Starting from Redbank Gorge Carpark, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to Mount Sonder Lookout and back via the Larapinta Trail (Section 12), crossing the usually dry Davenport Creek along the way. This mini version of the Mount Sonder walk is much shorter than the hike to the summit, yet still offers exceptional panoramic views all over the arid land. In fact, you don’t even need to make it to the lookout to get 360-degree views as the way up/down features them on many different levels. The lookout itself is quiet and relatively shaded, which makes it a great spot to have a peaceful picnic. Interpretive signposts inform you about the mountains and surrounding points of interest as you take in the scenery. The sunrise is exceptional if you manage to come that early. Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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.
Car (Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless.)
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 104.9 km
Turn right and drive for another 3.6 km
Turn left and drive for another 1.1 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Redbank Gorge Carpark, head towards the sheltered trailhead that is marked by a brown “Redbank Gorge | 2 km” sign along the dirt path. Pass through the said shelter and join the dirt walking track, moving directly away from the car park. Keep right when you come to the fork (following the signage for Larapinta Trail Section 11 and 12) to continue along Mount Sonder Lookout Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Larapinta Trail Section 11 to 12.
Redbank Gorge (about 20 m back from the start).
Larapinta Trail Information (about 8 m back from the start).
Find the toilet at the start.
Find the shelter at the start.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Redbank Gorge Walk & Larapinta Trail Section 11-12) continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 11-12.
Keep right.
After another 115 m come to the "Larapinta Trail Camping" (35 m on your right).
Then pass the "Larapinta Trail Water" (35 m on your right).
Veer left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 11-12.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 270 m pass the sign.
At the intersection of Larapinta Trail Section 11 & Larapinta Trail Section 11-12 veer left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 12.
After another 2.1 km come to the "Mount Sonder Lookout" (on your right).
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.6 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Sonder Lookout
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
5.1 km
Time
2 h to 2 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
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 is one 190 m from the start.
Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.
Bushwalk
2 h to 2 h 45 min
Camp site: There is one 190 m from the start.
Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.
Toilet: There is one 8 m from the start.
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Redbank Gorge (about 20 m back from the start).
Then pass the "Larapinta Trail Water" (35 m on your right).
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 270 m pass the sign.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.6 km to get back to the start.