Mt 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.

As 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.

Facilities

Camping

Camping is not permitted on Mt Sonder. Vehicle access to the Redbank Gorge car park is by high clearance four-wheel drive only.

Camping is permitted at the Ridgetop or Woodland Camping areas at Redbank Gorge.

Section 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.

Up 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

Telegraph 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!

Please 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
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
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 1
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 2
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 3
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 4
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 5
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 6
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 7
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 8
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 9
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 10
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 11
Maps of the Larapinta Trail on Section 12

SECTION 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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