Trek the Larapinta Trail
7 Days Starting and ending in Alice Springs
Visiting: Alice Springs, Larapinta Trail , Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder , Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PJXL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
High
Age range:
16-99 years
From:
$2510
$2259 (USD)
Operator discount: -$251
Tour Overview
The Larapinta Trail, arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, explores Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains on this seven-day trek. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder.?Take a moment to appreciate the vast red desert surrounds and weeping ghost gums and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. You’ll meet in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers.
Day 2: Larapinta Trail
Location: Larapinta Trail
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, begin your trek on the Larapinta Trail. As you head out of town, you’ll get the first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges around you. After 9km of walking (with a pit stop for a spot of lunch), you’ll have made the first leg of the journey from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. Enjoy some shade in the shadows of ghost gums, then make your way to our campground where we will set up camp for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner with your trip mates and settle in for your first night under the magnificent outback sky.
Day 3: Larapinta Trail
Location: Larapinta Trail
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Fill up on breakfast this morning before hitting the road and setting off on one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail, a 14km trek atop Serpentine Ridge. From the base of Serpentine Gorge, make your way to the top of the ridge and along the way discover some Mountain Hakea, the pink bush flowers of the outback (that sort of look like aliens from another world). Take a pit stop to appreciate breathtaking views of the red desert landscape at the top, have a bite to eat and remember to hydrate. Discover the most iconic photo op of the trail at Counts Point, from where you'll head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam.
Day 4: Larapinta Trail
Location: Larapinta Trail
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Fuel up with breakfast and head out on the 9km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk. A stunning trail that shows off all the beauty that Central Australia has to offer, Ormiston Gorge provides a nice respite. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your mid-hike oasis. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole before you head to the Ochre Pits later in the afternoon, one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. Head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars.
Day 5: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder
Location: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today is a very early start. Make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, then begin the 16km hike (about five hours) to the top of Mt Sonder. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle from where the going will be slightly easier. Make sure to wear your sturdiest boots, don't forget your head torch and layer up in the winter months - it can get pretty cold up there. Once on top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon and lights up the vastness of the desert below you. Head back down the mountain along the saddle while appreciating the gorgeous scenery for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. Head back to camp for a free afternoon. Perhaps enjoy some optional walks or simply have a relaxing afternoon after today's early start. Tonight enjoy your last camp dinner together.
Day 6: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Location: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in every moment. You’ll finish your trip with an 11km walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. Head to Standley Chasm and experience the impressive Reveal Saddle walk. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitor’s centre before saying goodbye to the ranges. Make your way to your hotel accommodation in Alice Springs with your leader, where you’ll celebrate your amazing hiking experience with the group over dinner.
Day 7: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a spot of breakfast before it’s time for a final goodbye to your trip mates. Your trip is now over and you can make your way back to the airport at your leisure.
Transport
- You will explore the West MacDonnell Ranges in a comfortable bus. Our vehicles are modern, comfortable and are regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They are also fitted with recovery gear in case of emergency. In the case of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, we reserve the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour. Seats on tour vehicles are not pre allocated. To ensure all participants get to enjoy window seats we encourage a daily seat rotation system.
Accommodation
- So that we maximise time outside of the bus exploring, rather than commuting to Alice Springs each night, this tour involves comfortable camping for 4 nights during the middle of your tour and hotel accommodation on the nights on either side.
- For our camping nights, a tent and stretcher bed with a sleeping mat is provided. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided.
Important Information
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL
- You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km.
- START & END TIMES
- This trip starts at 6pm with a welcome meeting on day 1 at your hotel and finishes back in Alice Springs after breakfast on day 7. Please take this into consideration when booking arrival and onward travel.
- ACCOMMODATION
- For our camping nights, a tent and stretcher bed with a sleeping mat is provided. You will be expected to help set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked at an additional cost, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided. Between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep. There is a shared toilet and shower block available at the campsite.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.
- SELF ASSESSMENT FORM
- A Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Your booking agent will provide you with this form when you book to fill out before arrival.
- OPERATOR
- This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km. We walk different sections of the Larapinta Trail each day, rather than the entire trail from start to finish.
When travelling in Central Australia temperatures can range from very high in the day, to below freezing at night. Please ensure you pack appropriate clothing, including sleepwear. Between June and August, when nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep.
On this trip you will be camping under the stars. You will be expected to set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. Please bring your own sleeping bag, and remember that between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Friday
Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Saturday - Friday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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