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The Larapinta Trail
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The Larapinta Trail (7 days)

Need to know

  • Best time to travel: May- August
  • Tour duration: 7 days
  • Group size: 10–18 travellers
  • Challenge grade: 3.5/5
  • Accommodation: Twin Share in 4-star hotels and comfortable camping
  • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

Tour from AUD: Prices available upon request

Contact us

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    Trip at a glance

    Get ready to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

     

    Located in Australia’s Red Centre, you will be trekking sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular wilderness walks in Australia. Known for its breathtaking landscape and mountainous terrain, the trail’s rocky outcrops form a striking backdrop to scenic paths that cut passages through awe-inspiring gorges and expansive plains. A National Geographic favourite, this world-renowned trek is a must on any hiking enthusiasts bucket list.

     

    To ensure that you have the full Larapinta Trail experience, we have chosen walks along the best sections of the trail. A highlight of the trek is a challenging but rewarding climb up to the top of Mount Sonder (1380m), the fourth highest mountain in the Northern Territory. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, plains, valleys and salt lakes. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife; there will be plenty of opportunities to spot birds of prey, such as the wedge-tailed eagle and the peregrine falcon. 

     

    Along the way, you will be surrounded and encouraged by like-minded adventurers as you walk the trail for a great cause. Lead by expert guides who will be with you every step of the way, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the Australian Outback, while supporting a cause you are passionate about.

    Give back

    We know travel is better when you can give back as much as you get. That’s why we have designed our trips around contributing, supporting and participating in local projects and community initiatives that have a positive social and environmental impact.

    Each of our tours provide a unique way to get up close and personal with the destination and incorporate a fundraising target or donation  into the travel costs, which enables travellers to connect, give back and travel with purpose. 

    If you are a charity, corporate or a private group interested in the Larapinta trek, please email us at info@soulfulconcepts.com. 

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrival to Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
    Welcome to Mparntwe. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, “The Alice'' is sure to inspire success for the adventure ahead. Please make your own way to the hotel. The DoubleTree Hilton is located at  82 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs NT 0870. 

    Your local guide will meet you in the hotel foyer at 4:30pm and walk with you to (5 mins) to Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. Where you’ll attend an introduction to Country to pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians of the region, the Arrernte people, and their connections to land and community. The Arrernte people have a significant stake in the management of the Larapinta Trail and the West MacDonnell region, and continue to practise their culture, language and customs here. Followed by a welcome briefing to discuss adventure logistics with your guide.

    You will arrive back at the hotel around 6:30pm for a 7pm dinner, where you will get a chance to get to know your fellow adventurers.

    Accommodation: Doubletree Hilton

    Meals: D

    Day 2: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) to Wallaby Gap
    Waking up bright and early, today is the first day of your trek along the Larapinta Trail. Beginning from the outskirts of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the first leg of our adventure is a casual, 14-kilometre walk through the majestic and rugged West MacDonnell Ranges, considered to be the best there is in Australia. This region is rich in natural wonders and traditional culture, which we’ll experience firsthand as we relax into the rhythm of our trek and immerse ourselves in the magnificence of the region. Following the spine of Euro Ridge, enjoying spectacular views along the way, we arrive in Wallaby Gap where we meet our ground support vehicle and transfer to our remote camping location. The true desert experience starts tonight as we rest our heads in a region synonymous with the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte people.

    Accommodation: Bushcamp

    Meals: B,L,D

    Trekking distance: 14km grade 4 (moderate to difficult)

    Day 3: Ulmpa (Serpentine Gorge) to Serpentine Chalet Dam
    Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail. This section of the trail is only suitable for well prepared and experienced walkers, who have a good level of fitness. While gruelling, it offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mount Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory. The Serpentine Gorge lookout offers one of the most magnificent panoramas in the Red Centre, making it a must-see destination as part of our trek and a fantastic photo opportunity to capture the beauty of the landscape. Tonight, as you lay under the stars, you can reflect on how far you’ve already come and look forward to the days ahead!

    Accommodation: Bushcamp 

    Meals: B,L,D

    Trekking distance: 15km grade 4 (moderate to difficult)

    Day 4: Kwartatuma (Ormiston Gorge) to Tjoritja (Glen Helen Gorge)
    This morning, after breakfast, we set off to hike Section 10, the shortest section of the Larapinta Trail. This breathtaking part of the Red Centre winds through rolling limestone hills at the headwaters of the Finke River, one of the oldest river systems in the world. Trekking this section of the trail, we’re rewarded with the opportunity to take a dip in sensational waterholes at both Ormiston Gorge and Tjoritja (Glen Helen Gorge). Tjoritja is a well-known and popular spot. It is surrounded by towering sandstone and has views of Rwetyepme (Mount Sonder), which is known to change colour with the light. After a long, yet rewarding day, we transfer back to camp for a hearty meal around the fire and some rest and relaxation before tomorrow’s demanding ascent.

    Accommodation: Bushcamp

    Meals: B,L,D

    Trekking distance: 12km grade 3  (Moderate)

    Day 5: Rwetyepme (Mount Sonder) ascent
    Today we set off around 2.30am for a strenuous return trek to the peak of Rwetyepme (Mount Sonder). Reaching the summit of Rwetyepme as the sun rises, we’re rewarded with dazzling views in all directions, making the early start well worth the effort. Ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes combine to create magnificent vistas highlighting the grandeur of the desert landscape. Be sure to keep an eye out for local plants and wildlife as we descend, including the grey-headed honeyeater, the desert mouse, long-nosed dragon and the bright pink flowers of the mountain hakea.

    Accommodation: Bushcamp

    Meals: B,L,D

    Trekking distance: 8km each way (16km return) grade 4 (hard)

    Day 6: Ormiston Pound circuit walk to Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
    After breakfast, this morning we transfer to Kwartatuma (Ormiston Gorge) where we spend our final morning of trekking on the Ormiston Pound circuit walk. Starting from the Visitor Centre, the trail winds around some low peaks before descending into the “pound”, a flat area enclosed by mountains forming a natural amphitheatre. There are numerous species of birds and mammals, such as wallabies, that can be seen in the gorge. It takes 3–4 hours to complete the circuit via another waterhole, and we finish the trek back at the Visitor Centre by mid-morning. After lunch, we pack and break camp for the last time, returning to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), where a hot shower awaits! Our guides bid farewell after dropping use back at the hotel. The last night of our adventure ends surrounded by new friends, reminiscing about our journey through the Red Centre over a refreshing ale or cool drink at one of the Alice’s classic Outback restaurants. 

    NB: transfers to and from Epilogue Lounge are not included, please contact the hotel for assistance to book a taxi.

    Accommodation: Doubletree Hilton

    Meals: B,L,D

    Trekking distance: 9km grade 3 (moderate)

    Day 7: Depart Alice Springs
    For those heading home, you’ll need to organise a transfer to the airport for your return flight. And for those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to the beautiful Northern Territory, you are free to continue your onward adventure through the Red Centre.

    Meals: B

    • What's included:
    • Twin-share pre- and post-tour hotel accommodation and camping in a tent while trekking
    • Larapinta professional wilderness guide
    • All meals and snacks as listed in the itinerary, and all catering equipment
    • All camping equipment, including sleeping bag, tent, pillow, bed linen and swag (if requested)
    • Transportation with hotel pick up and drop off for trekking days
    • All camping and national park entry fees
    • Welcome to Country
    • What's not included:
    • Flights to and from Alice Springs
    • Return airport transfers to and from the hotel
    • Single supplement
    • Transfers to and from dinner on the last night
    • Travel insurance or ambulance cover
    • Items of personal nature
    • Other services not listed in the inclusions

    * Travellers are responsible for valid visas throughout the duration of the trip

    View full itinerary  
    Contact us  

    Need to know

    • Best time to travel: May- August
    • Tour duration: 7 days
    • Group size: 10–18 travellers
    • Challenge grade: 3.5/5
    • Accommodation: Twin Share in 4-star hotels and comfortable camping
    • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

    Tour from AUD: Prices available upon request

    Contact us

      Get in touch with us

      Fill in your details and we’ll get back to you soon

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