- 5 DAYS
- Adult/ Child (8+) : $2980 AUD
- Adults (18+) : $3180 AUD
- DEPARTS 6:00 AM
- RETURNS 17:00 pm
Highlights
- Explore the Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Red Centre, one of the country’s premier wilderness trails.
- Explore the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) in Arrernte country.
- Experience breathtaking views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section 1) and Counts Point Lookout (Section 8, with an altitude of 1140 meters).
- Visitors can swim in various waterholes in the West MacDonnell ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek.
- Experience our secluded private campsite on traditional land, featuring permanent safari tents, or sleep in an Aussie Swag, where you can witness the mesmerizing transformation of the night desert into a breathtaking million-star accommodation.
- Experience the unique flavours of ethically sourced, organic bush foods cooked over a campfire in the Central Desert.
- Discover ravines and escarpments, where interesting life forms will intrigue the curious mind.
- Visitors can enjoy the sunrise and panoramic view from Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountains in the territory.
The itinerary for the Red Centre may change due to the diverse landscape, culture, and weather conditions. The expert guides will ensure that everyone has a fantastic adventure.
Tour Details
- Tour code: LPI06-S/ LPI06-P
- Operates: Mondays (May-Aug)
- The departure time from Alice Springs is scheduled for 6:30 am.
- The return time to Alice Springs is at 17:00.
- The duration is five days and four nights.
- The maximum group size is 15 people.
- The campsite is available for four nights.
- The fitness level is moderate to high for grades 3-6.
- The driver guide is accredited and also serves as a host in the outback.
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
What to Expect?
Itinerary
Upon arrival, visitors will be welcomed as part of an initial tour. Upon reaching the airport, travellers are responsible for arranging their own accommodations in Alice Springs (not included in the package; please book directly). At 4:30 pm, everyone will meet at Olive Pink Botanic Garden to introduce themselves, discuss the upcoming journey, and receive guidance. Afterwards, participants can return to their accommodations in Alice Springs early to rest before the journey begins.
If you arrive in the morning, you might want to spend some time exploring the town centre of the Red Centre before heading out to the remote outback. In Central Australia, many art galleries display Aboriginal art, which can also help you ensure that you have all the necessary preparations in place for your Larapinta Trail adventure.
Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap
There is going to be an early departure from the suburbs, and we shall commence exploring the wilderness. The natural wonders in Western MacDonnell Ranges and their traditional culture make them the best in Australia. We will start our walking track with a 14 km walk from just outside Alice Springs. We will see stunning vistas, particularly at Euro Ridge. It is intended for this particular walk to be casual, as we will have time throughout the next four days to unwind and enjoy ourselves in this area. Our destination is Wallaby Gap, where our Ground Support Vehicle (GSV) will be waiting to ferry us to our remote camping spot deep in MacDonnell Ranges National Park. There could also be an opportunity to go swimming if it’s not too late. It will feel genuine since the region has strong ties with the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Prior to the delicious dinner, we are going to have a Kungkas Can Cook tasting platter, which includes bush foods and wild-harvested produce from both Central Desert Region.
Meals: Lunches and Dinners are provided.
Accommodations: include private campsites or isolated sites such as safari tents or bush shacks. Driving distance: 146km separates the two locations by road. The hiking distance: for Section 1 is 14km; it has a Grade 4 rating meaning that it is a moderate/difficult graded section of the track according to Walker’s grading system for difficulty level
Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
Today, we’ll explore the western part of the Larapinta Trail, a 13.4-kilometer segment that needs experienced hikers with strong fitness. It offers beautiful views of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, which is the highest peak in the Northern Territory. Time permitting, we might have a chance to pop into an earthy waterhole for some relaxation after a full day of walking.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: a secluded campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges offers private accommodations such as safari tents or bush swags.
Distance: by road, approximately 94km. Hiking distance: section 8 is 13.4km on mostly moderate to difficult terrain.
Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge
Our tour will explore the vicinity of Ormiston Gorge, situated at a lower elevation. We will venture into the secluded parts of the Finke River as we progress. This area boasts an indigenous culture with significant locations like ‘Yapulpa’, which is associated with the Carpet Snake Dreaming and Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we may opt to swim in one of the most picturesque natural waterholes. As the sun sets in the evening, we can return to our fixed camp and appreciate the array of colours in the desert throughout the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: A private and secluded spot on West MacDonnell Ranges is our home for tonight. Some of these include Safari Tents or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approximately 27km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3—moderate.
Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb
We set off on our hike at 3 am in an attempt to reach the summit of Mt Sonder, eight kilometres away. The sight and panoramic view one sees during sunrise will be incredible. Then have a fabulous cooked breakfast at our campsite. The rest of the day is free for you to spend how you wish, either around your private tent or at Ormiston Gorge. While comfortable camping out in the middle of nowhere, enjoy the beautiful sights of the Milky Way.
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. The distance to drive is around 64 kilometres.
The hiking trail for Section 12 covers a distance of 16km and is classified as a challenging hike (Grade 5).
Section 9/10 : Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs
This is one of the highest-rated tracks on the Larapinta Trail. It presents one with a stunning view of the Chewings Range and Mount Giles, which artists like Albert Namatjira find so inspiring. From Ormiston Gorge, where we take our picnic lunch, we will leave our campsite and head towards civilization.
Come and have dinner at one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants after you shower tonight. Your guide will let you know when and where to meet her/him. Think about how these last five days have gone for you, maybe while enjoying a drink.
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No accommodation is provided. The driving distance is approximately 156km. The hiking distance is 16km (Section 9/10), with a grade 3—moderate difficulty.
- This tour operates with a maximum of 21 passengers. Our vehicles are comfortable 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa buses that are air-conditioned, with large passenger windows.
- 6:30am from Alice Springs
- Operates: Mondays (May – Aug)
- Basic Swag (canvas-covered bed roll)or Permanent Safari Tents
- 4 x Breakfast – 5 x Lunch – 5 x Dinner – trek snacks
- Approximately 5:00pm to Alice Springs
- 4 Nights Outback Bush Camping in private and remote campsite on traditional land complete with safari tents with twin bedding (bush setting including portable toilets and pop-up showers, excluding electricity)
- 4 x Breakfasts, 5 x Lunches, 5 x Dinners, trek snacks
- Onboard drinking water (BYO refillable bottle), hot & cold drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages -BYO alcohol, cold storage will be provided, let your guide know at the meet and greet)
- Guided bush walks (~14km, grade 2 -6)
- Accredited outback driver guide & host
- Air-conditioned 4WD off-road bus travel
- Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs
- Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
- Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- Please email our Reservations Team ([email protected]) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- COVID-19 – together we can stop the spread, please seek medical attention and stay at home if you are feeling unwell
Online Booking
FAQ
What is the Larapinta Trail?
The Larapinta Trail is a well-known track for walkers in the West MacDonnell Ranges situated near Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Spread over 223 kilometres; it offers stunning desert landscapes, rough serpentine gorges and a strong bond with Aboriginal heritage.
How difficult is the 5-Day Larapinta Walking Tour?
This Larapinta trek is moderate to difficult. It involves daily walks in the bush that last for 5 to 7 hours and goes through rugged terrains, some of which are steep uphill and downhill paths. People planning to take part should be moderately fit and have some background true experience.
When's the best time to hit the Larapinta Trail?
The prime time to tackle the Larapinta Trail is during the cooler months from April to September when the hiking conditions are more favourable.
What facilities are on offer along the Larapinta hiking trail?
Facilities are pretty basic. Expect simple campgrounds with long-drop dunnies. A few spots might have water tanks, but purifying water before drinking is crucial.
Can I tackle the tour on my own?
While you can take on the Larapinta Trail solo, the 5-Day Walkabout is guided, offering extra safety, insights into the local aboriginal culture, and logistical support like tucker and transport.
How many people are in a group?
The group size can change, but tours usually run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 16 bushwalkers to ensure a tailored and comfy experience.
