At a Glance
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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 the greatest desert treks on earth and is one of Australia's most famous walking experiences in Australia's Red Centre. The Larapinta Trail End to End trekking is a true challenge and provides keen trekkers with unique opportunity to traverse the entire 223km length of the Larapinta Trail. For who have completed this inspiring trek, the rewards are equal to the challenge.
Following the spine of the West MacDonnell range, this demanding yet incredibly rewarding 14-day Larapinta End to End trekking tour will allow you to walk the entire length of the Larapinta Trail utilising the knowledge and experience of the pioneers of this now iconic trail. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 13 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 13 dinners
- Professional wilderness guide and support staff
- Catering & eating utensils
- Vehicle supported camping throughout
- All National Park fees
- Emergency communications and group first aid kit
- 13 nights swags for sleeping (but not sleeping bags. Sleeping bag is hireable at $30 each)
- Off-road transport from Alice Springs
Itinerary
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Walking distance: 23.5 km On the day before departure a compulsory briefing will be held at 3:30 pm at the “Lone Dingo” Outdoor store. Located at the corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs. It is essential for our guides to brief all trekkers on preparations for the trek ahead. Pickup from Alice Springs accommodation starts between 7:00 and 7:30am. Your walking begins at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station which also marks the beginning of the Larapinta Trail itself. The stone buildings here date back to 1872 and housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. Initially the trail from here winds among boulders of granite, the highest of which offer fine views of the town and Mt Gillen. The trail passes through Witchetty bush and Mulga scrub, over exposed hills and shady woodlands before you arrive for lunch at Wallaby Gap. From Wallaby Gap, you follow the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. You may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as you approach Simpson’s Gap and our remote campsite. |
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Walking distance: 24 km From Simpson's Gap you walk through pleasant, grassy flats and low, rocky hills bearing the scars of early cattle grazing, evidence of the fragility of this arid environment. Graceful Ghost Gums are also to be seen on this section, coated in a white powder with powerful antiseptic properties used by Aborigines. One of the most peaceful parts of the trail is Spring Gap. You observe a wide variety of plant life and watch for birds at the waterhole. You then walk on through ever changing countryside to our idyllic camp at Jay Creek. |
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Walking distance: 13 km Leaving Jay Creek you are on sacred ground, where the Aboriginal custodians ask that you walk only in the creek bed. Today's walk is nothing short of spectacular. You continue on through varied terrain dotted with Mulga and Witchetty Bush to Tangentyere Junction. Here the track diverges to follow the ridgeline above the Finke River. You trek to our lunch spot at Millers Flat, from which you climb through rocky terrain before descending into Standley Chasm from the north. Camp is at Standley Chasm. |
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Walking distance: 17 km From Standley Chasm, you follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. You follow the ridgeline to Brinkley’s Bluff for superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell’s. After lunch you take on a steep descent to our welcoming campsite at Birthday Waterhole. |
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Walking distance: 18 km An early rise today for one of the most challenging and rewarding sections on the trail. You head into Paisley Gorge before moving on to our lunch spot at Spencer Gorge. Our trek this afternoon takes us on a rough spinifex journey through this semi-arid region allowing breathtaking views of Hugh Gorge, our camp spot for the night. |
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Walking distance: 31 km Staying on the south side of the range whose soaring presence dominates our vista of this stage, moving through lower level woodlands and spinifex where you could chance upon painted firetails and different wren species. You camp at the remote Rocky Gully Campsite on the evening of Day 6 and Ellery Creek on the evening of Day 7. |
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Walking distance: 14 km Today you 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 on this earth. The trail is again through woodlands and spinifex. Arriving mid afternoon at our camp provides an opportunity to relax or wander at leisure around the hills of our campsite. |
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Walking distance: 19 km A crisp early morning 4WD to Serpentine Gorge you begin today's trekking. This section offers breathtaking views as the trail runs along the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. You ascend to Counts Point where you are able to take in clear views of Centralia's western horizon, out past Mt Zeil and Mt Sonder and as far as the comet crater of Gosse Bluff. You descend through mysterious old Mulga stands to camp tonight at Serpentine Chalet. |
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Walking distance: 29 km Today is one of the highlights of the trip that begins with a sunrise departure. This trek takes us into the rugged heart of this country on a track only opened as recent as 1997. This section is a little more difficult as we ascend to 1088 metres, but is well worth the reward of the clear views across the Alice Valley to the wow factor of Mt. Giles. |
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Walking distance: 13 km A shorter stage of the Trail leading into the head of the Finke River from whose Arrernte name comes the name of the trail. Lhere Pinte means salty river. Arriving at Glen Helen there is the opportunity for a worthwhile “remote” beer. |
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Walking distance: 26 km These two days have views and trail dominated by the bulk of Mt Sonder, whose colours change through the day. You initially head northwest through spinifex before crossing Davenport Creek a tributary of the Finke River. You climb over a low section of the range and descend into Rocky Bar Gap, our camp for the night. The next day you head west under the flanks of Mount Sonder passing through some dense mulga and mallee woodland until you reach the beautiful Redbank Creek and our nearby camp. |
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Walking distance: 16 km This morning you are up early for our ascent of Mount Sonder (known as the pregnant lady by the local Anangu Aboriginal people). An early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape. To sight the views of the country from the top and knowing you have just climbed one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range is a memorable moment of the trip is ample reward for the effort involved in getting there. Having reached the highpoint (many think highlight) of the Larapinta Trail, you drive back in to Alice Springs, concluding around 5 or 6pm. |
Dates & Prices
All other 2021 & 2022 departures are fully booked. You can contact us for waitlist.
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- The departure point is Alice Spring NT
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Alice Spring
Day1: Approximately 23 km
Day 2: Approximately 24 km
Day 3: Approximately 13 km
Day 4: Approximately 17 km
Day 5: Approximately 18 km
Day 6-7: Approximately 31 km
Day 8: Approximately 14 km
Day 9: Approximately 19 km
Day 10: Approximately 29 km
Day 11: Approximately 13 km
Day 12-13: Approximately 26 km
Day 14: Approximately 16 km
Total: Approximately 243 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. Palm Valley Climate Statistics
The Larapinta End to End is a fully supported trek. You will need to carry just a day‐pack with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items. You should plan on carrying at least 3 litres of water each and every day.
During the trip you camp with swags* and tents. You will be experiencing the Territorian style of camping, so your participation will be appreciated. The guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tents and rolling out swags. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.
Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. Tents are given out as per person or couple, there is no need to share with people you do not know.
The following camping gears are supplied to you:
- Swags to sleep on. A swag is comprised of a three‐inch thick foam mattress with a canvas cover to keep it clean – they are very comfortable.
- Your swag contains a pillow with pillow cover and one sheet.
- Swags are rolled out inside Mozzie Dome style tents, these offer sleeping under the stars while protecting from bugs and converting to weatherproof tents in case of rain.
- Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You can bring your own or hire. They are available for hire for $30, so please contact us to book.
On the End to End you will camp in 6 to 9 different campsites over the 13 nights of the Trek. Most campsites will be a short walking distance from the trailhead although on some occasions it will be a short transfer in the 4WD back to camp.
The End to End is a participatory expedition. All trekkers will set up their own tents and roll their own swags. The guides are happy to assist however we can only achieve this ambitious trekking challenge if everybody contributes to setting up and striking camp each day.
Tents will be provided, they are a lightweight mesh dome tent that provide protection from the weather if required and a secure base camp if out on the trail. On clear nights many trekkers will choose to roll out their swags under the stars and forgo the need for a tent. If sleeping under the stars it is essential that all shoes, clothings and equipment is stowed in a secure location to avoid the pilfering habits of the kleptomaniac dingoes.
Toilets will be a pit toilet with a tent for privacy. Showers are generally not available however we may be able to wash on a few occasions throughout the trek.
It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras.
You will be provided with high quality, interesting and nutritional meals. Where possible fresh local produce is used. All the food is sourced from the best providers and carefully selected, stored and transported so as to maximise freshness and quality. The guides have remarkable wilderness culinary skills and pride themselves on the variety, quality, nutritional levels and presentation of their meals and their ability to cater to a wide range of dietary requirements. Each guide is able to select their own menu for the destination with plenty of opportunity for special flourishes and tasty surprises.
As A Aeneral Guide:
Breakfasts: ranges from cooked to continental. Usually a selection of cereals, fruit, bread/toast and quality coffee and tea.
Lunches: depending on the trip, you may prepare your lunch such as wraps or sandwiches in camp before the days trekking. Or more usually we will have a picnic style lunch with a wide selection of bread rolls, wraps, deli-meats, sandwich and salad ingredients to prepare a tasty lunch how you like it.
Dinners: usually 2 or 3 courses. The main meal is usually a classic outback style meal such as grilled barramundi, camp-oven roast, or perhaps tasty stir-fry or pasta dish.
Snacks: there is always plenty of trail snack available such as muesli bars and fresh fruit. In the evenings we often serve hors d'oeuvres around the campfire while dinner is being prepared.
No alcoholic or beverages included.
Dietary Requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We strongly encourage that travellers with life‐threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‐administering these medications.
Mornings start with a hot drink call from your guides. They then prepare breakfast whilst you pack up your equipment and prepare for the day. After breakfast we set off for the day’s walk. The morning walk is usually 3‐5 hours with numerous breaks along the way. A leisurely picnic lunch is served on the trail which provides the chance to take off your pack, put your feet up and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
The afternoon walk is usually shorter than the morning walk, getting us to camp with time to set up and explore the area, or just relax with a hot drink and a chat. Some sections of this trip require a short vehicle transfer to and/or from the trail head. Over a delicious, hearty dinner your guides will give a briefing on the following day’s activities and tell a few stories before heading off for the night’s rest.
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.
COVID-19 Temporary Amended Terms & Conditions
The General Cancellation Policies will still apply, however we have developed the following flexible payment T&Cs for all of our travellers booked onto 2021 trip dates, in case they are still unable to travel safely at the time:
- Up until 15 days before your trip departure, if you are directly prevented from attending the trip due to a COVID-19 Government restriction or border closure*, we will provide a travel credit voucher equivalent to any funds paid that can be put toward a future departure within 18 months of your original departure date.
- If you are directly prevented from attending the trip within 14 days of departure, due to a COVID-19 Government restriction or border closure*, we will provide a travel credit voucher equivalent to any funds paid less a $200pp administration fee, that can be put toward a future departure within 18 months of your original departure date.
- All other Terms and Conditions remain as per the Terms and Conditions on our website, agreed to at the time of booking, including payment terms.
- Cancellations for change of mind or any other reason apart from government restrictions which are associated with the pandemic will be subject to our standard terms and conditions.
*A government travel restriction is official government advice or restrictions associated with the pandemic in respect of border restrictions or closures and quarantine requirements. The restriction or closure must be active during the scheduled departure date of your trip. If there are restrictions or closures in place with no prescribed end date the restriction will be deemed to impact your departure if it is still in place 60 days prior to the departure date. Any non-refundable permits, flights or other non-recoverable prepayments that have been paid by you and sent on to secure those services may not be refundable subject to the terms of the third party suppliers whom hold those funds. You will notified at the time of tour cancellation of the status of such payments after consultation with the relevant suppliers.
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, pandemic 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.