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The Larapinta Trail

7 day / 6 nights Walking Journey - Ex Alice Springs

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Red Centre, trekking sections of the Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular walks in Australia. Covering up to 18 km’s of graded trail per day, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. Discover the magic and mysteries concealed within this ancient environment and be swept away by the dreamtime of the area.

Many people have an expectation that the region is a featureless plain of winding red sand hills with a smattering of grasses and bushes. Be prepared for the shock of a lifetime – Central Australia is home to the tallest peaks in the Northern Territory; the oldest dramatic landscape in Australia full of ravines, escarpments and sensational waterholes; life forms that will totally excite the curious mind and, above all, a truly great wilderness experience which will remove you to a place filled with peace and tranquility. You will be left speechless.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Alice Springs

Arrive at leisure today and check into your hotel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it all behind for the desolate outback. Browse Aboriginal artworks at Central Australia's best art galleries, or take in a twilight didgeridoo performance. This is also a good time to ensure you have all articles needed for your Larapinta Trail walk. We meet at 6.00pm in the evening to discuss finer points of the coming days with your guide.

Overnight Alice Springs accommodation (Twin share).

Note: Single accommodation is an additional $100 per person per night. If you are single and wish to share with another person on the trek of the same gender we will arrange this for you subject to availability. If no other single share available, single supplement cost will be payable.

Day 2 - Alice Springs- Simpson’s Gap (B/L/D)

An early start and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best there is in Australia. Our first walk is an easy 21 kilometre “leg stretch” commencing from where Alice Springs all began – The Old Telegraph Station. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days.

Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Simpson’s Gap and transfer us to our remote Camping location. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrente Aboriginal people.

Day 3 - Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen (B/L/D)

Today we traverse the low lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore with several important sites being viewed including 'Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend as well as the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming.

Tonight our camp site is shadowed by Mount Sonder (The Pregnant Lady) and the imagery of the Yeperenye Hills (Caterpillar Dreaming). Relax at the campsite on the banks of the mighty Finke River as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million star accommodation.

Day 4 - Glen Helen Gorge / Redbank Gorge (B/L/D)

The tempo lifts as a 23km trek awaits. This is a challenging section of the Larapinta. Variety is the theme for today with undulating open Spinifex plains giving way to a gradual climb to the Half Way Rocky Bar Gap, through constant up and down at the base of Mt Sonder. Enter the eerie caverns in one of the Red Centre's less traversed gorges. Squeeze through narrow passageways, between polished, multi-hued walls that block out the sunlight, its cathedral atmosphere and vivid colours are well worth the effort. Enjoy the evening around the campfire with your fellow walkers for another night of friendly banter and a hearty meal.

Day 5 - Mount Sonder Climb (B/L/D)

An early rise is an understatement as we challenge the 8km climb to the Peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360 degree view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. After lunch we will travel towards Simpsons Gap where your walk tomorrow commences. Spend the night here where we will camp for your last evening under the stars of the Milky Way.

Day 6 – Ormiston Pound Walk (B/L)

Regarded by many, as the “primo” small walk of the Larapinta. The Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mt Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumb founded. After another healthy lunch, we will pack & break camp for regrettably the last time and return to normality (hot shower and life as you know it awaits). Tonight we will reminisce the past 6 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink at one of Alice’s finest restaurants (own expense).

Overnight Alice Springs accommodation (Twin share).

Note: Single accommodation is an additional $50 per night. If you are single and wish to share with another person on the trek of the same gender we will arrange this for you subject to availability. If no other single share available, single supplement is payable.