5
Moderate
Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights exclusive eco-comfort camp
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3385AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: SOG7931

Larapinta Trail In Comfort Trip highlights

  • Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Hike the main highlights 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 bird-life along the whole trail

Why Book With Us

  • You'll love the extra amenities at our exclusive eco-comfort camps, which are big on comfort yet small on environmental impact
  • Unrivalled experience, first on the trail in 1995
  • Choose from more dates than any other operator
  • Our trip is part of the Great Walks of Australia collection

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 eco-comfort camps continue to set the standard, winning us the 2016, 2017 and 2019 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 off 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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We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Please ensure you've had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to pre-purchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am). 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 passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments you take a quick transfer by bus 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 treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. Walking Time: 5-8 hours

Meals:  L,D

From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture. All departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners – we transfer to back to our campsite. Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Transferring back to Standley Chasm, we today follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. We head up to follow the ridge line over Reveal Saddle to Brinkley’s Bluff. From this high point, just over 1100m, we are rewarded with superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell Ranges. This is Section 4 of the Larapinta Trail and is considered one of the most challenging. The section between the saddle to the Bluff is rocky and difficult in sections but it is totally worth it as it is considered to be one the most scenic sections of the trail. Retracing our footsteps back down the trail, we are then transported 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: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we 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. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow. This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. We transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps. Fearless – named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp - named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Both Camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder. Walking Time: 3-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) 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 back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River. Walking Time: 7-8 hours

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 is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see 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. This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. 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 to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice's great eateries. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks
  • 5 nights at our exclusive eco-comfort camps
  • Professional wilderness guide & support staff
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & stretcher beds plus all cooking equipment and utensils
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • National Park fees
  • Alice Springs hotel pick up/drop off on first and last day of tour
  • All transport during the tour
  • Emergency communications & 24 hour back-up

  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Transfers from/to Alice Springs airport
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Backpack and sleeping bag (if you would like to hire a sleeping bag please let our staff know at least 14 days prior to your trip)
  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

Multi Award-Winning Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

Stay at our exclusive, multi award-winning eco-comfort camps, they have be awarded the prestigious Northern Territory Tourism Brolga Award for Ecotourism in 2016, 2017 & 2019. Our exclusive eco-comfort camps are the best on the Larapinta Trail and all of our trips are 100% carbon offset.

More comforts, but still feels like camping

During the trip we stay at our exclusive multi award-winning semi-permanent wilderness eco-comfort camps. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. These camps, which are exclusive to our travellers, offer so many more comforts to traditional camping but still allow the camping experience. They 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.

Sleep in comfort

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.

Shower Tents

Nothing says comfort in the wilderness like a hot shower. Hot water is heated using a “Donkey” hot water boiler - an efficient and economical way to heat water. Guests have a 9 litre bucket of warm water to use in our shower tents, which run for 2 – 2.5 minutes.

Organic shampoos and soaps are included for your use, sourced from Dindi Naturals, a supplier of handmade soaps and body products that contain no toxic or synthetic materials. These are chemical free derived from environmentally friendly ingredients from areas of fair trade and sustainability.

Ablution Facilities

Our eco friendly camp toilets are water-free clean and airy amenities, and are exclusive to trekkers at our campsites.

These save 143 litres of water each day, thanks to their water-free system.

Trail Surface

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces

While the Larapinta Trail is a well-marked, well-defined track, walkers should still expect parts of the trail to be very rocky underfoot.

This may focus your concentration on avoiding stones, so make sure you train with some rock-hopping before you go to be comfortable with this type of terrain.

We strongly recommend investing in proper hiking boots with good support for both the foot and ankle.

The trail can be steep in some sections, which will require you to use your hands when descending or ascending, and is overgrown with spinifex in places, so gaiters or hiking pants are recommended.

There is not a lot of shade along the trail and you will be exposed to the sun for the majority of your walking hours.

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces in places

The trail up Mt Sonder is the same as the rest of the trail, well-marked and rocky in places. However you will be walking this in the dark for the dawn ascent so a good head torch is required.

You will encounter a lot of steps and some very rocky sections on the descent, which is long and gradual.

Suitability

Moderate

5

YourClassic Larapinta Trek is graded 'Moderate'. This trek involves walking 6-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections. Suggested preparation: We recommend regular exercise 3 or 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) in the months leading up to your trip. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.

Departure dates


Priceper person from

$3385AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Chloe Buttenshaw Group - Classic Larapinta In Comfort 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is hard, rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections.

If you need to use a CPAP machine during the trip please speak with our staff about this. There are charging points at camp, but not in your tent. You will need to bring spare batteries that can be charged by USB port during the day while the group are not at camp and/or bring a small solar panel to charge the batteries.

You will need a good level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

The Classic Larapinta Trek is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day and when on top of Mt Sonder.

Our Larapinta Trail trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

Autumn (April and May) - Trekking conditions in autumn are pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 12-27C. Unlike the winter months when evenings become quite chilly, autumn evenings are cool and trekkers can comfortably pull their swag out from their tents and sleep outside under the blanket of stars. While the official wet season is over, you can still expect rain up until late May, as well as some cloud coverage during these months.

Winter (June to August) - During the daytime, temperatures hover at low-mid 20C with refreshingly cool breezes, however evenings temperatures can drop close to 0C, particularly in the valleys, and the frost that covers the ground can create a snow-like appearance. Many people are surprised to find out how cold it can get in the middle of winter, so trekkers need to make sure they are adequately prepared for cold nights with insulated sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and thermal underwear.

Spring (September) - Temperatures in September begin to rise leading to sporadic thunderstorms which creates the perfect environment for the landscape to come alive with wildflowers and lowline flowering shrubs. With cooler temperatures suitable for hiking, and clear skies for picture-perfect sunsets, it's no surprise that September is a popular season to trek the Larapinta Trail.

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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.