5 Day / 4 Night The Larapinta Trail Trek – Public Tour Journey 2024
Private touring also available
SEASON
DEPARTURE DATES 2024 OUT NOW
RATES UNCHANGED FROM 2023
Safari Tent Twin Share
Adult / Child
From $2980 per person
Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the Red Centre’s Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s top wilderness trails
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) on beautiful Arrernte country
Be impressed by dramatic views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section one) and Counts point lookout (Section 8, 1140 m altitude)
Take a dip in some of the West MacDonnell ranges most impressive waterholes including Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek
Enjoy our exclusive private campsite on traditional land, complete with permanent safari tents, or choose to sleep in an Aussie Swag and watch the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation
Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire
Explore ravines and escarpments, where life forms that will excite the curious mind
Watch the sunrise and stunning 360-degree view from Mount Sonder, one of the territory’s highest mountains
*Please note, days of the itinerary can be swapped on ground due to operational reasons. Additionally, contrasting weather conditions including heavy rain, extreme temperatures as well as changeable road conditions can prevent us travelling on some of our advertised routes. In any case, your expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!
Trek Route
Day 1 – Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap (Lunch & Dinner)
An early start, and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best in Australia. Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days.
Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Driving Distance: approx. 146km
Hiking Distance and Grading: 14 km (Section 1), Grade 4 – moderate to difficult
Day 2 – Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good fitness level. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after a long day of walking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Driving Distance: approx. 94km
Hiking Distance and Grading: 13.4km (Section 8), Grade 4 – moderate to difficult
Day 3 – Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge
Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore, with several important sites being viewed, including ‘Yapulpa’, which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Tonight, relax at our beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Driving Distance: approx. 27km
Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3 – moderate
Day 4 – Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb
An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Driving Distance: approx. 64km
Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 12), Grade 5 – difficult
Day 5 – Section 9/10 : Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs
Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora and a grand finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits).
Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: N/A
Driving Distance: approx. 156km
Hiking Distance and Grading: 9km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 – moderate
Departures 2024
INCLUSIONS
4 Nights’ Private and remote permanent campsite on traditional land (bush setting & portaloo’s)
All camping equipment such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and basic swag
Includes: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, trek snacks
Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages
(BYO alcohol, cold storage will be provided, let your guide know at the meet and greet)
Guided bushwalking (~14km, grade 2-6)
Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs
Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host
An outback meat tasting platter including buffalo, kangaroo and camel (based on availability)
An ethically sourced, organic bush food tasting platter straight from the Central Desert
Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
EXCLUSIONS
Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided
Alice Springs Hotel on Day 5 of the itinerary
Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner, please make your own way
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
Travel insurance is highly recommended
Personal expenses
