Larapinta Trail - Sample Itinerary

Walking along Australia's most iconic desert trek, along the ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges and staying at comfortable eco campsites.

Challenge Highlights

  • Trek the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Stay in multi award-winning, exclusive eco-campsites
  • Visit highlights along the trail including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture and Traditional Owners of the land
  • Relax in the evenings around a campfire as the guides prepare delicious 3 course meals
  • View spectacular and abundant endemic bird-life along the whole trail

Overview

The Classic Larapinta Trek is one of the seven Great Walks of Australia and is now noted as one of the top 10 walks in the world on many trekking writers walking lists. Walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges we gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. We follow an itinerary that will appeal to the active walker prepared to cover between six to sixteen kilometres each day, with plenty of side options to the best spots in the area.

On this fully supported trek you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of this iconic desert trail: from the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges you'll see the vast flood plains that form this ancient land. You'll be dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge and soothed by their idyllic waterholes. You'll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm... and to top it all of you'll climb to the lofty peak of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise (1,380m).

At the end of each day we relax in comfort at our architect-designed camps – including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter – as our guides prepare gourmet 3-course dinners around the campfire. Our exclusive camps combined with passionate guides, spectacular food, and an unsurpassed itinerary make this tour the ultimate Larapinta experience

Fundraising Portal

Upon registration you will also receive a Huma Charity Challenge comprehensive confirmation kit that includes a Fundraiser’s Guidebook; a great resource for fundraising ideas and support. Your charity will help you set up fundraising page where sponsors can donate. You can do it!

Challenge Grade

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of passes crossings and the length of the trek. The Larapinta 6 day trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves 5 – 7 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with

some steep ascents and descents. Although this trek does not involve altitude, it can

be tough and should not be underestimated.

In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended.

Itinerary

We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments you have the option to extend your walk and head to Nick's Camp on foot, or to transfer by bus. Nick's Camp is one of our exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be greeted by local bush food specialist, Rayleen Brown, who will give an informative presentation about native bush foods with tastings. Walking Time: 5-8 hours

Meals:  D

From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will be welcomed to country by Deanella Mack from Cultural Connections. Sunday and Wednesday departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation; Friday departures will have a cultural conversation on night one. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners – we transfer to Charlie’s Camp. Named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes, tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track back to Charlie's Camp. An optional afternoon walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals early history of the area and the chance for a refreshing swim. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow. Your guides will offer numerous afternoon activities such as: visit Finke River (estimated to be the oldest river in the world), relax at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge, or take on a challenging 10km trek from Ormiston Gorge through diverse desert lowlands and creek country. We transfer west to our exclusive Camp Fearless – named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear – at the foothills of Mount Sonder. Walking Time: 3-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke River. If time permits in the afternoon we may visit the Glen Helen Homestead at the base of the range where we can relax with a drink or even take a scenic helicopter fight over the West MacDonnell Ranges. A short transfer returns us to Camp Fearless looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and wildlife and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last six days! We will drop you to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice's great eateries. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B

What's Included

  • Farewell dinner to celebrate the Challenge
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • 2 nights exclusive Nick's semi-permanent wilderness campsite
  • 3 nights exclusive Charlie's semi-permanent wilderness campsite
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Off-road transport from Alice Springs

What's Not Included

  • Return Airfares
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag hire
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Head torches and other personal equipment

What You Carry

  • Trek Larapinta is a fully supported trek. You will need to carry just a day-pack with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items. You should carry at least 3 litres of water each and every day. Your luggage will be transferred by the support vehicle between campsites. Please keep luggage to a soft duffle bag per person. Please do not bring hard suitcases or extra large duffles as these are hard to transport.

Fundraising Impact

The funds you raise on this Charity Challenge will assist Act for Kids and its beneficiaries by:

• contributing to the cost of intensive therapy for children who’ve experienced abuse and neglect

• providing specialist therapy tools and equipment

• enabling Act for Kids to direct funds to expand their child and family support services where they’re needed most.

Australia Challenge Reviews

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:6 Days
Activities:Trekking
Charity Challenge
Grade:Introductory to Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:SOG5204

The key is to tap into your different networks, friends, family and the broader community and to try different ways of fundraising. From running a BBQ day, to hosting a movie night in local cinema, or an afternoon tea or fun dinner event. We also have a Facebook group just for our team members. Here, people share ideas and feedback on their fundraising. Plus our fundraising booklet with many fundraising ideas and how to make these super duper effective