Discover why the Larapinta Trail is one of Central Australia's most unique and remote attractions. Starting from Alice Springs this small-group tour, with a maximum 14 people, offers an intimate and personalized hiking experience. Nestled in the spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges, this extended bush-walking track covers 144.15 miles (232 kilometers) of living desert landscape, crossing a variety of terrains. This is a genuine Australian outback camping experience where you will dine around a camp fire and sleep out under the stars.
Highlights
- 6-day genuine Australian Outback camping experience
- Small-group tour with maximum of 14 people
- Walking along graded tracks and trails
- Stunning desert landscape scenery
- Discover the culture of the Western Arrernte (Aboriginal people)
- Explore hidden caves and valleys
- See ancient plants that time forgot
What You Can Expect
Take in the magnificent views from Euro Ridge
Walking the Larapinta Trail is a truly unique experience, offering a look into the red heart of Australia and the Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture. Explore hidden valleys and gorges that time forgot and camp out under the stars of the Milky Way and Southern Cross as they twinkle you to sleep. Become entranced by traditional folklore stories of “Dreaming” and “Creation,” and discover what was once lost but now found.
This is a genuine rustic camping experience with a few luxuries thrown in. Sleep under the stars in a traditional "Aussie Swag" bedroll, complete with mattress, sheets, pillows and a sleeping bag. Water is scarce so there are limited shower facilities, but there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the local waterholes. And to top it all off there is nothing like a roaring fire and good food to end the day!
A good level of fitness is required as you will be traversing up to 11.18 miles (18 kilometers) a day on graded trails, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. You will only need to carry a day pack, as there will be a support vehicle to carry all the supplies.
See below for the detailed itinerary.
This is a genuine rustic camping experience with a few luxuries thrown in. Sleep under the stars in a traditional "Aussie Swag" bedroll, complete with mattress, sheets, pillows and a sleeping bag. Water is scarce so there are limited shower facilities, but there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the local waterholes. And to top it all off there is nothing like a roaring fire and good food to end the day!
A good level of fitness is required as you will be traversing up to 11.18 miles (18 kilometers) a day on graded trails, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. You will only need to carry a day pack, as there will be a support vehicle to carry all the supplies.
See below for the detailed itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Alice Springs
Upon your arrival in Alice Springs, you will have time to relax before setting off on a journey of a lifetime. Go out and explore the town, browse the galleries or pick up a few souvenirs before meeting your guide and fellow traveling companions in the evening to discuss the coming days and what to expect on your walking tour of the Larapinta Trail.
Overnight Accommodation: 4.5-star hotel, Chifley Alice Springs Resort or similar
Day 2: Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap (B,L,D)
To get warmed up, you’ll start the day with a 12.4-mile (20-kilometer) “leg stretch” from the Old Telegraph Station near the outskirts of Alice Springs to Simpson's Gap, with great views on the way, particularly at Euro Ridge. At Simpson’s Gap, the support vehicle will meet and take you to a remote bush camp where you will stay the night. Tonight, gather around the campfire with your fellow travelers, rest your weary feet and share stories of your first day.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 3: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (B,L,D)
This morning you will head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and walk an 8.3-mile (13.4-kilometer) section from Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam. There are exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridge lines that form the west MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 4: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen (B,L,D)
Today, your walking will see you navigate your way across the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, home to an interesting variety of native fauna and flora, including surviving species of ancient tropical plants. Within the gorge there is a permanent waterhole, perfect for a late afternoon swim.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 5: Mount Sonder Climb (B,L,D)
It’s an early start this morning, waking up to climb 4.97-mile (8 kilometer) to the peak of Mount Sonder. At 4527 feet (1380 meters), it is the fourth-highest mountain in the Northern Territory. You will need a good level of fitness as it is a tough climb, but the amazing views over Mount Zeil, the West MacDonnell Range, Gosses Bluff and Glen Helen make it all the more worthwhile.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 6: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs (B,L)
You say farewell today to the Larapinta Trail as you transfer to Ormiston Gorge and walk the Pound Circuit. The trail winds around low peaks before descending into the “Pound” a flat area ringed by mountains. Here you will see many species of birds and native wildlife, including wallabies. On return to camp, you will have lunch before driving back to Alice Springs in the late afternoon.
What to bring:
• A hands-free headlight/torch is highly recommended for after-dark activities
• Wide brimmed hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Any required medication
• Water bottle (at least 3-4 liters)
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Warm clothing (winter)
• Toiletries
• Swim wear and towel
Please note:
You will camp in style and comfort that involves sleeping in enclosed swags (a swag is the historical Australian name for what is literally a bedroll) or in large, wilderness-style tents. A mattress, pillow, -5 degrees Celsius-rated sleeping bags, sheets, woolen blankets are provided. You will be required to carry your own day pack on this walk and assist with putting up and taking down the tents.
Respecting Indigenous Culture
Visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations of our Indigenous hosts and guide.
Upon your arrival in Alice Springs, you will have time to relax before setting off on a journey of a lifetime. Go out and explore the town, browse the galleries or pick up a few souvenirs before meeting your guide and fellow traveling companions in the evening to discuss the coming days and what to expect on your walking tour of the Larapinta Trail.
Overnight Accommodation: 4.5-star hotel, Chifley Alice Springs Resort or similar
Day 2: Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap (B,L,D)
To get warmed up, you’ll start the day with a 12.4-mile (20-kilometer) “leg stretch” from the Old Telegraph Station near the outskirts of Alice Springs to Simpson's Gap, with great views on the way, particularly at Euro Ridge. At Simpson’s Gap, the support vehicle will meet and take you to a remote bush camp where you will stay the night. Tonight, gather around the campfire with your fellow travelers, rest your weary feet and share stories of your first day.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 3: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (B,L,D)
This morning you will head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and walk an 8.3-mile (13.4-kilometer) section from Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam. There are exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridge lines that form the west MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 4: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen (B,L,D)
Today, your walking will see you navigate your way across the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, home to an interesting variety of native fauna and flora, including surviving species of ancient tropical plants. Within the gorge there is a permanent waterhole, perfect for a late afternoon swim.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 5: Mount Sonder Climb (B,L,D)
It’s an early start this morning, waking up to climb 4.97-mile (8 kilometer) to the peak of Mount Sonder. At 4527 feet (1380 meters), it is the fourth-highest mountain in the Northern Territory. You will need a good level of fitness as it is a tough climb, but the amazing views over Mount Zeil, the West MacDonnell Range, Gosses Bluff and Glen Helen make it all the more worthwhile.
Overnight Accommodation: Bush Camp
Day 6: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs (B,L)
You say farewell today to the Larapinta Trail as you transfer to Ormiston Gorge and walk the Pound Circuit. The trail winds around low peaks before descending into the “Pound” a flat area ringed by mountains. Here you will see many species of birds and native wildlife, including wallabies. On return to camp, you will have lunch before driving back to Alice Springs in the late afternoon.
What to bring:
• A hands-free headlight/torch is highly recommended for after-dark activities
• Wide brimmed hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Any required medication
• Water bottle (at least 3-4 liters)
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Warm clothing (winter)
• Toiletries
• Swim wear and towel
Please note:
You will camp in style and comfort that involves sleeping in enclosed swags (a swag is the historical Australian name for what is literally a bedroll) or in large, wilderness-style tents. A mattress, pillow, -5 degrees Celsius-rated sleeping bags, sheets, woolen blankets are provided. You will be required to carry your own day pack on this walk and assist with putting up and taking down the tents.
Respecting Indigenous Culture
Visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations of our Indigenous hosts and guide.
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