Sunrise from Glen Helen on the Larapinta Trail | Peter Walton
Counts Point is one of the highlights of the Larapinta Trail | Aran Price
Walking on the Larapinta Trail | #cathyfinchphotography
Ormiston Gorge offers swimming opportunities | #cathyfinchphotography
Social distanced walking along the Larapinta Trail | #cathyfinchphotography
6
Moderate to Challenging
Activities
  • 7 days guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights camping
  • 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

9 Days$AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: SOG6957

Larapinta Challenger Trek Trip highlights

  • Challenge yourself to the toughest sections of the Larapinta trail
  • Experience wilderness camping under the stars
  • View a spectacular sunrise from the top of Mount Sonder
  • Enjoy 3 course evening meals after a big day of trekking
  • Learn about the trail with your expert guide
  • Trek with like minded, adventurous hikers

Challenge yourself to trek some of the toughest sections of the 223km Larapinta Trail on this inspiring trek that will delight the wilderness lover and challenge the seasoned walker. The Larapinta Trail offers one of the greatest desert treks on earth and is one of Australia's most famous walking experiences.

This camping based trek gets you close to the real action of the trail, where you are completely encapsulated by the rugged beauty of the Central Australian desert. This trek is designed to challenge you; asking you to dig deep to tackle the best 'gutsy' stages of the Larapinta. You will be passing over remote ridges and canyons, whilst winding your way along the West MacDonnell Ranges.

As with all our guided treks on the Larapinta Trail, you will only carry your day pack. All luggage and camping gear is transported by our professional support crew, freeing you to enjoy the diverse desert scenery, revel in the camaraderie of your fellow travellers and focus on achieving your goal.

Activities:

Itinerary

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On arrival in Alice Springs make your own way to the group hotel, the Double Tree by Hilton, 83 Barrett Drive Alice Springs. At 3:30pm there is an essential briefing at Lone Dingo Store, 6/63 Todd Street. This briefing will cover equipment and preparation for the trek. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.

Meals:  Nil

We pick you up from your Alice Springs accommodation between 6:30-7:00am and transfer to Standley Chasm. Today's walk is nothing short of spectacular. We continue on through varied terrain dotted with Mulga and Witchetty Bush to Millers Flat. Here the track diverges to follow the ridge line above the Finke River. We first follow the 'high route' which takes up on top of the mountain range and offers us expansive views of our surrounding environment. We descend to Tangentyere Junction where we then follow the 'low route' which has us follow creek and river lines scattered with the unique Macdonnell Range Cycad. This track return us to Millers Flat, from which we climb through rocky terrain before descending back into Standley Chasm from the north. Camp is at Standley Chasm.

Meals:  L,D

From Standley Chasm, we follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. We follow the ridgeline to Brinkley’s Bluff for superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell’s. After lunch we take on a steep descent to our welcoming campsite at Birthday Waterhole.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early rise today for one of the most challenging and rewarding sections on the trail. We head into Paisley Gorge before moving on to our lunch spot at Spencer Gorge. Our trek this afternoon takes us on a rough spinifex journey through this semi-arid region allowing breathtaking views of Hugh Gorge, our camp spot for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

A crisp early morning 4WD to Serpentine Gorge we begin today’s trekking. This section offers breathtaking views as the trail runs along the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. We ascend to Counts Point where we are able to take in clear views of Centralia’s western horizon, out past Mt Zeil and Mt Sonder and as far as the comet crater of Gosse Bluff. We descend through mysterious old Mulga stands to camp tonight at Serpentine Chalet.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is one of the highlights of the trip that begins with a sunrise departure. This trek takes us into the rugged heart of this country on a track only opened as recent as 1997. This section is a little more difficult as we ascend to 1088 metres, but is well worth the reward of the clear views across the Alice Valley to the wow factor of Mt. Giles.

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. 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we are up early for our ascent of Mount Sonder (known as the pregnant lady by the local Arrente Aboriginal people). An early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape. To sight the views of the country from the top and knowing we have just climbed one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range is a memorable moment of the trip is ample reward for the effort involved in getting there. Having reached the highpoint (many think highlight) of the Larapinta Trail, we drive back in to Alice Springs hoping to drop you at the Double Tree Hilton around 5pm. This evening there will be a celebratory group dinner at the Hanuman Thai Restaurant.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your trip arrangements conclude this morning.

Meals:  Nil

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Swags for sleeping (but not sleeping bags)
  • Catering & eating utensils
  • Off-road transport from Alice Springs
  • Vehicle supported camping throughout
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Comprehensive group first aid kit
  • Emergency radio/sat phone
  • Trip escorted by a Diamonds in the Rough coach

  • Airfares
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag hire
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

About Your Leader

When you join this Diamonds in the Rough Adventures (DITRA) partner trip, you will be accompanied by experienced Diamond coach, and become part of a dedicated team of women, training and hiking together to maximise everybody’s enjoyment and success.

Your Diamond Coach will train and support your team in your preparation. This exclusive DITRA itinerary is tailored to exactly what women want and everything is included.

Knowing who you’re on the trip with ensures that your teammates are perfectly prepared and fit for the adventure (that means you must be, too!). Everyone is expected to commit to Trek Training and the preparation hikes as advised by your coach. A Private Trip Facebook group will allow you to connect directly with your team as well as give you direct access to your coach. World Expeditions guides and staff are responsible for delivering your extraordinary experience during your adventure. Please direct all pre, mid and post trip feedback to World Expeditions. Your Coach is not the tour operator, guide, navigator or first aider.

Accommodation

Outback Camping

During the trip we camp with swags and tents; a true Australian Outback experience. Your guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tent and rolling out your swag. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.

Suitability

Moderate to Challenging

6

This trek involves 6-12 hours walking 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. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a day pack. 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

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Diamonds in the Rough Larapinta Trek 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 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.

You will need an excellent level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared for long, fast paced walks. Previous experience on multi day walks is highly recommended. 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 Larapinta Challenger 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.

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.

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

Larapinta Challenger Trek 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.