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6 Days
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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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Since 1995 – when we offered the first commercial trek in this outstanding walking destination – we have led the way on the Larapinta Trail and our exclusive semi-permanent campsites continue to set the standard, winning us the 2016 and 2017 Ecotourism award in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
On this fully supported trek you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of this iconic desert trail: from the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges you'll see the vast flood plains that form this ancient land. You'll be dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge and soothed by their idyllic waterholes. You'll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm... and to top it all of you'll climb to the lofty peak of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise (1,380m).
At the end of each day we relax in comfort at our architect-designed camps – including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter – as our guides prepare gourmet 3-course dinners around the campfire. Our exclusive camps combined with passionate guides, spectacular food, and an unsurpassed itinerary make this tour the ultimate Larapinta experience.
Day 1
Arrive Alice Springs Airport, walk Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (13.5km)
On arrival to Alice Springs airport we will do a short transfer to the historic Telegraph Station. At the station we will do a short briefing on the trip, of what to expect and what clothing and equipment is required at the official start of the Larapinta Trail. You will begin walking the trail at Geoff Moss's bridge. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments at Wallaby Gap we will do a short transfer to Nick's Camp. Nick's Camp is one of our exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be greeted by a local Aboriginal bush food specialist, who will give an informative presentation about native bush foods with tastings. Walking Time: 5 hours
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge (14km) Option Charlie's Camp to Ochre pits (8km)
From Nicks Camp we will do a short drive to Ellery Creek where we will start today's walk. Today we are walking through the vertical-spined dolomite country of the Bitter Springs formation. These 800 million year old rocks contain fossilised stromatolites, the cyanobacteria that were amongst the first life forms on this earth. It is worth taking time to admire the Ellery Creek Big Hole waterhole before we start trekking. The trail takes us through scattered woodlands and over a stile to a trig point, a good spot for lunch. From here we can do a short transfer to Charlies Camp. Arriving in the afternoon at camp provides us with an opportunity to relax or wander at leisure around the hills of our campsite at Serpentine Gorge. In the afternoon there is an option to walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. If you have time from here we can trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos in the late evening. Stay at Charlies Camp named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Serpentine Gorge to Charlie's Camp (13km), optional walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam (2km)
After an early breakfast we do a short transfer to walk and experience Section 8 of the Larapinta trail. Today's highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie's Camp. An optional afternoon walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals early history of the area and the chance for a refreshing swim. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5- 6 hours
Day 4
Ormiston Pound Walk (6km)
This morning is a little more relaxed. We do a short transfer to enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and wildlife and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. A short transfer sends us to Camp Fearless looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 3-5 hours
Day 5
Early morning sunrise walk up Mount Sonder 1380m (16km)
Your guides will have you up early this morning for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke River. If time permits in the afternoon we may visit the Glen Helen Homestead at the base of the range where we can relax with a drink or even take a scenic helicopter fight over the West MacDonnell Ranges. A short transfer returns us to Camp Fearless looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 6
Standley Chasm, Trip Concludes, Fly out of Alice Springs
After an early breakfast we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Leaving at approximately 730am. On the way to Alice Springs we will stop at Standley Chasm, and take a short walk into the Chasm- a private reserve still run by the traditional owners. After a brief walk into the chasm we join the bus to transfer to the airport. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last six days! We will drop you at the airport ready for your lunchtime departure.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
During the trip we stay at our exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. Our exclusive campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. Each site has a large covered area in which to relax at the end of a day of walking, with lounges, dining table and kitchen. Beside this shady communal space is our campfire, the perfect place to gather as the sun sets.
The safari-style tents offer plenty of room for two people and gear. Luggage should be kept in the tent at all times, preventing dingoes from taking shoes and other items. You sleep on a stretcher bed in a swag. The stretcher beds raise you 40cm off the ground and offer a firm, flat base for the comfy swag mattress. The swag is a 5cm thick foam mattress inside a canvas cover. We provide a cotton fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase, which you keep for the entire trip. You can take your swag outside the tent and sleep under the stars if you are looking for that real outback experience.
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, and the length of the trek. The Larapinta Experience is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves walking 5-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise three or four times a week in the month prior to your departure. Hill walking with a day pack is recommended.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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.