Take care on the Trail
West MacDonnell National Park- Larapinta Trail Warning
Please take caution - Moderate to heavy rain is forecast for the Alice Springs Region 20th and 21st May.
Parks and Wildlife recommend walking between April and October.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology can supply the current temperature and recent rainfall for Alice Springs. To view table containing weather forecast, current conditions and almanac click here.
All Larapinta Trail walkers should:
- Inform a reliable friend or relative of your walks plans and intented time of return. Make sure they know to contact police if you fail to return by the pre-arranged date;
- Be prepared to carry and drink large quantities of water;
- If conditions are hot, only walk in the early morning and late afternoon;
- Be prepared to stop and wait for cooler conditions late in the day. Pushing on if feeling excessively hot or tired may have serious consequences;
- Allow more time for walking and have regular breaks;
- Make use of any available shade;
- Wear long, loose fitting cotton clothing, sunscreen and a broad brim hat;
- Write in all log books and plan not to walk alone;
- Carry some form of emergency communication such as a satellite phone or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). There are very limited areas that mobile phones work on the trail and they should not be relied upon;
- Know your limitations; and
- Consider the safety of those who may need to rescue you if you ignore these warnings.
Fuel stoves only
The Larapinta Trail has a fuel stoves only policy. Free gas stoves are provided at Wallaby Gap; Simpsons Gap; Jay Creek; Ellery Creek Big Hole; Ormiston Gorge; Finke River; and Redbank Gorge.
Trail Conditions and Latest Information
The 'Larapinta Trail Package' 2nd EDITION is now available. This newly revised edition contains updated Trail notes, section realignments and includes up-to-date facilities such as new water tanks and shelters. A new addition to the Package is a postcard to share your Trail experience with friends and family. With the exception of the rip-proof/waterproof section maps, the Larapinta Trail Package is now printed on environmentally responsible, carbon neutral paper.
| Section | Description |
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| Section 3 and 4 |
Please note that Standley Chasm is privately owned and operated. An entry fee applies per person, which must be paid by all visitors, including Larapinta Trail walkers passing through Standley Chasm, or using section 3 & 4 of the Larapinta Trail. Overnight campers are welcome at Standley Chasm. Camping fees apply. Contact Standley Chasm for more details on: |
| Section 3/4 (Jay Creek)and 10/11 (Finke River) Trailheads |
New shelters are provided at Jay Creek and Finke River Trailheads. Each shelter has a free gas cooker, toilet, Ranger maintained water tank and sleeping platform.
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| Section 9 and 10 | There is a kiosk at Ormiston Gorge available to all visitors and walkers as well as food drop storage areas at the Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre. |
| Groups on the Trail | |
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Group 1 - 6 students 2 staff Date Overnight Location Group 2 - 6 students 2 staff 24/6/13 Waterfall Gorge | |
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| Current Weather Map | Latest Satellite |
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