The West MacDonnell Ranges and the East MacDonnell Ranges known as the MacDonnells Ranges have major tourist icon places of interest within approximatley 100 kilometres  of Alice Springs on sealed roads then narrowing down to recognised 4WD offroad dirt unsealed tracks from then on. Western MacDonnell Ranges tourist places to visit are Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Orche Pits, Glen Hellen Gorge, Orminston Gorge,Ellery Creek Big Hole, Mt Sonder, Mereenie Loop and on the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges tourist places to visit are Trephina Gap, Corroboree, N'Dhalla Aboriginal Rock Art, Ross River Resort in Northern Territory Australia
The West MacDonnell Ranges and the East MacDonnell Ranges are known as the MacDonnells Ranges with the centre point commonly known as Heritage Gap at the commencement of Alice Springs in Northern Territory Australia
Home to the MacDonnells Ranges tourist information guide sites One day sightseeing, extended tours, premium coach touring, overnight to extend camping safaris to Uluru Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta - The Olgas, Kings Canyon, Mereenie Loop, West MacDonnells Ranges and East MacDonnells Ranges in Australia's Red Centre Way in Northern Territory Australia. Hire and rental such as a 2-3-4 berth camper van, 4WD Camper, luxury RV motorhome and selfdrive from Alice Springs to Uluru Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta - The Olgas, Kings Canyon, Mereenie Loop, West MacDonnells Ranges and East MacDonnells Ranges in Australia's Red Centre Way in Northern Territory Australia.  
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Mt Sonder in the West MacDonnell Ranges
in Northern Territory, Central Australia
A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information

Mount SonderMt Sonder is at the end of the Larapinta Trail and the highest point of the entire trail.

During your walk keep an eye out for the termite tunnels on spinifex, the Grey-headed honeyeater, the delicate desert mouse, and the bright pink flowers of the Mountain Hakea.


 

Start of the Larapinta Trail courtesy of NT TourismAs you near the summit take notice of how the vegetation changes, the Round-leaved mallee prefers these high slopes and the stony cliffs provide the native pine the protection they require from fire.

Raptors such as the Wedge-tailed eagle and the Peregrine falcon, soar at mountain level scanning the ground for prey, and the wood swallows often circle the summit, riding the thermal updraughts and feasting on insects.

For the determined walker who reaches the top of Mt Sonder, 1380 metres above sea level, the reward is an awe-inspiring view over the West MacDonnell Ranges and the surrounding plains.


Mt Sonder  - West MacDonnell ranges travel guide and tours courtesy of Northern Territory TourismNearby Mt Sonder

The ranges dominate the southern view and it is possible to climb to vantage points on the face to get photographs across the river and chalet to Mount Sonder.


Start of the Larapinta Trail courtesy of NT TourismUp for the Max Challenge?

Larapinta 223 (end to end): 20 days - Overnight
ALICE SPRINGS TELEGRAPH STATION to MT SONDER
(Sections 1 – 12)

'Larapinta 223' refers to walkers trekking the entire 223 kilometres from the Alice Springs.


Black Footed Rock Wallaby courtesy of NT TourismSection 12 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as hard - a rough and narrow track with some steep and/or long climbs and descents, suitable for fit people with previous bushwalking experience.

Section 12 starts and finishes at the Redbank Gorge car park.


 

Ormiston Gorge courtesy of NT TourismTelegraph Station to the summit of Mt Sonder (Sections 1 to 12). It is suggested that you allow 20 days for this remote and difficult adventure, allowing for rest stops, side trips and to restock food supplies.

There are no restrictions on which direction you walk.

Either way you will encounter some challenging climbs and descents, spectacular views and scenery like nowhere else in the world. Many people choose to walk the Trail from west to east (Mt Sonder to Alice Springs) because they can get dropped off at Redbank Gorge and finish in town at their own pace.

However if you are happy to finish your walk at a time set by your transfer back to Alice Springs then perhaps this is the option for you.

All of our Trail notes are written from east to west and there is nothing quite like finishing off your walk with the goal of Mt Sonder creeping closer and closer.

Don’t forget to organise several food drops along the way and if you are walking from east to west (Alice Springs to Mt Sonder), be sure to organise a pick up from Redbank Gorge before you depart (see the links and contacts page for companies who provide these services).

Walking from east to west also allows you to make food drops on the way out to your starting point. This way you will know exactly where they are!


Wildflowers on Mount Sonder Lookout courtesy of NT TourismPlease feel free to contact us at NT Parks for more information about attempting the entire Trail.

Please Note: All of the above recommendations are based on walking between April and October with 2 or more people.

For more information about the safety and logistics of walking the Larapinta Trail please read the information on our website carefully and purchase a copy of the Larapinta Trail Package for more detail including trail notes and detailed maps.

Preparation and planning is the key to a safe and enjoyable walk. We recommend that all walkers register with the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme.

Larapinta Trail Current Conditions and Updates - see http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/
Facilities along the Larapinta Trail
Grades of trekking and hiking along the Larapinta Trail
All Larapinta Trail walkers should
Australian Weather Observation for Alice Springs
Food Drops & Storage Facilities along the Larapinta Trail
Safety on the Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail Package a one-stop-shop of essential information for all walkers embarking on Larapinta Trail.
Water Supplies on the Larapinta Trail
Suggested Itineraries for trekking and hiking the Larapinta Trail
Camping Gear to buy in Alice Springs

Register with the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme for the Larapinta Trail

Don’t risk your life – plan your walk between April and October

Maps of the Larapinta Trail - see http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 1 to 12

redbank Gorge courtesy of NT TourismSECTION 12 - One Day Walk
(Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return) is the only section which starts and finishes at the same place.

It is the last section of the Trail and follows the ascent of Mt Sonder. There are fantastic views all the way, ending at a cairn on the summit. The beauty of this section is you can walk as much or as little as you like.

The climb is slow and steady and although it’s exhausting you’ll be rewarded with great views especially on a clear day.

It starts and finishes from the Redbank Gorge carpark which involves driving for 5km on unsealed road from Namatjira Drive. 4WD is not essential, but it is corrugated and a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Highlights:
Seeing the bright pink flowers of Mountain Hakea during September & October.
Arriving at the top of Mt Sonder - the 4th highest mountain in the Territory.
Getting a glimpse of Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) from the top of Mt Sonder on a clear day.

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Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission.
Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission.
Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & M Hutchinson Private Collections
Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail.

Photographs Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Information courtesy of Parks Northern Territory

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As one of Australia's largest licensed Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome hire and rentals. We will source the different options for you. We will look at all the extras and find the best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option for you to choose from. With our head Office in the heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober Pedy (Opal field) - Woomera - Port Augusta areas.

East MacDonnell National Park and West MacDonnell National Park
in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central Australia
A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information

East MacDonnell National Park and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia
• West MacDonnell Map • West MacDonnell National Park • East MacDonnell National-Park
• East MacDonnell Map

West MacDonnell National Park and surrounding areas
• Larapinta Trail • Glen Helen Gorge • Glen Helen Lodge accommodation • Ellery Creek Big Hole • Ochre Pits • Ormiston Gorge • Redbank Gorge Waterhole • Roma Gorge • Serpentine Chalet • Serpentine Gorge • Simpsons Gap • Standley Chasm • Honeymoon Gap • Palm Valley

• Albert Namatjiras Monument • Namatjira Drive • Namatjira Twin Gums • Hermannsburg • Ghost Gum • Wallace Rockhole • Palm Valley

East MacDonnell National Park and surrounding areas
• Arltunga Historical Reserve and hotel or camping • Trephina Gorge • Emily Jessie Gap • Corroboree Rock • Ross River Resort • Ruby Gap • N'Dhala Gorge Nature Reserve • Gemtree • Chambers Pillar • Rainbow Valley

Other Highways, Scenic Routes, Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia
• The Mereenie Loop • Red Centre Way • Explorers Way • Stuart Highway • Ernest Giles Road • Namatjira Drive • Larapinta Drive • Luritja Road • Lasseter Highway • Binns Track

Top End - Natures Way in Northern Territory Australia
• Darwin • Tropical Darwin • Map of Northern Territory • Katherine Gorge • Tennant Creek • Devils Marbles • Kakadu National Park • Natures Way Top End • Katherine Gorge • Litchfield National Park

Alice Springs and Uluru and on the way
• Alice Springs • Alice Springs Airport • The Ghan Alice Springs • Alice Springs Heavitree Gap • Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park • Uluru Ayers Rock • Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara • Voyages Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara • Ayers Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' • Kata Tjuta 'The Olgas' • Sounds of Silence dinner • Mount Sonder • Mount Connnor • Mount Ebenezer • Curtin Springs • Stuarts Well • Erldunda

Kings Canyon
• Watarrka National Park • Kings Canyon • Kings Creek Station • Kings Canyon Resort • Glen Helen Lodge accommodation

Remote access sites
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve • Gosse Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass • Haasts Bluff - lkuntji

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