Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort

Your guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit and maintain 24-hour emergency communications back-up at all times, including in remote sections of the trail. If you're injured, unwell, or encounter wildlife such as snakes, your guides are trained to respond immediately and can arrange evacuation from the trail if needed.

Travel insurance isn't included in the trip price and needs to be arranged separately before departure. Given the remote desert location of the Larapinta Trail, we recommend cover that includes emergency evacuation, medical treatment and trip cancellation. Speak with our team if you're unsure what level of cover you need.

The Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort is fully guided, with expert local leaders, all meals, and luggage transferred between our exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps each day. If you'd rather trek independently, we also runs self-guided Larapinta itineraries over 7 or 14 days for experienced walkers carrying their own gear.

This trip covers around 69.5km (43mi) of the Larapinta Trail's most spectacular terrain, out of the trail's full 223km length. The route is chosen to include the trail's most rewarding highlights, from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the Mount Sonder summit, without the multi-week commitment of an end-to-end trek.

Each Eco-Comfort Camp has private shower tents supplying 2-2.5 minutes of hot water per person, heated using an on-site “Donkey” boiler system. Toilets are water-free, eco-friendly and exclusive to your group. Organic, chemical-free soaps and shampoo are provided at each camp, so you don't need to pack your own.

The Great Walks of Australia are an exclusive collection of the best multi-day walking experiences in Australia. Each walk is an independently owned guided walking experience that enables access to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. All of the Great Walks of Australia can be viewed on their website - www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au

To qualify as a great walk, each walk provides exceptional guided walking experiences in high-value natural areas for small groups. These experiences include outstanding accommodation, food & wine.

Yes, the minimum age is 12 years old. Younger children aren't accepted, as the trek involves 5-7 hour walking days over rugged, rocky terrain with steep ascents and descents. Families with older kids or teens should call our team to discuss fitness and preparation before booking, particularly for the Mount Sonder summit day.

This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The Larapinta Trail is rocky and uneven, with 5-7 hours of walking most days and a mandatory pre-dawn climb up Mount Sonder (1,380m/4,528ft). A good level of fitness and the ability to move confidently over rough, unstable ground is required throughout.

A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is hard, rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections.

If you need to use a CPAP machine during the trip please speak with our staff about this. There are charging points at camp, but not in your tent. You will need to bring spare batteries that can be charged by USB port during the day while the group are not at camp and/or bring a small solar panel to charge the batteries.

Yes, if you are travelling on your own you will receive a free upgrade to your own private tent. No single supplement applies.

You will need a good level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial. We recommend they are waterproof though this is optional.

The Classic Larapinta Trek is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

At the campsites you can charge devices through USB ports in the lounge area. Ports are very limited and shared between participants. Charging is via solar panels so can take longer than usual. We suggest bringing portable power chargers or fully charged spare batteries as back-up for your devices.

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day and when on top of Mt Sonder.

Our Larapinta Trail trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

In the Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct, and temperatures are more extreme than in most other parts of Australia. Trekking in winter (May to August) is generally pleasant with light winds, and daytime temperatures averaging 15-25C or 60-80F. However, winter nights often plummet below freezing and there are frequent frosts; please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks.

The shoulder seasons of April and September tend to bring higher daytime temperatures with daytime temperatures averaging 25-35C or 75-95F. Nights are typically mild hovering around 10-15C or 50-60F. Higher daytime temperatures can occasionally occur necessitating adjustments to itineraries. This may entail a reduction in walking activities and an increase in more leisurely pursuits such as swimming.

While rainfall is infrequent along the Larapinta Trail, it remains essential to be equipped for any weather scenario. The region is susceptible to unpredictable spells of hot or cold weather at random intervals. Rest assured, our facilities are well-equipped to accommodate both extremes, ensuring an enjoyable experience amidst the diverse conditions of Outback Australia. However, in light of this variability, we hope to stress to you the importance of following our suggested packing list, checking local weather updates prior to departure and packing appropriately for a more informed and enjoyable journey.

As we do not have a parking facility to offer travellers, you will need to make your own arrangements for your car. You can ask your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or contact Discovery Parks Alice Springs on phone (02) 8952 6111 or [email protected] who may be able to offer parking for a fee.