Our Vision

The Taarna Trail is more than just a walking or riding track — it’s a new way to connect with the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges and the culture of the Arrarnta People. Designed and led by Traditional Owners, the trail offers a respectful, immersive experience where visitors can walk, mountain bike ride and learn with purpose.

that the Taarna Trail will support cultural connection, community wellbeing and sustainable tourism — a trail that brings people together, on Country, in the right way.

“This is a place for our young people to find their way, and for visitors to feel the spirit of our Country.”
— Bobby Abbott, Traditional Owner & Director

The Concept

The Taarna Trail will link Taarna Valley to Ormiston Gorge, offering a 23 km shared-use track for walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Designed in partnership with trail experts and ground-truthed by Traditional Owners, the trail offers sunrise and sunset lookouts, cultural storytelling, art stops, and guided experiences along the way.

Trail Highlights

• Up to 23km one way (walk, run or ride)

• Lookouts over Mount Sonder and Ghost Gum lined rocky ridges

• Short walks (under 5km) for a ‘taste’ of Country or to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets

• Independent options and guided tours led by local Arrarnta People

• Special interest trail experiences including painting Country workshops, wildlife viewing, photography and accessibility tours

• Mountain bike hire from either Taarna Valley or Ormiston Gorge

• Shuttle services between Taarna Valley and Ormiston Gorge

• Connections to the famous Larapinta Trail with an opportunity for walkers to spend some time at Taarna Valley.

More Than a Trail

This project supports local jobs, training, youth leadership and enterprise development — all while giving visitors an unforgettable experience of Country. It creates real pathways for Arrarnta People to work on their Country, leading cultural tourism while protecting and sharing our culture and Country in  the right way.

We are currently working with our trail partners to make the Taarna Trail vision a reality. We welcome partners, investors and supporters who want to walk this journey with us.