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Larapinta Trail Tours

Experience a bushwalking trek adventure along sections of the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. Discover the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Euro Ridge, Mount Sonder, Ormiston Gorge, and Ellery Creek.

  • DAYS 5 Day / 4 Night
  • DEPARTS 06:00
  • RETURNS 17:00
  • PRICE $2,980 Adult / Child - Twin Share Safari Tent $3,180 Adults 18+ - Private Single Safari Tent
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Presenting Trek The Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges offers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Australian outback. Walk up to 14 km of graded trail daily, with ample time to relax and soak in the surroundings. Discover the ancient secrets and mystical allure of this remarkable environment.

Central Australia boasts stunning natural features such as towering peaks, ancient landscapes, dramatic ravines, and captivating waterholes. Exploring this region offers an exceptional wilderness experience, providing peace and tranquillity amidst the breathtaking scenery.

Highlights

  • The Larapinta Trail, located in Australia’s Red Centre, is considered one of the top wilderness trails in the country.
  • Explore the breathtaking landscape of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) in Arrernte country.
  • Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section 1) and Counts Point lookout (Section 8, with an altitude of 1140 m).
  • Visitors can swim in several breathtaking waterholes in the West MacDonnell ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek.
  • Our campsite offers a unique experience with traditional land, permanent safari tents, and the option to sleep in an Aussie Swag while enjoying the breathtaking views of the night desert sky.
  • Experience the unique flavours of ethically sourced, organic bush foods from the Central Desert, prepared and enjoyed around a campfire.
  • Discover ravines and escarpments that will spark curiosity with their unique life forms.
  • From Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountains in the territory, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise and an incredible 360-degree view.

Due to the Red Centre’s diverse landscape, culture, and weather conditions, the itinerary may undergo significant changes. Our expert guides will ensure that everyone has an incredible adventure.

Tour Details

  • Tour code: LPI06-S/ LPI06-P
  • Operates: Mondays (May-Aug)
  • The departure time from Alice Springs is 6:30 am.
  • The return time to Alice Springs is 17:00.
  • The trip is five days and four nights long.
  • The maximum group size is 15 people.
  • There is a private permanent campsite available for four nights.
  • The fitness level is moderate to high for grades 3-6 students.
  • The driver guide is accredited for the outback and also serves as a host.
  • Comprehensive local tour commentary
  • Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
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Full Itinerary

The pre-tour welcome includes arrival and meet and greet.

Upon arriving at the airport, arrange transportation to your accommodation in Alice Springs (not provided; please book directly). At 4.30 pm, meet at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden to join the rest of your group and discuss the upcoming days with your guide. Afterwards, return to your accommodation in Alice Springs and rest early in preparation for the forthcoming journey.

If you arrive early in the day, you can explore the lively centre of the Red Centre before heading to the remote outback. Look at Aboriginal artworks at the top art galleries in Central Australia. It’s also an excellent opportunity to make sure you have all the necessary items for your Larapinta Trail hike.

Day 1 - Section 1: Alice Springs - Wallaby Gap

We start early and leave suburbia behind for the wilderness. The West MacDonnell Ranges are known for their natural wonders and traditional culture, making them the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14km leg stretch starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. We’ll see beautiful views, especially at Euro Ridge. We take the walk casually, relaxing and immersing ourselves in the wonder of the region. Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at Wallaby Gap and take us to our remote camping location in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If we have time, we’ll visit a natural waterhole for a swim. We’ll rest in a region significant in the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Before dinner, we’ll enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter, an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods.

Meals include lunch and dinner. Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, safari tents, or bush swags. The driving distance is approximately 146km. The hiking distance for Section 1 is 14km, with a grade 4 difficulty level considered moderate to difficult.

 

Day 2 - Section 8: Serpentine Gorge - Serpentine Chalet Dam

Today, we will be exploring the western half of the Larapinta Trail, specifically a 13.4km section recommended for experienced walkers in good physical condition. Along this trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory. If there is enough time, we may even have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the beautiful natural waterholes after hiking.

Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, safari tents, or bush swags. The driving distance is approximately 94km. The hiking distance for Section 8 is 13.4km, with a grade of 4, which means it is moderate to difficult.

Day 3 - Section 10: Ormiston Gorge - Glen Helen Gorge

Today, we will explore the low-lying regions near Ormiston Gorge. We will gradually make our way up into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area holds great significance in traditional folklore. We will see important sites such as ‘Yapulpa’, linked with the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If we have enough time, we may take a refreshing swim at one of the beautiful natural waterholes. We can relax at our permanent campsite in the evening and witness the stunning desert sunset. The night sky will come alive with millions of stars, providing incredible accommodation.

The meals provided are Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. The driving distance is approximately 27km. The hiking distance for Section 10 is 11km, with a Grade 3 – moderate grading.

Day 4 - Section 12: Climbing Sonder Mountain

Starting at approximately 3 am, we embark on a challenging 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The view at sunrise and the 360° panorama will leave you speechless. It is truly an unforgettable achievement. Afterwards, indulge in a cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either at camp or Ormiston Gorge. Finally, enjoy one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way at our remote campsite.

The meals provided are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The accommodation is at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with Safari Tents or Bush Swags options. The driving distance is approximately 64km. The hiking distance for Section 12 is 16km, graded as challenging.

Day 5 - Section 9/10: Walk from Ormiston Pound to Alice Springs

The Ormiston Pound Walk is one of the best walks on the Larapinta Trail. It offers stunning views of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles, and the Gorge entrance is breathtaking. After a final picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack up and return to reality, where hot showers and everyday life await.

Tonight, after showering, you can go to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants, where you can reflect on the past five days and enjoy a drink.

The meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no accommodation provided. The driving distance is approximately 156km. The hiking distance is 16km for Section 9/10, and it is considered moderate with a Grade 3 difficulty level.

Details​

Exclusions

  • Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
  • Alice Springs Hotel on Day 5 of the itinerary
  • Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner; please make your way
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Personal expenses

Inclusions

  • 4 Nights’ Private and remote campsite on traditional land complete with safari tents with twin bedding (bush setting including portable toilets and pop-up showers, excluding electricity)
  • All camping equipment, such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and essential swag
  • Includes: 4 breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, trek snacks
  • Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages
    (BYO alcohol and cold storage will be provided; let your guide know at the meet and greet)
  • Guided bushwalking (~14km, grade 2-6)
  • Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
  • Courtesy hotel pickup/drop-off in Alice Springs
  • Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
  • Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host
  • Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB

What to bring

  • 3-5L refillable water bladder for hiking
  • Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Swimwear, beach towels & toiletries (wet wipes)
  • Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes for walking & climbing)
  • All-weather lightweight, quick-dry clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
  • Thermal layers for extreme cold during the night, dusk and dawn
  • 15-20kg soft bag & approx. 5-8 kg small day pack
  • Head torch with spare batteries (essential for the Mt Sonder hike and around camp at night)
  • Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (we provide dry fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies and some cakes)
  • Reusable zip lock bag for snacks (we try to protect our beautiful environment wherever possible; please think sustainable!)
  • Tropical strength insect repellent
  • Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
  • Money for snacks and meals
  • Bring your sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
  • Recharge power bank (no access to power to charge phone or cameras at camp)
  • Camera

*please get in touch with us for a comprehensive packing list

Where to meet

Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Doubletree by Hilton 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs, at 6:00 am.

  • 6:00 – A Good Rest BandB – 51 Dixon Rd Alice Springs NT
  • 6:00 – Alice in the Territory – 46 Stephens Rd Mount Johns
  • 6:00 – Alice Springs Tourist Park – 70 Larapinta Dr Araluen NT
  • 6:00 – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
  • 6:00 – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
  • 6:00 – Desert Palms Alice Springs – 74 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
  • 6:00 – DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs -82 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
  • 6:15 – Alice Lodge Backpackers – 4 Mueller St East Side NT
  • 6:15 – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
  • 6:15 – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
  • 6:15 – Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace
  • 6:15 – Desert Rosa Inn – 15 Railway Tce Alice Springs NT
  • 6:15 – The Diplomat Motel – 20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs
  • 6:15 – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
  • 6:25 – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

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