Starting from Herbert Heritage Drive, Stuart, this walk takes you to Simpsons Gap via the Larapinta Trail (Section 1), visiting Hat Hill Saddle and Wallaby Gap along the way. This is the first section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. Embark on a scenic journey in the arid land of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park and feel like you’re back in the wild west. A chance to scorpions, creek crossings, picturesque rock formations and views for a lifetime await you on this journey. The Euro Ridge offers you great views of Alice Springs which become increasingly beautiful as the sun goes down/up. If you’re lucky, you can see a train making its way on the railway line as well. There are multiple campsites (official/unofficial) that offer you great views in lovely settings, so don’t hesitate on making this an overnight walk if you’re thinking about it. Both ends of the journey are accessible by vehicles and don’t require 4WD drive. Keep in mind that the Telegraph Station Car Park is open from 8AM to 9PM. Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or a SAT Phone (especially if you’re tackling the whole Larapinta) instead of emergencies. 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.
Telegraph Station has toilets, campsite furniture, gas BBQ and food kiosk.
The terrain on this part of the trail is rocky and loose. The track gently undulates with some steep parts on a well-defined trail.
Telegraph Station is accessible by car between 8am and 9pm all year round. If you happen to arrive outside these hours continue on foot from the main gate to the trailhead. To get to Simpson Gap by a car use the sealed Larapinta Drive between 7am and 9pm.