Mount Sonder Lookout

Starting from Redbank Gorge Carpark, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to Mount Sonder Lookout and back via the Larapinta Trail (Section 12), crossing the usually dry Davenport Creek along the way. This mini version of the Mount Sonder walk is much shorter than the hike to the summit, yet still offers exceptional panoramic views all over the arid land. In fact, you don’t even need to make it to the lookout to get 360-degree views as the way up/down features them on many different levels. The lookout itself is quiet and relatively shaded, which makes it a great spot to have a peaceful picnic. Interpretive signposts inform you about the mountains and surrounding points of interest as you take in the scenery. The sunrise is exceptional if you manage to come that early. Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless. Let us begin by acknowledging the 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

Start	(-23.5774963,132.5187757)
Mode	Car (Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless.)
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 44.3 km Turn right onto Namatjira Drive, 2 and drive for another 104.9 km Turn right and drive for another 3.6 km Turn left and drive for another 1.1 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Redbank Gorge Carpark, head towards the sheltered trailhead that is marked by a brown “Redbank Gorge | 2 km” sign along the dirt path. Pass through the said shelter and join the dirt walking track, moving directly away from the car park. Keep right when you come to the fork (following the signage for Larapinta Trail Section 11 and 12) to continue along Mount Sonder Lookout Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Larapinta Trail Section 11 to 12. Redbank Gorge (about 20 m back from the start). Larapinta Trail Information (about 8 m back from the start). Find the toilet at the start. Find the shelter at the start.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Redbank Gorge Walk & Larapinta Trail Section 11-12) continue straight, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 11-12. Keep right. After another 115 m come to the "Larapinta Trail Camping" (35 m on your right). Then pass the "Larapinta Trail Water" (35 m on your right).
	Veer left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 11-12. After another 80 m cross the ford. After another 270 m pass the sign.
	At the intersection of Larapinta Trail Section 11 & Larapinta Trail Section 11-12 veer left, to head along Larapinta Trail Section 12.
	After another 2.1 km come to the "Mount Sonder Lookout" (on your right). Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.6 km to get back to the start.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Mount Sonder Lookout

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.1 km
Time	2 h to 2 h 45 min

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 190 m from the start.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.

Toilet: There is one 8 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	-8 m	Larapinta Trail Information
Toilet	8 m	[toilet]
Shelter	35 m	[shelter]
Camp site	190 m	Larapinta Trail Camping

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Cronulla Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Monday 16 September
  
  18°C
  Sunny.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Patches of morning frost in the west. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon then tending south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:10am to 2:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Tuesday 17 September
  
  11°C → 20°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting northeasterly in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Wednesday 18 September
  
  11°C → 24°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  15°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  13°C → 22°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  14°C → 22°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h shifting east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  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