The Friends of the Larapinta Trail is a not for profit group dedicated to promoting and maintaining the Larapinta Trail. Located in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park (Northern Territory), the Larapinta Trail is considered to be one of the best multi-day, long distance walks in Australia. We hope you can join us in caring for and experiencing this world class, remote wilderness walking trail.

The Friends were formed in 2011 with the support of the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) and set out several objectives within the constitution. Those objectives are:

a)     To work in partnership with the Joint Management Partners (JMP) to care for and maintain the Larapinta Trail, in keeping with the strategic goals of the Larapinta Trail Strategy and the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park Joint Management Plan;

b)     To promote the trail amongst its members and the wider public through activities, newsletters, promotions and competitions;

c)     To actively recruit and co-ordinate volunteers to assist in on-ground works that are of benefit to the long term sustainability of the trail, in liaison with the JMP;

d)     To accept funds through grant applications, donations and corporate sponsorship to help manage, develop and maintain the trail;

e)     To plan and co-ordinate special events and activities on the trail, in liaison with the JMP;

f)      To uphold the integrity of the trail by promoting and encouraging the adoption of a set of standards and best practice for both commercial operators and independent walkers who use the trail

g)     To assist in the training, advice and ongoing support for commercial operators who use the trail, in liaison with the JMP.

Early progress has been slow however 2014 was a break through year for the Friends. Lots of fun walks and working bees were held and promoting the Trail through a market stall at the Alice Springs Todd Mall Markets saw a huge increase in interest and ‘brand recognition’ of the Friends. The Friends are starting to meet those original objectives listed above which is great to see. The Friends are now working closely with PWCNT and the Traditional Indigenous Owners to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which establishes a clear set of roles and responsibilities for each party. This will ensure an effective partnership that will benefit the Trail well into the future.

Please check out our website to learn more about us. We have free downloadable newsletters and our 2014 Annual Report for your reading pleasure. Our constitution is also available to download as a pdf. The Gallery contains some great images of our recent events and activities, so you can see what we really get up to!