Which Sections Of The Larapinta Trail Should I Skip To Avoid The Crowds?
Which sections of the Larapinta Trail should I skip to avoid the crowds? If what you’re after is a bit of solitude, fewer footprints and a chance to actually hear the wind over the clinking of a coffee mug, then you’ll generally want to think twice about Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12. These are the bits that tend to get the most visitors – near Alice Springs, Telegraph Station and Mount Sonder.
The bits in the middle – particularly Sections 4 to 9 across Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park in the West MacDonnell Ranges – often give you longer stretches of wilderness, plenty of space and hardly anyone around. If you pick the right bits, the Larapinta Trail really feels like you’re out in the Red Centre. And even if you join a Larapinta Trail Tour to make things simpler, it’s still worth knowing how to choose your route wisely.
Learn Where Most Walkers Naturally Gather
The Larapinta Trail is about 223 kilometres from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Because there are roads in a few places, lots of walkers focus on the most famous day sections rather than tackling the whole route.
That means crowds tend to congregate where it’s easy to get a lift, the scenery is iconic and guided tours can do a day trip and be back home.
Busy Stretches To Expect Company
| Section | Area | Why It Gets Busy | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap | Close to town, day walkers | High |
| 2 | Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek | Easy logistics | Medium-High |
| 11 | Ormiston Gorge to Finke River | Popular camping base | High |
| 12 | Finke River to Mt Sonder | Summit fame, sunrise walkers | Very High |
Quieter Zones Worth Targeting
| Section | Area | Why It Feels Quieter |
|---|---|---|
| Section 4 | Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole | Less daily traffic |
| Section 5 | Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge | Tougher rocky terrain |
| Section 6 | Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek Big Hole | Longer commitment |
| Section 9 | Near Serpentine country | Mostly multi-day walkers |
Choose Smarter Entry Points For More Solitude
It’s the easiest plan. Most casual folk tend to start at one end or make a beeline for the big attractions.
Start Beyond Alice Springs Day-Walk Country
These opening bits are pretty and super convenient, too. But they also get the weekend warriors from Alice Springs – lots of people with runners, day trippers, and that one snack & optimism combo.
If you still really want to see Simpsons Gap, get there super early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Time Your Mount Sonder Visit Well
Mount Sonder is something else – the star of the show for this trail. Loads of people come just for this bit, so the sunrise happy hour in peak season can get a bit crazy.
Better to do a midweek trip, go when the weather’s a bit cooler, or make your summit hike later in the day if you’re after some peace. Some people choose to go with a Larapinta Trail trekking tour and then do the quieter bits on their own afterwards.
Walk The Middle Trail For A Wilder Feel
This is where the Larapinta really comes alive – the middle bits are where you can get a proper wilderness vibe going. You’ll need to think about resupplying, get some stronger legs on you, and decent gear, but it’s worth it for the space.
Expect rocky terrain, dry creek beds, the odd water crossing when it’s rained, and some seriously long views through Arrernte Country.
My Favourite Low-Traffic Stretch
If I wanted fewer people but still got heaps of reward, I’d head for Sections 5 through 9.
This part of the trail has Hugh Gorge, Ellery Creek, Serpentine Gorge and Ormiston Gorge – and it’s a bit of a trek to get there, so fewer people make the trip generally.
Doing a Larapinta Trail Tour can be a good way to experience this part of the trail, it’s wilder and more memorable that way.
Use Seasonal Timing To Beat The Rush
Some days, you don’t need to change your plans. Just time it right & you’ll get ahead of the crowds.
Peak Larapinta season is usually May to August, when the conditions are perfect – crisp mornings, cooler days in the Northern Territory. That’s when everyone else comes out to trek.
Better Months To Consider
| Time | Crowd Benefit | Weather Note |
|---|---|---|
| April | Lower crowds | It can still be warm |
| May | Rising popularity | Excellent balance |
| June–July | Peak crowds | Cold nights |
| August | Busy but steady | Good walking |
| September | Quieter again | Warmer days |
Daily Timing Tricks
- First light is the time to start your day
- Try to leave the camp before guided tours get underway
- Get to the lookouts before the crowds arrive for sunrise
- Take a mid-day break when everyone else is on the move
- When you’re allowed to, camp your own spot a little off the beaten track – not at the obvious tent sites
If you’re joining a Larapinta Trail trekking tour, it’s worth asking if they can space out the start times so you don’t get caught up in all the morning rush.
Use Transfers And Food Drops To Shape Your Trip
Don’t feel like you’re cheating if you choose to skip a section or two – that’s just good planning. Loads of walkers use food drops, track transfers, and Larapinta transfer services to create a trip that’s right for them.
Having a good support company can also help with gear retrievals, supported trips and sending through resupply boxes.
Smart Seven-Day Example
We’ve come up with an example for a 7-day trip that aims for a quieter trail and some of the best views.
- Day 1: Transfer to the start of Section 4
- Day 2-5: Walk from Section 4 to Section 8
- Day 6: Head on towards Section 9
- Day 7: If you’re feeling up to it and the crowds aren’t too bad, take on Mt Sonder
That gives you a pretty good taste of the trail without spending too many days stuck in the busier access zones.
Prepare Properly And Respect The Country
This trail crosses into Arrernte Country, and we need to show it some respect. Keep an eye out for signs, stay on track, and try to learn a bit about the cultural importance of any places you visit where you can.
This is the Outback in the Red Centre, conditions can turn nasty fast if you’re not properly prepared.
Essential Reality Check
- Don’t forget to pack the right First Aid supplies
- Make sun protection a daily habit
- Bring a decent sleeping bag or some insulated bags to keep the chill off in winter.
- Make sure you’ve got enough water between the water tanks and the water sources.
- If your knees are giving you grief, consider using some trekking poles
- Make sure your boots or trail runners are up to the job
- Don’t forget the insect repellent and bug nets in the warmer months
- It’s a good idea to carry a Garmin InReach or some other GPS with you – just in case
- Blister management is key – don’t let your pride get in the way
- A water filter can be a lifesaver where treatment is a concern
I recall this one bloke who trusted a dead phone over common sense – and the phone went dead.
My Honest Route Suggestion
If you’re fit and you’re after some peace, I reckon you can’t go past walking from Section 5 to Section 9.
If what you’re after is the icons and you don’t mind a bit of company, then do Ormiston Gorge and Mt Sonder.
If you want a balanced first trip, skip Section 1, have a quick look at Section 2, then focus on the middle bit of the trail, and wrap up with Mt Sonder mid-week. That usually gives you a bit of scenery, some challenge, and some breathing space.
Final Takeaway From Paul
If crowds are your main concern, avoid spending most of your time on the famous ends and walk the mighty middle instead. Skip or minimise Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, then focus on Section 4 through Section 9 across the West MacDonnells.
The Larapinta really does reward people who put in some effort to plan. Pick the right sections to walk, at the right time, and you’ll be left with memories of the silence that’ll last you long after the blisters have gone.
FAQ
Which part of the trail is usually the quietest?
For the most part, it’s the sections a bit away from where cars drive in, and the super-popular gorges, that are the calmest.
Is Mount Sonder still worth doing?
Absolutely, it is. If you’re after a bit more space, then mid-week or just before or after the peak season is probably the way to go.
Are the earlier sections better suited to people doing the Larapinta for the first time?
Yeah definitely. It’s just that getting to them is a bit easier, and the logistics aren’t as complicated, and to be fair, it’s a good place to just test your legs before committing to a longer stint.
Can I mix up my transfers with walking days?
You can. A lot of people use this method to break their itinerary into shorter sections by doing a food drop-off and getting a transfer to a new section of the trail.
When do the crowds usually start to thin out?
April and September are usually when things start to get a bit more relaxed around the Larapinta.
