Trek the Larapinta Trail – 7 days
The Larapinta Trail, arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, explores Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains on this seven-day trek. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder. Take a moment to appreciate the vast red desert surrounds and weeping ghost gums and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.
Trip overview
- Start – Alice Springs, Australia
- Finish – Alice Springs, Australia
- Destinations – Australia
- Physical rating – 4/5
- Group size – Max 12
- Enjoy views of the rugged and diverse mountain range while you walk across Serpentine Ridge and cap your experience with the summit of Mt Sonder.
- Camp underneath the breathtaking Milky Way, far away from any light pollution. All meals are included on this trip.
- Find respite from the Australian sun at one of the stunning swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge.
- Hike the red slopes of the ranges and spot passing wallabies (maybe a cheeky emu if you’re lucky).
- Deep dive into First Nations history and visit sacred sites like the Ochre Pits with your local leader, who takes care of all the details so you can concentrate on living the experience.
- You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km. We walk different sections of the Larapinta Trail each day, rather than the entire trail from start to finish.
- When travelling in Central Australia temperatures can range from very high in the day, to below freezing at night. Please ensure you pack appropriate clothing, including sleepwear. Between June and August, when nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep.
- On this trip you will be camping under the stars. You will be expected to set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. Please bring your own sleeping bag, and remember that between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep.
Itinerary
Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. You’ll meet in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
After breakfast, begin your trek on the Larapinta Trail. As you head out of town, you’ll get the first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges around you. After 9km of walking (with a pit stop for a spot of lunch), you’ll have made the first leg of the journey from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. Enjoy some shade in the shadows of ghost gums, then make your way to our campground where we will set up camp for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner with your trip mates and settle in for your first night under the magnificent outback sky.
Today’s walking distance is approximately 9km.
Fill up on breakfast this morning before hitting the road and setting off on one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail, a 14km trek atop Serpentine Ridge. From the base of Serpentine Gorge, make your way to the top of the ridge and along the way discover some Mountain Hakea, the pink bush flowers of the outback (that sort of look like aliens from another world). Take a pit stop to appreciate breathtaking views of the red desert landscape at the top, have a bite to eat and remember to hydrate. Discover the most iconic photo op of the trail at Counts Point, from where you’ll head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam.
Today’s walking distance is approximately 14km.
Fuel up with breakfast and head out on the 9km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk. A stunning trail that shows off all the beauty that Central Australia has to offer, Ormiston Gorge provides a nice respite. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your mid-hike oasis. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole before you head to the Ochre Pits later in the afternoon, one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. Head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars.
Today’s walking distance is approximately 9km.
Today is a very early start. Make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, then begin the 16km hike (about five hours) to the top of Mt Sonder. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle from where the going will be slightly easier. Make sure to wear your sturdiest boots, don’t forget your head torch and layer up in the winter months – it can get pretty cold up there. Once on top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon and lights up the vastness of the desert below you. Head back down the mountain along the saddle while appreciating the gorgeous scenery for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. Head back to camp for a free afternoon. Perhaps enjoy some optional walks or simply have a relaxing afternoon after today’s early start. Tonight enjoy your last camp dinner together.
Today’s walking distance is approximately 16km.
Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in every moment. You’ll finish your trip with an 11km walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. Head to Standley Chasm and experience the impressive Reveal Saddle walk. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitor’s centre before saying goodbye to the ranges. Make your way to your hotel accommodation in Alice Springs with your leader, where you’ll celebrate your amazing hiking experience with the group over dinner.
Today’s walking distance is approximately 11km.
Enjoy a spot of breakfast before it’s time for a final goodbye to your trip mates. Your trip is now over and you can make your way back to the airport at your leisure.
Inclusions
