Larapinta Trail 7 day / 6 night

Itinerary

The famous Larapinta Trail extends for over 223km’s along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia and is divided into 12 sections. Commencing at the Old Telegraph Station on the outskirts of Alice Springs, the trail meanders through many ancient river beds, sheltered gorges and stunning waterholes, climbing steeply over the rugged ranges with numerous stunning vantage points to take in the spectacular landscape. The Larapinta takes in a variety of desert habitats before rewarding trekkers with 360° views from Mount Sonder – the highest point marking the end of the Trail.

Day 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

Arrive at leisure today and check into your hotel.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it all behind for the desolate outback. Browse Aboriginal artworks at Central Australia's best art galleries, or take in a twilight didgeridoo performance. This is also a good time to ensure you have all articles needed for your Larapinta Trail walk.   We meet at 6.00pm in the evening to discuss finer points of the coming days with your guide. Overnight Alice Springs

Accommodation  (Twin share). Note: Single accommodation is an additional $50 per night. If you are single and wish to share with another person on the trek of the same gender we will arrange this for you subject to availability. If no other single share available, single supplement is payable.

Day 2 - Ormiston Pound Walk

An early start and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best there is in Australia. Our first walk is regarded as the “primo” small walk of the Larapinta. The Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, tonight we camp in the vicinity of the mighty Finke River, synonymous in the dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrente Aboriginal people.  
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Distance Walked: 15km

Day 3 - Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen

Today we traverse the low lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore with several important sites being viewed including 'Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend as well as the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming.
Tonight our camp site is shadowed by Mount Sonder (The Pregnant Lady) and the imagery of the Yeperenye Hills (Caterpillar Dreaming). Relax at the campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million star accommodation.  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Walked: 9.9 km

Day 4 - Glen Helen Gorge / Redbank Gorge

The tempo lifts as a 23km trek awaits. This is a challenging section of the Larapinta. Variety is the theme for today with undulating open Spinifex plains giving way to a gradual climb to the Half Way Rocky Bar Gap, through constant up and down at the base of Mt Sonder. Enter the eerie caverns in one of the Red Centre's less traversed gorges. Squeeze through narrow passageways, between polished, multi-hued walls that block out the sunlight, its cathedral atmosphere and vivid colours are well worth the effort. Enjoy the evening around the campfire with your fellow walkers for another night of friendly banter and a hearty meal. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Walked: 23 km

Day 5 - Mount Sonder Climb

An early rise is an understatement as we challenge the 8km climb to the Peak of Mount Sonder (1,380m). The vision of sunrise and the 360 degree view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. After lunch we will travel towards Simpsons Gap where your walk tomorrow commences. Spend the night here where we will camp for your last evening under the stars of the Milky Way. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Walked: 15.8 km

Day 6 - Simpsons Gap / Alice Springs

Stretch those legs one final time en route to where Alice Springs all began – The Old Telegraph Station. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Today, our 21km walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the memories of the previous 4 days. Visit the Old Alice Springs Telegraph Station and wander through the 19th century stone buildings. Enjoy the sweeping sunset across Alice and Mt Gillen from the giant stone boulders marking the end of the Larapinta Trail. Your vehicle will greet you at the Telegraph Station and transport you back to your hotel.
A return to normality (hot shower and life as you know it awaits). Tonight we will reminisce the past 6 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink at one of Alice’s finest restaurants (own expense).
Overnight Alice Springs accommodation (Twin share).
Note: Single accommodation is an additional $50 per night. If you are single and wish to share with another person on the trek of the same gender we will arrange this for you subject to availability. If no other single share available, single supplement is payable.  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance Walked: 21 km

Day 7 - Departure

Check out of your accommodation by 10am. Transfers to the Airport/Railway Station can be arranged at the hotel Reception.

Inclusions

This is a fully inclusive tour. Pre and Post tour accommodation in Alice Springs twin share. Tour guide, ground support crew and all transportation. Camping equipment and bedding including swags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets. Meals and snacks as indicated on itinerary and below. Hot and cold drinks excluding alcoholic beverages (note that the purchase of alcohol can be arranged with your guide at the pre trek meeting. Cold storage will be provided), fresh drinking water.

Climate

With much of Australia lying between 20° and 30° south, combined with such a large land mass, it isn't surprising that the country has its fair share of deserts. In fact Australia is the driest continent on earth with approximately 70% of its area termed arid or semi arid. The most arid parts of Australia are the western and central parts of the continent and other than a few coastal patches to the north, east and south, the rest of Australia is termed semi-arid.

While Central Australia is a dry place, it certainly does rain. Alice Springs gets about 275 mm of rain a year falling mainly between October and March. The average rainfall decreases as you move south with the Lake Eyre basin receiving about 100 – 140 mm per year. Alice Springs, sitting at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges, actually has higher average rainfall and slightly lower average temperatures than the rest of Central Australia due to the higher altitude.

Most rain in Central Australia is the result of summer monsoon activity that brings large volumes of rain to northern Australia as well as tropical cyclones that originate off the north-west coast. In both instances it is the frequency and degree that the monsoon troughs or cyclones penetrate south and inland that determine the amount of rain that falls. Luckily it is the predominantly flat terrain that allows these events to happen with the frequency that they do as there are no mountain ranges to block the moisture from the north and north-west.

Geology

Contrary to what many people assume, Central Australia is anything but a flat monotonous desert. Alice Springs is located at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges which stretch for over 400km in an east-west direction in parallel ridges with flat valleys between. They were formed through massive earth movements some 300 million years ago, breaking up what was then a sea bed as fossil remains testify. Being so old and weathered, generally they extend up only around 300 metres from the valley floor but are a sensational sight and more importantly, facilitate a number of permanent water holes and provide sanctuary to a large number of plant and animal species.

Just south of the West MacDonnell Ranges are the Gardener and James Ranges and a little further south-east is the George Gill Range which is home to the infamous Kings Canyon at Watarrka National Park, the site where the cult movie 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' was shot. Another 120km or so further south-east lie Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which rise approximately 350 and 500 metres respectively from the desert floor. The greater area around these two icons is a sandy plain with low lying sand dunes.

Even though the region of Central Australia only receives between 100 – 300 mm of rain per annum, there is still a rich and diverse range of plants and animals. A large part of this diversity can be attributed to these mountain ranges and rock formations. They can assist this diversity in a number of ways, namely; they can influence and often increase local rainfall, provide permanent or semi-permanent water holes, moderate temperatures compared to sand environments and provide shelter and refuge in caves, overhangs and crevices

Lizards, Snakes & Kangaroos

Insects are by some margin the largest group of animals in the desert in terms of number and biomass. There is barely a square metre in the desert that doesn’t have ants roaming around. There is prolific reptile and lizard fauna in Central Australia including a large variety of snakes, geckos, goannas, skinks and dragons, although they tend to emerge in the summer months. It is also home to Australia's largest lizard, the Perentie, which can grow up to 2.5 metres in length. There are approximately 150 species of birds and of course, kangaroos and wallabies. Surprisingly, there is also a reasonable variety of freshwater fish, molluscs and crustaceans that occur in streams, waterholes and springs.

So if thinking about visiting outback Central Australia, expect a lot more than a barren and monotonous landscape. It changes regularly, has a host of interesting wildlife and will amaze at the sheer magnitude and timelessness of it.

Outback Camping in Style

We like to camp in style and comfort which involves sleeping in enclosed swags or in large, wilderness style tents. A mattress, pillow, sleeping bag, sheets, towel, soap and a torch/kerosene lamp are provided.

Further Information

Walking Tracks

Will vary from narrow trails which are steep and rocky in parts to wide trails, constructed to a high standard.

Respecting Indigenous Culture

Please note that itineraries that include visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations of our Indigenous hosts and guides

Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Fees

The tour operator reserves the right to amend tour times, itineraries and fares for its tours as circumstances, time of year and operational reasons occur. There will be no refunds in these circumstances or for reasons such as delays incurred due to mechanical failure or weather conditions. The operator cannot guarantee exact pick-up and drop-off times and will accept no responsibility in the event of cancellation fees from other connecting services. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel a tour or arrange an alternative operator if group numbers are insufficient.
NO responsibility for any injury, illness or other such accident sustained whilst on tour or while engaged in any activities with other tourist operators that may not be part of the tour itinerary is accepted.  Cancellation fees apply.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 will secure your place with final payment due 30 days prior to trip departure. Click on Bookings to make a reservation.

CANCELLATION FEES

• 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit
• Between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50%
• Less than 30 days prior to departure - 100%