4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 5 days walking
Accommodation
  • 4 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$AUD

Trip Code: SOG5744

Larapinta Trail Trip highlights


  • Trek the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Stay in multi award-winning, exclusive eco-campsites
  • Visit highlights along the trail including Ormiston Gorge
  • 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 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.

Activities:

Itinerary

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. 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 you have the option to extend your walk and head to Nick’s Camp on foot if time allows, or to transfer by bus. 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 local bush food specialist, Rayleen Brown, who will give an informative presentation about native bush foods with tastings. Walking Time: 5-8 hours depending if you do optional extra walk into camp

Meals:  L,D

Before breakfast we will wake up and enjoy a private Yoga session, in the amazing bush surrounds of Nicks Camp. In the morning we walk out of Nick’s Camp (8kms) west toward Simpsons Gap. Here if you look really carefully you might find a Black-Footed Rock Wallaby that lives in the rocky escarpment to the right of the gap. Around midday a short transfer will take us to stunning Standley Chasm. After a delicious picnic lunch we will venture into the chasm, climbing up to a magnific lookout and walking to Gastrolobium Saddle. Later we will transfer back to Nick’s camp (approx 30 minutes) for another delicious meal prepared by our guides.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we transfer (1hr 20min) to Serpentine Gorge, the start of our walk. During this section of the trail we experience some of the most spectacular views on offer. 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 continue walking into the afternoon to our pick up point before being transferred to our new camp at the foothills of Mt Sonder – our challenge for tomorrow. We will spend another evening relaxing over the campfire and enjoying some of the best stargazing the world has to offer. Overnight at Sonder Camp. Walking Time: 7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

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 flight over the West MacDonnell Ranges. A short transfer returns us to camp looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we will get up early and walk into Ormiston Gorge. The Gorge 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. We then transfer to Alice Springs (approx 2 hours). Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 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

  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Backpack and sleeping bag
  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance

Accommodation


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


Priceper person from

$AUD


Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed 5 Day private Larapinta walk 2020 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.


Larapinta Trail Trip reviews


Larapinta Trail 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.

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