The stars of the desert sky are a stunning backdrop to our unique Semi-Permanent Campsites | Graham Michael Freeman
Euro Ridge offers a stunning highpoint to Stage 1 of the Larapinta Trail | Graham Michael Freeman
Approaching Fearless Campsite on the Larapinta Trail | Shaana McNaught
Walking along Central Australia's stunning Larapinta Trail | Graham Michael Freeman
Walking towards Ormiston Gorge | Ayla Rowe
Taking a break on the Classic Larapinta Trek | Graham Michael Freeman
Soak up the sounds of the desert around our campfire | Shaana McNaught
Soaking up the view before reaching Counts Point | Ayla Rowe
4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: SOG6514

Trip highlights

  • Trek the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Stay in award-winning, exclusive eco-campsites
  • Visit highlights along the trail including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture and Traditional Owners of the land
  • Relax in the evenings around a campfire as the guides prepare delicious 3 course meals
  • View spectacular and abundant endemic bird-life along the whole trail

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 Ecotourism award in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

As a successful leader, your accomplishments may have brought success but may not have allowed for deep renewal, reflection and enquiry. Larapinta Connect provides you with an opportunity to translate what matters into clarity and new calls to action.

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.

Activities:

Itinerary

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The Larapinta Connect journey begins when we meet you at your accommodation at the Double Tree Hilton between 7-7.30am and travel to Telegraph Station for our Welcome to Country talk with an Aboriginal elder. Here we will begin conversations for the Larapinta Connect group. At around 8am we will start our transfer to Simpsons Gap where we may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. After a stop for refreshments we start walking from Simpsons Gap east towards our campsite through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees towards 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 treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. The group will undertake a presentation and talk of deep reflection and active listening. Stay at Nicks Camp Walking Time: 4 hours Distance: 10.8kms

Meals:  L,D

In the morning we will do a short transfer to Serpentine Gorge for our walk. Today you will be 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. The trail will take you through scattered woodlands and over a stile to a trig point, a good spot for lunch. Arriving mid afternoon it is worth taking time to admire the Ellery Creek Big Hole waterhole for a nice refreshing swim. We will then do a short transfer to our private camp and continue active listening and conversations with Andrea Mason. Walking Time: 5.5 hours 13.1kms Stay: Charlies Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning you will be transferred to Section 8 and part of Larapinta Trail. You can walk (13kms) which is a reasonably moderate to difficult 1/2 day walk and the walking conditions vary markedly, with high peaks, ridgelines walking though eucalypts and eremophila plants. Counts Point rewards walkers with spectacular views of the surrounding ridge lines and peaks. Stepping off the main trail, we can follow our private track to Charlie's Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5 hours Distance 13kms Stay: Charlies Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we 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. After lunch we have time to enjoy a swim before we transfer west to our exclusive Sonder Camp - named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Walk: 6kms leisurely Stay: Sonder Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning for our 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. A short transfer returns us to Sonder Camp looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours Stay: Sonder Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning around the campfire and after breakfast there will be a closing session at Sonder camp. After the closing session at camp a short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm. We will undertake a short 1km walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners. WE will then have a delicious picnic lunch and relax at the Chasm picnic area. We then will transfer back to Alice Springs by 3pm to the Office NPYWC. This will conclude around 430pm-5pm where the guides will then transfer you back to your hotel and the trip will conclude.

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks
  • Exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites
  • Professional wilderness guide & support staff
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & stretcher beds
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • National Park fees
  • All transport during the tour
  • Emergency communications & 24 hour back-up
  • Comprehensive group first aid kit

  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Backpack and sleeping bag
  • Airfares
  • 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, 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.

Departure dates


Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Larapinta Connect - PwC Program 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

Videos

What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail

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.