Larapinta Trail Tour

Pre-Tour Meet and Greet

Welcome to Alice Springs! You’ll need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to your accommodation, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive. If you land early in the day, it’s definitely worth exploring the hustle and bustle of the Red Centre and checking out some of the incredible Aboriginal art galleries and museums whilst you’re in town. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the essentials for your walk before you set out on your exciting adventure on the Larapinta Trail.

Once you’ve settled in, the adventure begins. Join us at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden at 4:30pm where you’ll get to meet up with the rest of your fellow travellers, meet your tour guide and discuss our exciting itinerary. You’ll then head back to your accommodation to get an early night’s rest and prepare for your big adventure tomorrow! Get excited, because it’s going to be an unforgettable journey!

Day 1 –Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap

We kick off our adventure early in the morning, leaving Alice Springs behind and heading out into the wild West MacDonnell Ranges! This is one of the best places in Australia – with its majestic beauty, deep history and culture, it’s a sight to behold. Our first stretch is a 14 km trek starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. We take our time to enjoy all that this region has to offer and take in the calming ambiance of our surroundings, including some spectacular vista points from Euro Ridge. Our reliable Ground Support Vehicle will be waiting for us at the glorious Wallaby Gap, ready to transport us to our remote camping destination in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If we have some time to spare, we’ll also take a dip in one of the stunning local waterholes along the way.

In the evening we rest on the traditional lands of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, a region rich in Dreamtime (Alcheringa) stories and culture. We tantalise our taste buds with Kungkas Can Cook‘s delicious Tasting Platters and pre-dinner appetisers. This incredible Aboriginal catering company sources wild harvested produce and bushfoods from around the Central Desert Region to create dishes that are uniquely Australian! 

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approximately 146 km

Section 1 Hiking Distance and Grade: 14 km Grade 4 (moderate – difficult)

Day 2 – Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

Today’s adventure takes you through the majestic beauty of the wild and rugged western half of the Larapinta Trail. We cover a distance of 13.4 km. Today’s trek is rigorous and requires a strong level of fitness and stamina, even for the experienced walkers, but the breathtaking views over the high quartzite ridgelines including the Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory) are worth the effort. Again, if time permits we unwind after an action packed day of walking with a refreshing swim at one of the beautiful natural waterholes before retiring to our campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approximately 94 km

Section 8 Hiking Distance and Grade: 13.4 km, Grade 4 (moderate – difficult)

Day 3 – Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge

Another epic journey of discovery awaits today as we traverse the low-lying areas around Ormiston Gorge, gradually making our way up towards the Finke River. This ancient landscape is heavily submerged in rich traditional Dreamtime folklore which you’ll experience along the way as we cross some significant sites like ‘Yapulpa’ – an iconic part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time allows we’ll take a plunge into one of the pristine, sparkling waterholes before settling into our permanent safari campsite for an exquisite evening of sublime desert sunsets and stargazing under the infinite night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private, remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 27km

Section 10 Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km, Grade 3 (moderate)

Day 4 – Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb

Get ready for one of the most unforgettable sunrise experiences of your life. You’ll need to set your alarm for this adventure as we head out at 3am to embark on this 8 km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. It’s a challenging feat but we promise the 360° views and the spectacular sunrise from the top will make every step worthwhile! 

Afterwards you can sit down to a delicious, well  Aussie breakfast cooked back at our campsite. You’ll have the afternoon free to relax back at the campsite or wander around Ormiston Gorge. As night falls, take in the spectacular views one last time of the endless star-studded sky and immerse yourself in Australia’s serene outback landscape at our remote campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Private, remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 64km

Section 12 Hiking Distance and Grade: 16km, Grade 5 (difficult)

Day 5 – Section 9/10 : Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs 

The Ormiston Pound Walk is a relatively small walk along the Larapinta Trail but it’s packed with plenty of “wow” moments! Considered by many as the ‘primo’ trail, you’ll get to experience amazing wildlife and vegetation, as well as stunning views of Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles. Getting a glimpse of the gorge will leave you speechless – it’s no wonder that Albert Namatjira, one of the greatest and most influential Aboriginal Artists in history, was inspired by its beauty. 

After our final picnic lunch together at Ormiston Gorge, we say our official goodbyes and begin to make our way back to Alice Springs. After settling back into your accommodation and enjoying a well earned shower, we invite you to join us at one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (exact time and location to be confirmed by your guide), where you can enjoy a night of good food, great company and lots of laughs. With an ice cold beer or a refreshing drink in hand, you can relax and share stories and experiences about these last five days of adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: N/A

Driving Distance: approx. 156km

Section 9/10 Hiking Distance and Grade: 9km, Grade 3 (moderate)