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9 Days$3490USD

Activities
  • 9 days trekking
Accommodation
  • 8 nights camping
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Best of the Larapinta Trail Trip highlights


  • Walk the most spectacular and scenic sections of the Larapinta Trail
  • Climb Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Wilderness camping under the milky way
  • Swim in peaceful waterholes hidden deep within the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Gain an understanding of the rich history of Australia's traditional owners and the Indigenous culture

Why Book With Us

  • Unrivalled experience, first on the trail in 1995
  • Vehicle supported camping throughout allows you to walk with just a day pack
  • We've handpicked the best sections so you can experience the highlights of the trail in less time

This fantastic route along the Larapinta Trail will take in the most spectacular highlights along the 223km track. The camping based trek will allow you more time to explore and soak in the beauty of the Central Australian desert as you traverse the most scenic stages of the Larapinta Trail.

Carrying just a day-pack, this walk will delight the wilderness lover and challenge even seasoned walkers. The Larapinta Trail offers one of the greatest desert treks on earth and is a bucket list experience for anyone who enjoys walking holidays. Following the spine of the West MacDonnell range, this extended walk along the Larapinta Trail will take in the sections along the trail that simply cannot be missed. It also provides a more achievable objective for walkers not yet ready for our 14 day Larapinta End to End trip. There will be some demanding stages as you pass over remote ridges and canyons, walking up to 30kms on some days.

The group camping gear is transported to each campsite by our professional support crew, freeing walkers to enjoy the diverse desert scenery, revel in the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and focus on achieving your goal.

Trip Code: LA9

We pick you up from your Alice Springs accommodation between 6:30-7:00am and transfer to Standley Chasm. From Standley Chasm we follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. We head up to follow the ridgeline over Reveal Saddle to Brinkley’s Bluff. From this high point, just over 1100m, you are rewarded with superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell Ranges. After lunch we take on a steep descent and pass Mintbush Spring, named for the native plant that grows here: a beautifully mint-scented bush related to sage and lavender. Our welcoming camp tonight is at the peaceful Birthday Waterhole.

Meals:  L,D

We rise early today for one of the most challenging and rewarding sections on the trail. The track undulates over rough, rocky terrain and we are exposed (to the elements and to the magnificent views!) atop Windy Saddle and Razorback Ridge for the first part of the day. In the afternoon we drop down to Fringe Lily Creek, a nice place for a break as it offers some shade. After lunch the trail takes us on a rough spinifex journey through this semi-arid region allowing breathtaking views of Hugh Gorge. A transfer will bring us to camp, which will either be at Birthday Waterhole or up Hugh River.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we are walking through the vertical-spined dolomite country of the Bitter Springs formation. These 800 million year old rocks contain fossilised stromatolites, the cyanobacteria that were amongst the first life forms on this earth. It is worth taking time to admire the Ellery Creek Big Hole waterhole before we start trekking. The trail takes us through scattered woodlands and over a stile to a trig point, a good spot for lunch. Arriving mid afternoon at camp provides us with an opportunity to relax or wander at leisure around the hills of our campsite. We will camp at Serpentine Chalet, and a transfer will bring us to camp from Serpentine Gorge.

Meals:  B,L,D

This section of the trail offers breathtaking views as you walk along the high quartzite ridge lines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. We ascend to Counts Point where we are able to take in 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 even see the fascinating, huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff. A descent through mysterious old Mulga stands brings us back to our camp at Serpentine Chalet, where we enjoy another great evening meal together.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start is required to fit in all of the highlights of this section of the trail. Today takes us into the rugged heart of this ancient landscape on a track only opened to the public as recently as 1997. The trail today is again challenging as we ascend to 1088 metres. And again, as always on the Larapinta, our epic climb is rewarded with expansive views. The view opens up across the Alice Valley to the giant, bulky mass of of Mt. Giles, one of the Northern Territory's highest peaks at 1389m.

Meals:  B,L,D

A shorter stage of the Larapinta Trail today, leading us into the head of the Finke River. The local Arrernte name for the river is 'Lhere Pinte', meaning salty river, which is where this trail gets its name from. The Finke is also estimated at being the oldest river in the world. In the afternoon we may visit Glen Helen Gorge.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we walk out of our camp on the Finke River. The local Arrernte name for the river is ‘Lhere Pinte’, meaning salty river, which is where this trail gets its name from. The Finke is also estimated at being the oldest river in the world. Today we have views and trail dominated by the bulk of Mt Sonder, whose colours change magnificently throughout the day. We initially head north-west through spinifex before crossing Davenport Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. We climb over a low section of the range to Hilltop Saddle, arguably one of the best views of the mountain which will be tomorrows walk before descending into Rocky Bar Gap, where we will be met by your support vehicle to be transported a short distance back to camp on the Finke River.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning 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! From the peak we have expansive views across the entire Larapinta landscape we have explored over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River.

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 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. This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist. 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 nine 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.

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Tents and swags for sleeping (but not sleeping bags)
  • Catering & eating utensils
  • Off-road transport from Alice Springs
  • Vehicle supported camping throughout
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Comprehensive group first aid kit
  • Emergency radio/sat phone

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag hire (must be booked at least 14 days in advance)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Trail Surface


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
HS
Holiday Season
Note:
High season supplement applies from 15 May to 15 August, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3490USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sleeping Bag HireUSD$22
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Best of the Larapinta Trail trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Best of the Larapinta Trail Trip reviews


Other trip reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

Best of the Larapinta Trail Videos

Trek the Larapinta Trail - Australia's Most Iconic Walk

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