At a Glance
The desert ranges of the Red Centre deliver the quintessential Australian experience on the Larapinta Trail. The Larapinta Trail offers one of the greatest desert treks on earth and is one of Australia's most famous walking experiences in Australia's Red Centre. The Best of The Larapinta Trail is designed to take in the most spectacular highlights along the 223km track.
The 9 day Larapinta 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.
Following the spine of the West MacDonnell range, this demanding but incredibly rewarding 9-day Larapinta trek will allow you to walk approx. 150 km length of the Larapinta Trail utilising the knowledge and experience of the pioneers ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
- Professional wilderness guide and support staff
- Catering & eating utensils
- Vehicle supported camping throughout
- All National Park fees
- Off-road transport from Alice Springs
- Emergency communications and group first aid kit
- 8 nights camping including tents and swags for sleeping (but not sleeping bags. Sleeping bag is hireable at $30 each)
Itinerary
Walking distance: 14 km We pick you up from your Alice Springs accommodation between 6:30‐7:00am and transfer to Jay Creek (the last section of this transfer is on a 4WD track). 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 your lunch spot at Millers Flat, from which you climb through rocky terrain before descending into Standley Chasm from the north. Camp this evening is at Standley Chasm. |
Walking distance: 19 km From Standley Chasm, we follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. We 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 and pass Mintbush Spring, named for the native plant that grows here: a beautifully mint‐scented bush related to sage and lavender. Your welcoming camp tonight is at the peaceful Birthday Waterhole. |
Walking distance: 18 km You rise early today for one of the most challenging and rewarding sections on the trail. The track undulates over rough, rocky terrain and you 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 you drop down to Fringe Lily Creek, a nice place for a break as it offers some shade. After lunch the trail takes you on a rough spinifex journey through this semi‐arid region allowing breathtaking views of Hugh Gorge. A transfer will bring you to camp, which will either be at Birthday Waterhole or up Hugh River. |
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 forms on this earth. It is worth taking time to admire the Ellery Creek Big Hole waterhole before you start trekking. The trail takes you through scattered woodlands and over a stile to a trig point, a good spot for lunch. Arriving mid afternoon at camp provides you with an opportunity to relax or wander at leisure around the hills of your campsite at Serpentine Gorge. You will camp at Serpentine Chalet, and a transfer will bring you to camp. |
Walking distance: 16 km This section of the trail offers breathtaking views as you walk along the high quartzite ridge lines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. You ascend to Counts Point where you 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. You can even see the fascinating, huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff. A descent through mysterious old Mulga stands brings you to your camp at Serpentine Chalet, where you enjoy another great evening meal together. |
Walking distance: 31 km An early start is required to fit in all of the highlights of this section of the trail. Today takes you 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. |
Walking distance: 7 km This morning you 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 your journey. You 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. You will spend the afternoon relaxing at our campsite in preparation for tomorrow. |
Walking distance: 15.5 km This morning you walk out of the 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 you have views and trail dominated by the bulk of Mt Sonder, whose colours change magnificently throughout the day. You initially head north‐west through spinifex before crossing Davenport Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. You 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 you will be met by your support vehicle to be transported a short distance back to camp on the Finke River. |
Walking distance: 16 km Your guides will have you up early this morning for your 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 you have expansive views across the entire Larapinta landscape we have explored over the last few days. You descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke River before returning to Alice Springs at approx. 3pm. We can pick you up after you conclude the Larapinta Trail Walk and transfer to Kings Canyon / Uluru on a grand outback road trip. |
Dates & 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 14 km
Day 2: Approximately 19 km
Day 3: Approximately 18 km
Day 4: Approximately 14 km
Day 5: Approximately 16 km
Day 6: Approximately 31 km
Day 7: Approximately 7 km
Day 8: Approximately 15.5 km
Day 9: pre-dawn walk for climbing Mount Sonder (16 km)
Total: Approximately 150.5 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. Palm Valley Climate Statistics
During the trip we camp with swags and tents; a true Australian Outback experience. Your guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tent and rolling out your swag. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.
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. They convert to weatherproof tents in case of rain.
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.
Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You can bring your own or hire from us for $20; please contact our reservations staff if you require a sleeping bag. We ask that you provide your own inner‐sheet if you hire a sleeping bag.
There are toilets at each campsite. There are even a couple of places on the trek where we have the option to have a hot shower! Your guides will let you know at the briefing when this will be.
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 General 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.
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 $300pp 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 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.