springs Rest Area via the Giles Track, crossing Kings Creek and Reedy Creek along the way. Make your way along the rim as you go through picturesque valleys and impressive sandstone formations. Expect panoramic views towards all directions, and keep an eye out for rock-wallabies, goannas and spinifex pigeons as well as pythons. The track you’ll be walking on is well-marked with signs every 10 to 100 metres. You may also come across some remains from earlier civilizations like stone blades, grinding stones and stencil art throughout the journey. There is a camping spot near Reedy Creek where you can spend the night and wake up to a beautiful sunrise. Avoid the walk in hot weather to be safe. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Giles Track

20.7 km oneway

6 h, 9 h to 2 days

Environment

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek

21.5 km return

6 h to 10 h

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek is a return walk starting from the Wangi Falls Campground car park. Enjoy the natural landscape and the views of the waterfall. There is a deep swimming hole just before the upper lip of the 25-metre waterfall. The best time to visit is in the early Dry Season for healthy flow and relatively safe swimming. There is one toilet along the way, and you can stop at the Wangi Falls Kiosk for a bite to eat. There is a much shorter (2.7 km return) track to get to these falls from the south, which is considered the primary way to get to them. If you're not a Northern Territory resident, you need a park pass to enjoy the falls. Due to cultural reasons, swimming is prohibited at the base of the falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S1: Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap

Larapinta Trail, S1: Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap

24.5 km oneway

8 h to 2 days

Starting from Herbert Heritage Drive, Stuart, this walk takes you to Simpsons Gap via the Larapinta Trail (Section 1), visiting Hat Hill Saddle and Wallaby Gap along the way. This is the first section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. Embark on a scenic journey in the arid land of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and feel like you’re back in the wild west. A chance to scorpions, creek crossings, picturesque rock formations and views for a lifetime await you on this journey. The Euro Ridge offers you great views of Alice Springs which become increasingly beautiful as the sun goes down/up. If you’re lucky, you can see a train making its way on the railway line as well. There are multiple campsites (official/unofficial) that offer you great views in lovely settings, so don’t hesitate on making this an overnight walk if you’re thinking about it. Both ends of the journey are accessible by vehicles and don’t require 4WD drive. Keep in mind that the Telegraph Station Car Park is open from 8AM to 9PM. Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or a SAT Phone (especially if you’re tackling the whole Larapinta) instead of emergencies. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek

Larapinta Trail, S2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek

25.7 km oneway

7 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the end of Darken Drive, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to the Jay Creek Campsite via the Larapinta Trail (Section 2), visiting Bond Gap and Spring Gap along the way. This is the second section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This part of the Larapinta offers you a tranquil, remote experience as you head under mulgas and red river gums. Notice the contrast between the red rockfaces and the vivid green plants as you’re making your way through Bond Gap. Spring Gap on the other hand has little waterholes here and there that make the scenery even more picturesque. Keep an ear out for the birdsong throughout the track and try to identify the species if you can. The Arenge Bluff will present its southern face to you as well. You can stay the night at the Mulga Campsite midway and make this a multi-day walk. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to access the Jay Creek trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S11: Finke River to Redbank Gorge

Larapinta Trail, S11: Finke River to Redbank Gorge

26.4 km oneway

9 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the campsite along Finke River, Macdonnell, this walk takes you to Redbank Gorge via the Larapinta Trail (Section 11), passing through Rocky Bar Gap along the way. This is the eleventh section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. As you get closer to Mount Sonder (considering you’re coming from the east) it becomes more detailed and stunning. The Hilltop Lookout offers you 360-degree views over the surrounding land. Spend the night here if you’d like to see what Mt Sonder looks like as the sun rises, or make camp at Rocky Bar Gap to have access to water tanks and toilets. The gradient is quite harsh around the lookout yet the track is well made and maintained. Keep in mind that there is no vehicle access to the Finke River trailhead and only high clearance 4WD access to Redbank Gorge trailhead. Also, the camping area at Redbank Gorge requires a fee of $5 per person. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Ellery Creek Loop

27.9 km circuit

12 h, 2 days to 3 days

12 h, 2 days to 3 days

Starting from the Ellery Creek South Day Use Area, Namatjira, this walk explores the sixth and seventh sections of the Larapinta Trail -- both old & new. Expect a relatively undulating track that offers you panoramic views of Alice Valley and beyond. You'll get great angles of the West MacDonnell Range as well. Keep an eye out for spinifex pigeons and wedge-tailed eagles while you're comparing the old & new tracks to each other. They're among the many species that reside in this area. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best bet to spot them. Enjoy the land formations and the unique ambience of the desert as you make your way through the arid land. The newer shelter at Ellery Creek North features elevated tent pads, a toilet and a water tank (treat before consuming). It can be a great place to spend the night, letting you stargaze without any interruptions, as it is also quite secluded. Although, keep in mind that there's no vehicle access there. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S6: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek North

Larapinta Trail, S6: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek North

28.1 km oneway

10 h 30 min to 2 days

28.1 km

Oneway

Walk

10 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the designated campground along Hugh Gorge, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to Ellery Creek North, exploring the vast Alice Valley along the way. This is the newer sixth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail, starting/finishing at the Ellery Creek North trailhead shelter. This new part of Larapinta differs from the old section only in the last ten percent of the route, meaning you’ll get to see most of the features and highlights on the older route. The relatively undulating nature of this section is a welcome change after a jagged and rough hike, but its length still makes this part somewhat demanding. Rocky Gully and Ghost Gum Flat campsites both offer you a peaceful night in the desert, but remember that only the Rocky Gully has water tanks. You’re in luck if you’re into birdwatching as this part of the Larapinta lets you spot some interesting bird species such as the Spinifex Pigeon. Finally, the new trailhead shelter is relatively secluded and features elevated tent pads, a water tank and a toilet. Keep in mind that you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the Hugh Gorge trailhead, and the Ellery Creek North trailhead is inaccessible by a vehicle. Also, you might need to change up your food dropping plan and resupply at Serpentine Gorge as Ellery Creek South Day Use Area will require a considerable off-track detour. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S6 Old: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek South

Larapinta Trail, S6 Old: Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek South

29.3 km oneway

11 h 30 min to 2 days

29.3 km

Oneway

Walk

11 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the designated campground along Hugh Gorge, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to Ellery Creek South, exploring the vast Alice Valley along the way. This is the former sixth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail, starting/finishing at the Ellery Creek South Day Use Area. A relatively undulating part of Larapinta, this section is known for its long straightforward valley tracks and interesting birdlife. The birds you might come across vary from spinifex pigeons to wedge-tailed eagles. Try to be sneaky and keep an eye out especially during the early mornings and late afternoons to increase your chance of seeing them. This section is one of the longest ones, yet the relatively forgiving gradient makes it bearable. You can camp at Rocky Gully or Ghost Gum Flat along the way, but keep in mind that the Ghost Gum Flat campsite doesn’t have a water tank. The Big Hole (Udepata) along Ellery Creek is an exceptional spot to take a break. Cool off in this ancient waterhole and make camp if you’d like to. Keep in mind that you will need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the Hugh Gorge trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment