Water Supplies
The availability of temporary surface water is dependent on large rainfall events which are infrequent and unpredictable in Central Australia. The quantity and quality of temporary surface water is unreliable. Parks and Wildlife recommend when planning your walk to utilise the water supplies at the Trailheads.
Ranger maintained tanks are monitored and re-filled by rangers at a frequency dependent upon the season and number of walkers on the trail. The tanks are refilled well before they become empty, using water from either Alice Springs town supply (sections 1 – 6) or from rainwater storage tanks at Ormiston Gorge (sections 7 – 12).
Walkers are encouraged to record supply levels in the Trailhead log books and to urgently report any leaks, low tank levels or other concerns to the rangers at either Simpsons Gap or Ormiston Gorge.
Contact Parks and Wildlife closer to the time of your walk to get the latest information on water supplies.
Please note that the quality of the water supplies cannot be guaranteed and it is recommended walkers either boil the water or use a filter or sterilizing tablets such as Puritabs.
| Section | Location | Supply Type | Distance from last supply (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alice Springs Telegraph Station | Tap connected to Alice Springs town supply | 0 |
| 1 | Wallaby Gap | Ranger maintained tank | 13.5 |
| 1 and 2 | Simpsons Gap | Tap connected to Alice Springs town supply | 10.3 |
| 2 | Mulga Camp | Ranger maintained tank | 13.7 |
| 2 and 3 | Jay Creek | Ranger maintained tank | 10.8 |
| 3 and 4 | Standley Chasm | Tap connected to local bore supply | 14.1 |
| 4 and 5 | Birthday Waterhole | Ranger maintained tank | 17.7 |
| 5 and 6 | Hugh Gorge | Ranger maintained tank | 16 |
| 6 | Rocky Gully | Ranger maintained tank | 15.9 |
| 6 and 7 | Ellery Creek | Ranger maintained tank | 15.3 |
| 7 and 8 | Serpentine Gorge Larapinta Trail Camp Site |
Walker operated hand pump connected to storage tank | 13.8 |
| 8 | Serpentine Chalet Dam | Ranger maintained tank | 13.4 |
| 9 and 10 | Ormiston Gorge | Rainwater storage tank | 28.6 |
| 10 and 11 | Finke River | Ranger maintained tank | 9.1 |
| (11) | Glen Helen Resort | Tap connected to the resort bore supply or purchase bottled water from the resort | 4.3 |
| 11 | Rocky Bar Gap | Ranger maintained tank | 14.2 (from Finke River) |
| 11 and 12 | Redbank Gorge | Ranger maintained tank | 11.8 |