Larapinta Trail Walking Tours

We start early and leave the suburbs for the wilderness of the West MacDonnell Ranges. These ranges are known for their natural wonders and traditional culture, considered the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14km leg stretch starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. We will see beautiful views, especially at Euro Ridge. We take our walk casually, allowing us to relax and appreciate the region while contemplating the next four days. Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at Wallaby Gap and take us to our remote camping location in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. We can visit a natural waterhole for a refreshing swim if we have time. We can truly experience the region, which is significant to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Before dinner, we can enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook tasting platter, which showcases bush foods and uses wild-harvested produce from the Central Desert Region and beyond.

• Meals are provided for lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation is available at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The campsite offers Safari Tents or Bush Swags.
• The driving distance is approximately 146km.
• The hiking distance for Section 1 is 14km, with a grading of Grade 4, considered moderate to difficult. 

Today, we will be exploring the western half of the Larapinta Trail, which is a 13.4km section that is recommended for experienced walkers who are physically fit. This trail offers 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 also have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the natural waterholes after a long day of walking.

• Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Accommodation options include a 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 grading of Grade 4, considered moderate to difficult.

Today, we will explore the low-lying regions near Ormiston Gorge. We will gradually make our way into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area holds great significance in traditional folklore. We will visit important sites such as ‘Yapulpa’, part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend, and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If we have enough time, we can take a refreshing swim in one of the stunning natural waterholes. We will relax at our beautiful permanent campsite and enjoy the breathtaking sunset tonight. As the night falls, the desert sky will light up with millions of stars, providing a unique and memorable accommodation experience.

• Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Accommodation is provided at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Guests can choose between Safari Tents or Bush Swags. The driving distance is approximately 27km.
• The hiking distance for Section 10 is 11km, with a grading of Grade 3, considered moderate difficulty. 

We start the trek to Mount Sonder very early in the morning, around 3 am. It’s an 8km climb to reach the peak. Once there, the sunrise and the panoramic view will leave you speechless. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. Afterwards, we’ll have a cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. In the afternoon, you can relax at camp or visit Ormiston Gorge. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful remote campsite and gaze at the stars in the Milky Way.

• The meals provided are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Accommodations are available at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• The options include Safari Tents or Bush Swags. The driving distance is approximately 64km.
• The hiking distance for Section 12 is 16km, graded as brutal (Grade 5).

The Ormiston Pound Walk is considered one of the best walks on the Larapinta Trail. It offers stunning views of the Chewing Range and Mount Giles and is an inspiring location where Albert Namatjira found inspiration. After a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack up and head back to civilization for hot showers and everyday life.

After taking a shower tonight, you can go to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location). You can reflect on the past five days and engage in light conversation over a drink.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation is not available. The driving distance is approximately 156km.
• The hiking distance is 16km for Section 9/10, with a moderate grade of 3.