Larapinta Trail, S2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek

Starting from the end of Darken Drive, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to the Jay Creek Campsite via the Larapinta Trail (Section 2), visiting Bond Gap and Spring Gap along the way. This is the second section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This part of the Larapinta offers you a tranquil, remote experience as you head under mulgas and red river gums. Notice the contrast between the red rockfaces and the vivid green plants as you’re making your way through Bond Gap. Spring Gap on the other hand has little waterholes here and there that make the scenery even more picturesque. Keep an ear out for the birdsong throughout the track and try to identify the species if you can. The Arenge Bluff will present its southern face to you as well. You can stay the night at the Mulga Campsite midway and make this a multi-day walk. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to access the Jay Creek trailhead. 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.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Full Journey	Larapinta Trail
Start	(-23.6785843,133.7176157)
Mode	Car
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 14.2 km Turn right onto Darken Drive and drive for another 1.1 km Turn slight left onto Darken Drive and drive for another 5.5 km Turn left and drive for another 45 m
Finish	(-23.664054,133.5387869)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (You'll need a 4WD vehicle to acces the Jay Creek trailhead.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Larapinta Trail Information Shelter (Section 2 Trailhead), Simpsons Gap, head west along the singular dirt track, following the signage for Larapinta Trail (Section 2). Stay on the said track as it veers left, passing by the campsite and toilet (to your left). Follow the designated track as it meanders westward to continue along Larapinta Trail, S2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Larapinta Trail Section 2. Larapinta Trail Information (about 15 m back from the start). After 35 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right). After another 135 m come to the "Larapinta Group Camping".
	After another 5 m continue straight. After another 6 m pass the shelter (on your left). After another 225 m pass the toilet (55 m on your left). Then pass the water tap (70 m on your left). Then come to the "Larapinta Walkers Campsite" (90 m on your left).
	After another 7.6 km (at the intersection of Larapinta Trail Section 2 & Woodland Trail) veer right, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Bond Gap where you can see some contrast in colour as mentioned in the description. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1.1 km turn left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2. After another 2.5 km continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2. After another 2.2 km come to the "Arenge View".
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to Mulga Campsite where there are picnic tables & seats and a toilet. Set amidst Mulga trees -- hence the name-- , this site features a softer flat surface. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 2.4 km veer left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2. After another 2.6 km find the "Spring Gap" (on your right). Spring Gap Featuring lovely little waterholes that are best viewed after some decent rain, Spring Gap offers you a tranquil & shaded resting spot if you'd like to pause and take in the scenery.
	After another 60 m continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2. After another 6.7 km continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 2. After another 135 m come to a sign. About 120 m past the end is "Larapinta Trail Information". About 125 m past the end is a water tap. About 130 m past the end is "Jay Creek". About 140 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end.

This little side trip takes you to the Bond Gap where you can see some contrast in colour as mentioned in the description.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 140 m come to "Bond Gap". Bond Gap Featuring warm red rockfaces and lively green plants, Bond Gap offers you a picturesque and remote experience.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 140 m to the main route.

This side trip takes you to Mulga Campsite where there are picnic tables & seats and a toilet. Set amidst Mulga trees -- hence the name-- , this site features a softer flat surface.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 130 m come to "Mulga Camp". A water tap. About 15 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 130 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Larapinta Trail, S2: Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	25.7 km
Time	7 h 30 min to 2 days

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 4 on route, on average they are 5.2 km apart with the largest gap of 16 km.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 8.6 km apart with the largest gap of 25.6 km.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 5.2 km apart with the largest gap of 16 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	-13 m	Larapinta Trail Information
Toilet	20 m	[toilet]
Camp site	155 m	Larapinta Group Camping
Shelter	165 m	[shelter]
Toilet	390 m	[toilet]
Camp site	390 m	Larapinta Walkers Campsite
Camp site	16.2 km + 155 m	Mulga Camp
Toilet	16.2 km + 160 m	[toilet]
Camp site	25.8 km	Jay Creek
Toilet	25.8 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Stawell Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. The chance of morning fog in the southwest. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to around 6 with daytime temperatures reaching around 19.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 11:00am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  4°C → 19°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to around 5 with daytime temperatures reaching around 20.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  6°C → 20°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to around 6 with daytime temperatures reaching the low 20s.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  9°C → 22°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds north to northeasterly 25 to 35 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to around 10 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  12°C → 23°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Tuesday 6 May
  
  11°C → 20°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Wednesday 7 May
  
  10°C → 20°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- NT Parks alerts
  When planning and before starting your trip please check the NT parks alerts pages for anything that may impact on your plans.
  Regions
  Darwin
  Katherine
  Tennant Creek and Barkly
  Alice Springs

Weather Forecast

Alerts