Safety on the Trail
Safety should be your first priority when walking the Larapinta Trail.
Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, how much water you need to carry, how you will get to and from your start/finish point, what you will do in an emergency and current weather conditions.
Your survival depends on careful planning, having the right supplies and knowing your limits.
Extreme Conditions
Typical conditions in May, June, July and August are clear sunny days often with a chilly breeze. You will require warm clothes - thermal wear is a good option, warm hat/beanie, and a good quality sleeping bag (at least -5 °C rating). Outside of these months expect warm to very hot conditions. Parks and Wildlife recommend planning your walk between April and October.
Temp.( °C) |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max. |
36.3 |
34.9 |
32.6 |
28.1 |
23 |
19.9 |
19.6 |
22.5 |
27.1 |
30.8 |
33.6 |
35.3 |
Min. |
21.2 |
20.7 |
17.4 |
12.5 |
8.3 |
5.2 |
4 |
6 |
10.2 |
14.7 |
17.8 |
20.2 |
*Average daily maximum and minimum temperatures (1940-2004) Bureau of Meteorology.
Temperatures can exceed well above and below those mentioned.
Water
Carry and drink an adequate amount of water, take into consideration the weather conditions; distance to be walked; exertion involved; and your physical capabilities. Also allow enough for cooking and emergencies.
Drink water regularly, do not wait until you are thirsty as thirst is one of the early signs of dehydration. Even if you are walking in mild conditions, you will still need to drink water regularly. Refer to the table for water supply points to assist in planning your walk.
Log Books
For your safety it is essential that you write in all log books located at the Trailheads. This will assist Park Rangers to determine your location in an emergency.
Carry Relevant Pamphlets and Maps
You shouldn’t have to use a compass on the Trail, however it is essential that walkers have the appropriate section maps and pamphlets. These will provide you with basic safety information, walking times, trail notes and geographic details.
It is also recommended walkers carry the 1:250 000 topographic sheets (Alice Springs SF 53-14 and Hermannsburg SF 53-13) to assist in planning in the advent of an emergency. The maps can be purchased from Desert Dwellers (Elder Street, Ph: (08) 8953 2240), or from Geoscience Australia.
Don’t Walk Alone
Plan to walk with 2 or 3 other people. In the case of an emergency this will enable 1 person to stay with the casualty and 1 preferably 2 people to go for help.
A Trail for Walkers
The Larapinta Trail is designed as a walking track only. Mountain bikes are not permitted on any section as they are a danger to walkers. The Trail is narrow with many blind corners, steep ascents and descents, making it unsuitable for bikes of any kind. Erosion control devices on the Trail are not designed to handle the impact of mountain bikes and can lead to rapid deterioration of the Trail surface.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
Inform a reliable person of your walk plans, including intended time of return. Make sure they know to contact police if you fail to make contact by the pre-arranged time. It is also strongly recommended that you carry a satellite phone or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). There is very limited mobile phone service on the Trail (Next G). Also carry a well stocked first aid kit and know how to administer first aid.