The Mt Sonder Walk and a Trek Through Redbank Gorge (Rwetyepme)
Are you wanting to do the Mt Sonder Walk? Of all my summits, the Mt Sonder walk stands out as one of the most magical. It was the precursor to my solo hike of the full Larapinta Trail, an experience that ranks among my most profound adventures.
The Larapinta Trail, stretching from Alice Springs to Redbank Gorge, is swiftly earning its place as one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day hikes
For those embarking on the full track, the Mt Sonder walk is a breathtaking start—or the grand finale to one of the hardest treks Down Under.
But let's not overlook Mt Sonder as a standalone experience. If you find yourself in the heart of Australia with a yearning for adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The out-and-back trail begins at the striking Redbank Gorge, one of the highlights of the Larapinta Trail and easy to access.
Is it hard? Yes and no. It's considered a Grade 4 hike, challenging indeed, but the “hard part” earns you the reward of witnessing one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable.
In this guide I will cover:
- Mt Sonder Overview
- Do I need to book and are there any fees?
- When is the best time for the Mt Sonder Walk?
- Safety concerns
- Redbank Gorge
- Redback Gorge Camping
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Mt Sonder Overview
- Location: Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia
- Distance: Approximately 16 km / 9.9 miles (return)
- Elevation Gain: 782 m / 2566 ft
- Highest Point: Mt Sonder peak, 1380m / 4527 ft
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Trail Type: Return
- Grade 4: Challenging
Redbank Gorge Carpark to Saddle 1.0 hr 2.3km
Saddle to Mount Sonder 2.5 hrs 5.6km
Mount Sonder to Redbank Gorge Carpark 2.5 hrs 7.9km
TOTAL 6 hrs 15.8km
Mt Sonder Map and Elevation Profile
The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife has put together a map for the Mt Sonder return journey. It is not to be used for navigational purposes, but to give you an idea of the track. Click here to access the map
For an online map of the Mt Sonder walk, I recommend AllTrails. AllTrails is a GPS enabled app, which allows you to follow the map on your phone. It is more accurate than a street map like Google or Apple Maps.
If you are tackling more than one section of the Larapinta Trail, please refer to my Complete Guide to Planning the Larapinta Trail which goes into the Larapinta Trail Maps and Navigation in detail.
These Guides for Day Hiking are Recommended:
What to Pack for a Day Hike – Including the 10 Essentials
What to Wear When Hiking (Winter and Summer)
What Food to Take on a Day Hike
Need to Know
Booking and Fees
No booking is required for the Mt Sonder walk. However, in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, you will need to purchase an NT Parks Pass and pay a one-day Walking Fee, if staying overnight.
A Day Pass to access the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park costs $10 per adult and $5 per child. Get your Parks Pass here.
If you are planning to spend the night at Redbank Gorge, you will need to pay a Walking Fee of $25 per person (adult or child aged 5 to 17 years), per night. Pay your Walking Fee here.
Additionally, if you are camping at Redbank Gorge, a $10 camping fee is required. Pay your camping fee here.
Pack Light, Pack Right – Free Interactive Checklists
No More Overpacking. No More Forgetting Essentials.
Our free interactive packing lists help you pack methodically and remember everything. Add notes, quantities, save or print, and share with hiking partners so everyone knows what’s covered and what they need. Works on any device.
Available for multi-day wilderness camping, hut-to-hut hikes, and inn-to-inn walks, with new lists added frequently.
Options and Directions
The Mt Sonder Walk is an out-and-back hike starting from the trailhead at Redbank Gorge. There are no side trails off the main Mt Sonder trail, and walking off the designated path is not recommended.
I do, though, highly recommend a side trip to the majestic Redbank Gorge, where you’ll be dwarfed by the towering red cliffs.
Trailhead
The walk officially starts from the car park at Redbank Gorge, via Namatjira Drive off Larapinta Drive.
While you do not need 4WD to get to the Trailhead at Redbank Gorge, a vehicle with high clearance is recommended. Google Reference
Best time to Hike Mt Sonder
The optimal time for walking is from April to September; despite this, be aware that these months can still experience extreme heat.
Aim to begin your ascent between 3-4am to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and arrive at the hilltop lookout in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise.
Track Conditions – Mt Sonder Walk
The trail is a steady climb up to Mt Sonder, providing a solid physical challenge, both ascending and descending the mountain.
The trail can be rough, with unstable terrain and good walking boots or shoes are required. While the trail markers are good, the trail may become less distinct near the saddle.
Check out my Larapinta Trail Gear List for details on the additional hydration packs I carried.
Water Sources at Mt Sonder
There is water at the trailhead and campsites at Redbank Gorge, however there is no water sources on the trail. Take a minimum or 3L of water per person.
What Gear to Pack
- Day-pack
- Head-Torch
- First Aid Kit
- Toilet Kit
- Warm Jacket
- Beanie
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Camera/Phone
- Snacks
- Water
Interested in
Hiking Safety?
We have a dedicated Hiking Health, Safety and Hygiene Facebook group!
Safety on the Mt Sonder Walk
- The preferred hiking months for the Mt Sonder walk are from April to September, although sudden spikes in temperature can occur. Avoid leaving for this walk later in the day. If you're camping, pack warm gear, a sleeping bag, and shelter to protect against the cold nights.
- Assess your fitness and well-being before commencing this hike. Recognise your own physical limits and devise a backup plan for emergencies. Stay flexible to manage the unpredictability of hot weather.
- It is recommended to hike with at least two companions on the Mt Sonder walk, so that help is available if someone gets injured. Ensure you have a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies.
- Confirm your return transport in advance of your walk. Leave your itinerary with someone reliable, and make sure they understand to contact authorities if you do not return as scheduled.
- Complete the logbooks found at each Trailhead so that in case of an emergency, Rangers can trace your route.
READ NEXT: Hiking in the Heat – How to STAY SAFE
Redbank Gorge
Redbank Gorge, at the western end of the Larapinta Trail, is insanely beautiful, and I felt dwarfed by the magnificent towering walls.
I arrived at Redbank Gorge at around 5ish to set up my tent on the dry riverbed. The Redbank Gorge riverbed is large and my nearest neighbours were quite far away.
Once I set up my tent, I made my way down to the gorge. I still had another hour of daylight left, and the diminishing light was gorgeous. Little rock wallabies bounced around, totally ignoring me.
After a hectic morning buying last-minute supplies in Alice Springs and the long drive out to Redbank Gorge trailhead, the stillness and peace of the gorge was a great way to decompress.
It was at this moment I realised just how magical the Larapinta Trail was going to be.
Pack Light, Pack Right – Free Interactive Checklists
No More Overpacking. No More Forgetting Essentials.
Our free interactive packing lists help you pack methodically and remember everything. Add notes, quantities, save or print, and share with hiking partners so everyone knows what’s covered and what they need. Works on any device.
Available for multi-day wilderness camping, hut-to-hut hikes, and inn-to-inn walks, with new lists added frequently.
Track Conditions – Redbank Gorge
The path to Redbank Gorge is classified as a Grade 3, which signifies a moderate difficulty level.
It's a 2 km return trek that takes about 1.5 hours, starting from the carpark and following alongside the creekbed.
Unsure what the track grading system is?
Check out our Detailed Guide to the Track Grading System
While the initial part of the walk is on a clear track, it transitions into a sandy creek bed that can be strenuous to navigate, especially on hot days—so carrying and consuming ample water is vital.
The terrain can get rocky, and visitors are advised to proceed with caution.
Swimming in Redbank Gorge
Just a kilometre from the car park, you'll find a near-permanent waterhole within Redbank Gorge. However, if swimming, you should be prepared for chilly waters, as most waterholes maintain a surprisingly low temperature.
To help navigate through the Gorge, a flotation aid is a great experience!
Even when it's hot outside, the risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold water can be an issue. Also, caution is advised to avoid submerged logs and rocks, and diving or jumping into the water is not advised.
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Redbank Gorge Camping
Redbank Gorge has 2 category B campsites, the Ridgetop and the Woodland campgrounds.
Caravans are only allowed at the Woodland Campground.
There are basic facilities at both including toilets, picnic tables and water tanks.
Alternatively, you can camp on the dry river bed, which is where I camped. The ground is soft so you may struggle with a tent which is not free standing.
Camping fees apply to all campsites, regardless if you are in an official campsite, or camping on the river bed.
What's in your Essential First Aid Kit?
Reflecting on the Mt Sonder and Redbank Gorge Journey
The Mt Sonder Walk is a transformative experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
If you are travelling to Alice Springs via Redbank Gorge, this trail offers a slice of Australia's rugged beauty that's hard to match.
The incredible vistas, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit, and the serene beauty of Redbank Gorge itself make this journey a must for any outdoors person or avid hiker.
With adequate preparation, respect for this remarkable landscape, and an adventurous spirit, the Mt Sonder Walk promises to be an adventure you'll recount for years to come.
Remember to embrace every step, from the preparation to the rewarding descent, as each contributes to the narrative of your unforgettable experience in the heart of Australia.
Like This?
We'd love you to share this great guide!
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