4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 7 days walking
Accommodation
  • 3 nights private Eco Camps
  • 3 nights Hotel
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days$AUD

Trip Code: SOG5488

Trip highlights


  • Hike on the most stunning sections of the Larapinta Trail
  • Experience cultural connections on sacred landscapes
  • Relax and refresh in award winning Eco camps
  • Be amazed by the spectacular colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset

The Larapinta Trail is one of the finest walks in Australia. Walking the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges we gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. We follow an itinerary that will appeal to the active walker prepared to cover between eight to sixteen kilometres each day. You will need to carry only a day pack, as a support vehicle will transport the luggage and meet us at our campsites with bush tucker that will exceed expectations. There will also be plenty of time to reflect on the variety of walking stages. At times the trail descends from the ridge line into narrow canyons where sheltered pockets of delicate fern and twisted gum trees grow from the dry rivers of sand. We journey south of the ranges to experience the dramatic cliffs and gully's of the Kings Canyon before journeying into the very centre of Australia to marvel at the spectacular beauty of the Kata Tjuta with the pinnacle of the journey - witnessing the sun set and rise over the majestic Uluru.


Itinerary

You will be greeted on arrival at the Alice Springs airport by your guides and then drive out to the starting point for our afternoon walk from the historic Telegraph station. From here you enjoy the stunning scenery on the 5km through to the Geoff Moss Bridge where you will be met by our vehicle and transferred to our exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsite, Nick's Camp is named to remember its original architect Nick Murcutt. Nick's Camp is one of our exclusive award-winning camps, in solar energy and sustainable travel, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be greeted by local bush food specialist, who will give an informative presentation about native bush foods with tastings.

Meals:  D

From Nicks Camp, we follow the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach Simpson's Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy an indigenous introduction to the Larapinta Trail from Deanella Mack from Cultural Connections. You will view the beauty of the Casm that is still run by the traditional owners. We transfer to Camp Fearless, named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will walk part of section 9 of the Larapinta trail the Inarlanga pass, a sacred site gorge filled with Cycads, then onto the Ochre pits via the Arrente Walk. The Ochre Pits were a significant site for local Aboriginal people who used the Ochre for ceremony and trading to other nations. For our afternoon walk we will take in the spectacular Ormiston Pound loop walk - the most spectacular side walk of the Larapinta trail, formed through movement of the earth, wind and rain over millions of years. We return for the evening at Camp Fearless.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we continue West on Namatjira drive leaving the West MacDonnell range NP behind us and take a closer look at Tnorala the meteorite crater. We then continue along the Mereenie loop road to Kings Canyon resort located in Wattarka NP. We can refresh at our Hotel accommodation before our relaxing evening meal.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will spend a full day exploring the wonders of Kings Canyon. We will explore Kings Creek (2.5km) Canyon rim walk (6km loop) and south wall walk (5km). We return for dinner to our Hotel and have local Traditional Owners talk to us about the Canyon and the region.

Meals:  B,L,D

We depart this morning and work our way further west to Kata Tjuta and walk the Valley of the winds, depending on how we all feel we may walk up to 8km for this loop walk or take a shorter 3km section then head around to Walpa gorge for a shorter 2.5km walk. We then head to Uluru for sunset to view the many changing faces and colours of this sacred rock.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will rise with the sun today and prepare for our days exploration of Uluru. There are several walks in and around the ‘Rock’ that we can choose to discover. We can walk the base walk that takes around 4hrs and 11km or many other shorter walks such as Mala, Kuniya, Liru or Dune. We visit the Cultural centre and learn about the creation stories for the Anangu people of the area. All walks dependant on outgoing flight times. We will drop you to the airport for connecting flights.

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
  • professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • all group camping equipment, including tents, swags for sleeping, stoves, cooking & eating utensils
  • vehicle supported camping throughout
  • all National Park and camping fees
  • emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • off-road transport from Alice Springs

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag hire
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of passes crossings and the length of the trek. The Larapinta 7 day trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves 6 – 8 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Although this trek does not involve altitude, it can be tough and should not be underestimated. In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended.


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Red Centre Outback Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Trip reviews


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.