AusLeisure

The Northern Territory Government continues to improve the visitor experience on the Larapinta Trail in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park with more than $600,000 of infrastructure works underway.

The Larapinta Trail is a ‘must-do’ experience for national, international visitors and locals. This work aligns with the Territory Government’s Turbocharging Tourism investment into the Red Centre Ride and Watarrka walking tracks to attract visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss stated “the Larapinta Trail is one of the world’s most spectacular long-distance arid-zone walks, weaving along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges along high ridge lines and dry creek beds.

“We have listened to feedback from walkers and have realigned Section 7 of the trail away from roads and vehicles to offer a more remote outback experience. 

“By providing a new walking trail option, high quality infrastructure and improvements to the walking track, the trek will be better than ever with more space for campers and hikers to spread out and enjoy this remote wilderness.” 

Alice Springs tourism sector welcomes the developments as it means tour operators will be able to create new offerings including this new section of the trail.

A new trail alignment for Section 7 of the trail between Ellery Creek Big Hole and Serpentine Gorge will give walkers the option to trek the North side of the Heavitree Range, away from the main vehicle access corridor for the park along Namatjira Drive.

This will give walkers a more remote experience away from vehicles and road access, providing stunning vistas to the Chewings Range. 

Three new camp shelters will be constructed at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge to complement the new trail alignment works, providing walkers with access to water tanks, toilets and shelter as well as interpretive signage.

The trail realignment works contract has been awarded to local Alice Springs track building company, Tricky Tracks. The campsite and shelter construction contract was awarded to local Alice Springs company, Nicholl Construction.

Works are expected to be complete by the end of August 2019.

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