How do I get to the Larapinta Trail?

The Larapinta Trail is in the Northern Territory, running 223km across the West MacDonnell Ranges west from Alice Springs

The trail begins at the Old Telegraph Station, approximately 4km along the Stuart Highway from the town centre. Guided tours will collect walkers from their hotel accommodation, or trail head transfers can be arranged for independent walkers.

Getting to Alice Springs

 

Qantas flights

Qantas is the main airline serving Alice Springs, and will be the best option from most Australian cities. Direct services operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane and Cairns. It is possible to connect with these flights from other Australian cities on the Qantas network.


Approximate direct flying times in each direction are as follows:


To Alice Springs  From Alice Springs
Sydney 3.5 hours 2.5 hours
Melbourne 3 hours 2.5 hours
Adelaide 2 hours 2 hours
Perth 2.5 hours 3.5 hours
Darwin 2 hours   2 hours
Brisbane 3 hours
2.5 hours
Cairns 2.5 hours 2 hours

 

Virgin Australia flights

Virgin Australia also operate flights from Adelaide and Darwin. It is possible to connect with these flights from other major Australian cities, however transit time will of course be longer.



Airport Transfers in Alice Springs

Alice Springs airport is located approximately 20 minutes drive from the town. Shuttle bus services run to and from the airport, and can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival. Taxis are also available.

Up to date information regarding travel to and from the airport can be found on the Alice Springs Airport website.

 

The Ghan

The Ghan is a famous passenger train that has been operating since 1929. The line runs through the desert between Adelaide and Darwin, stopping in Alice Springs. Depending on which service you take, this may give you the opportunity for a stopover in Coober Pedy or Katherine. 

There are various travel classes to suit any budget, so if you have plenty of time to spare this is a great add-on to your outback adventure. 

Travelling times vary depending on which Ghan service you choose to join. Current timetables can be found here.

 

Driving

Driving to Alice Springs can be a true adventure, but not one that should be taken lightly. Distances between towns are long, mobile phone coverage is patchy at best and temperatures out in the desert can reach incredible extremes both high and low. 

If you do decide to drive to Alice Springs, ensure that you have ample emergency supplies of food and water and a reliable, well-maintained vehicle. Make sure a friend or family member knows your planned itinerary, and avoid driving at dawn or dusk when animals are most active.

The below is a rough guide to driving times from major cities across the country - this does not include time required for rest stops. NRMA recommends taking a rest stop of least 15 minutes for every two hours of driving. Click here to read more about avoiding driver fatigue.

From... Distance  Driving Time
Sydney  2774 km 29 hours
Melbourne 2256 km
24 hours
Brisbane  2991 km
34 hours
Adelaide 1532 km
16 hours
Perth  2505 km
32 hours
Darwin 1497 kms
18 hours
Canberra  2557 kms
27 hours

 

Bus

As an alternative to driving, bus services are also available with many operators such as Greyhound. Most buses run North and South along the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Adelaide, via Coober Pedy or Katherine.


We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing custodianship of the land, waters and culture for over 60,000 years. We pay our respects to them and their elders past, present and emerging. We are privileged to learn from them in the way we care for and share Australia’s diverse nature and culture, and we strive to walk humbly in the footsteps of those who have walked these paths before us.

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips