At a Glance
The desert ranges of the Red Centre deliver the quintessential Australian experience on the Larapinta Trail. The end-to-end 223km long Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's most spectacular trekking experiences. The trail provides a rare perspective of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the awe-inspiring scale of this ancient land. It also harbours many Aboriginal sacred sites of the Arrernte people.
This trekking tour is ideal for the more ambitious walker with some challenging stages passing over remote ridges and canyons, walking up to 16 kilometres per day over 6 days. Traversing the high ridgelines of Alice Springs, you'll experience this ancient land from a perspective only few have witnessed. You will be supported by expert local leaders with full knowledge of the area and environment, providing with the insight ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
- All National Park fees
- Emergency communications and group first aid kit
- Professional wilderness guide and support staff
- Off-road transport from Alice Springs
- Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
- 5 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites including safari tents, stretcher beds, swags and hot showers. The exclusive semi-permanent campsites are already fully set up. No need to pitch or pack away tents
Itinerary
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On the day before departure a compulsory briefing will be held at the 3:30 pm “Lone Dingo” Outdoor store on the Corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace. It is essential for guide to brief all trekkers on preparation for the trek ahead. We will pick you up from your accommodation between 7:00am and 7:30am. Our walking commences from the eastern terminal of the trail next to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The trail passes through witchetty bush and mulga scrub, and over exposed hills and shady woodlands, we wave goodbye to Alice at the top of Euro ridge before we trek through the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. You have the option to head to camp from here or continue on to (8 km) our exclusive Semi-permanent wilderness site, Nick’s Camp, with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Nicks Camp is named to remember its original architect Nick Murcutt. |
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Award-Winning Private ECO Campsites You will stay at stylish semi-permanent campsites on the Larapinta Trail. Those innovative, stylish and sustainable semi-permanent campsite are designed by Neeson-Murcutt Architects with facilities that will enhance the experience of trekkers while at the same time minimising environmental impacts. The innovative new campsites give you a relaxing base to enjoy the outback solitude between walks while enjoying the pristine desert scenery. The kitchen, lounge and dining shelter are set on a raised platform out of the dust. The comfortable lounge is a great place to relax in a cool and shady open sided haven on warm afternoons, while also offering a heated shelter during the cool nights. The dining wing offers stylish table setting for the entire group while the campfire circle is an informal area to relax around the fireplace. The composting toilets are in a clean and airy amenities shelter and use a special compost system that breaks down waste without using water or chemicals. The hot showers give trekkers a welcome way to wash away the dust of a good days walk on the Larapinta Trail. The tents are a custom built safari tent, each 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.1m, offering plenty of room for two people, swags and gear. A stretcher bed provides a comfortable bed base off the ground. The inner tent has mesh walls so it is easy to remove the fly and sleep under the stars. The sturdy canvas tents also offer great protection if bad weather threatens. There are 4 semi-permanent campsites in private wilderness locations spread along the trail and you will camp one or two nights in each. 1. Nick Murcutt’s Camp near Simpsons Gap, named in honour of the architect, approximately 30km west of Alice Springs 2. Charlie Holmes Camp near Serpentine Chalet Dam, approximately 130 km west of Alice Springs 3. Fearless Campsite, near the base of Mt Sonder and approximately 210 km west of Alice Springs 4. Sonder Camp, at the base of Mt Sonder and approximately 210km west of Alice Springs |
Award-winning ECO Camp
Lunch, Dinner |
From Nick’s Campsite, we follow the trail 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 Simpson’s Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where we undertake a walk to the top of the lookout and visit the Chasm that is still run by the traditional owners. We transfer to Charlies campsite in an exclusive wilderness location nestled in the foothills below Counts Point. Charlie’s camp is named in honour of pioneering Larapinta Guide Charlie Holmes. |
Award-winning ECO CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The highlight of this day is the 5 km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From the summit we have views west to Mount Sonder, and where for the first time we can see the comet impact crater, Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. The descent from the high ridgetop takes us down though a surprising forest of old Hill Mulga Trees. At the base of the ridge we trek along the dolomite limestones toward camp, keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites one of the most ancient forms of life. We trek in to our exclusive Charlie’s Camp and a relaxing afternoon amongst the hills. An optional walk (2 km return) to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals some early history and the chance for a swim in the dam, if your game to chance the cold water. We camp at Charlie’s Camp, our exclusive semi-permanent campsite. |
Award-winning ECO CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
We start the day (if we didn’t do it the day before) with an optional walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals some early history and the chance for a swim in the dam. We then trek to Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass to take in the quietness and marvel at the ancient Cycads and continue to the vibrant colour of the Aboriginal quarry at the Ochre Pits. We then break for an early afternoon finish at the Finke river (Oldest in the world) or relax at Glen Helen Resort in preparation for our big day tomorrow. We do have an option to continue for the afternoon though with a 10km walk from Ormiston Gorge to the Finke River which takes us through the diverse lowlands and Creek country. We transfer west to our exclusive camp at foot of Mount Sonder. This camp is named Camp Fearless in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear. |
Award-winning ECO CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today the group will get up early (3:00am) for a pre-dawn walk for our ascent of Mount Sonder. We aim to be at the summit for sunrise to see views as the sun spreads across this vast country. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke river and if time permits in the afternoon we may visit the Glen Helen Resort at the base of the range. We can relax with a drink or even take an optional helicopter fight over the West MacDonnell Ranges. A short transfer returns us to Camp Fearless looking back up toward Mt Sonder. |
Award-winning ECO CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The best side walk of the trail is of the Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers some extraordinary scenery and wildlife and is our final walk which explores the upper reaches of the Gorge and the chance to see the many Rock Wallabies as they scamper about the imposing cliffs. We drive back in to Alice Springs, hoping to drop you to your accommodation between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. The group may also decide to arrange a group dinner together after a nice shower in Alice this evening. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- The departure point is Alice Springs NT
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Alice Springs
Day1: Approximately 13.5 km, 6 - 7 hours
Day 2: Approximately 10 km, 5 - 6 hours
Day 3: Approximately 15 -17 km, 7 - 9 hours
Day 4: Optional walk is 8 -10 km, 4 - 5 hours
Day 5: Optional walk is 16 km, 8 hours
Day 6: Approximately 3 - 4 km (optional), 1 hour
Total: Approximately 65.5 - 70.5 km
In the Red Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct and temperatures are extreme, plummeting below freezing on winter nights (June to August) and soaring to the high 40°C (105 F plus) on summer days (December to January). Trekking on winter days is often pleasant with mild daytime temperatures (15-25°C, or 60-80 F) and light winds. Please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks, there can be frosts most evenings from June - August.
The shoulder seasons of April-May and September are mild with some warmer days. Night frosts are unlikely and daytimes are warm and occasional hot days may require an adjustment to the itinerary (ie: less walking, more swimming).
Rain is not common in the desert but it does rain on occasion, please be prepared for wet and windy conditions on all trips.
(Data sourced from Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Units = °C)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
