The Larapinta Trail: 3-day Trek
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The Larapinta Trail (5 days)

Need to know

  • Best time to travel: May- August
  • Tour duration: 5 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

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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: Dinner

    Day 2: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) to Wallaby Gap
    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 in Australia. Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming days.


    Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.

    Meals: Lunch, Bush Tucker Tasting Platter, Dinner
    Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Swags
    Driving Distance: approx. 146km
    Hike Distance and Grading: 14 km, Grade 4 - moderate to difficult



    Day 3: 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.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Swags
    Driving Distance: approx. 64km
    Hike Distance and Grading: 16km, Grade 5 - difficult



    Day 4: Ormiston Pound circuit walk to Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
    Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora and a grand finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits). 

    Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink. 

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Doubletree Hilton
    Driving Distance: approx. 156km
    Hike Distance and Grading: 9km, Grade 3 - moderate

    Day 5: 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: Breakfast

    • 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: 5 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

      Get in touch with us

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

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