Larapinta Trail, S10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River

Starting from the car park at the end of Ormiston Gorge Access Road, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to the Finke River via the Larapinta Trail (Section 10), visiting Hilltop Lookout along the way. This is the tenth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This is the shortest section of the Larapinta which is quite undemanding, yet it lacks nothing in the aspect of view. From the Hilltop Lookout and throughout the walk, you’ll have exceptional views of Mount Sonder. Remember to cool off in the welcoming waters of the Ormiston Gorge Waterhole as well. There are multiple creek and river crossings but these will usually feel like you’re walking on a beach with soft sand as the creeks are typically dry. Look out for the veteran red gum trees along the river/creek beds. There aren’t any designated campsites midway, but the campsites at both trailheads have water, shelter and toilets. Keep in mind that there is no vehicle access to the Finke River trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks

Tips on staying safe on track

Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Transport options and directions

Segment	This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Full Journey	Larapinta Trail
Start	At the intersection of Waterhole Walk & Ghost Gum Walk (-23.6317088,132.7273263)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Telegraph Terrace, 87 Turn on to 6 then drive for 25 m Continue onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 850 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 880 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Larapinta Drive, 6 and drive for another 44.3 km Turn right onto Namatjira Drive, 2 and drive for another 81.3 km Turn right and drive for another 7.2 km Turn right and drive for another 300 m
Finish	(-23.6579339,132.6783902)
Mode (end)

Track Notes

Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the northern end of the Ormiston Gorge Car Park, cross the road via the marked crosswalk and veer left to join the dirt walking track that is marked by a brown directional sign (Ghost Gum Walk - Larapinta Trail Section 10). Keep right at the first intersection as you keep the car park to your left. On the second intersection marked by a brown signpost, veer left and head towards the amphitheatre following the “Larapinta Trail - Section 10” signage. After going through the amphitheatre, turn right at the next intersection and start heading directly away from the car park along the wide dirt trail. Pass by a campsite and a toilet, then stay on the designated track that is marked by blue arrows on white background to continue along Larapinta Trail, S10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Waterhole Walk & Ghost Gum Walk Start heading along Ghost Gum Walk (a walking track). Ormiston Gorge (about 105 m back from the start). Larapinta Trail Information (about 6 m back from the start). After 105 m pass the "Ormiston Gorge" (35 m on your left). After another 30 m pass the "Snack Kiosk" (50 m on your left).
	Veer right, to head along Ghost Gum Walk.
	After another 50 m veer left. After another 40 m come to the "Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge". Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge Amphitheatre - Ormiston Gorge + - After another 45 m come to the "Ormiston Gorge Campground - West MacDonnell NP" (145 m on your left).
	Turn right. After another 80 m come to the "Coach Camping" (10 m on your left).
	After another 60 m veer right, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 10. After another 6 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the water tap (10 m on your right).
	After another 255 m continue straight. After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 10. After another 4.3 km come to the camp site (60 m on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 10. After another 3.1 km cross the ford. After another 890 m come to a toilet. About 65 m past the end is "Finke River camp site". About 65 m past the end is a water tap. About 70 m past the end is "Larapinta Trail Information".
	The end.

Terrain

Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Larapinta Trail, S10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	9.1 km
Time	3 h to 4 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 4.7 km.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3 km apart with the largest gap of 9.1 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 8.7 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	-6 m	Larapinta Trail Information
Toilet	100 m	Ormiston Gorge
Camp site	255 m	Ormiston Gorge Campground - West MacDonnell NP
Camp site	325 m	Coach Camping
Toilet	390 m	[toilet]
Camp site	5.1 km	[camp site]
Toilet	9.1 km	[toilet]
Camp site	9.1 km	Finke River camp site
Shelter	9.1 km	Larapinta Trail Information

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