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Alice Springs · Northern territory · Australia
Larapinta Red Centre East Macs Walks – 11 Day East MacDonnell Ranges
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The Experience
What your day looks like
11-Day Guided Larapinta Red Centre East Macs Walk, Pack-Free Adventure for Private Groups by Life’s An Adventure: Embark on an extraordinary 11-day guided Larapinta Red Centre East Macs Walks through the heart of Central Australia, designed exclusively for private groups. This adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges and the iconic Larapinta Trail, offering an unforgettable exploration of some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Your journey begins in the picturesque Trephina Gorge, nestled within the East MacDonnell Ranges. Here, you’ll walk among beautiful gorges and rugged landscapes, experiencing the unique flora and fauna that define this stunning region. As you venture further, you'll tackle the best sections of the renowned Larapinta Trail, where magnificent gorges, high ridges with breathtaking views, and tranquil waterholes await. This specially designed walk includes two nights at the stunning Ormiston Gorge, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty, followed by two nights at the historic Glen Helen Homestead, where you can relax by the refreshing swimming pool after a day of adventure. To enhance your experience, we've arranged a flight from Alice Springs directly to Kings Canyon, eliminating four hours of driving and providing you with more time to explore. Once in Watarrka National Park, you'll embark on a spectacular walk along the Giles Track and the scenic rim of King Canyon, taking in the dramatic cliffs and awe-inspiring vistas. Your journey culminates with unforgettable walks through the Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and around the magnificent Uluru(Ayers Rock). These iconic landmarks offer a profound connection to Australia's Indigenous culture and stunning landscapes that are truly awe-inspiring. The 11-Day Larapinta Red Centre East Macs Walk promises a breathtaking journey through Central Australia's natural wonders, enriched by expert guidance, comfort, and the beauty of the outback. This is not just a walking tour; it's an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Join us for a remarkable experience in one of the world's most iconic landscapes!
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Private Group Adventure
- East MacDonnell Ranges
- Larapinta Trail
- Ormiston Gorge Stay
- Glen Helen Homestead
- Flight to Kings Canyon
- Giles Track & King Canyon Rim
- Kata Tjuta & Uluru
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Alice Springs
Transportation. Welcome to Australia! Fly to Alice Springs. Make your way to the Mercure Alice Springs Resort. If you arrive early and wish to explore Alice Springs, the hotel will look after your luggage.
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Alice Springs
Leisure. Leisure time and introduction to the East MacDonnell ranges: At 1.00pm meet our guides in the foyer at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort for the start of our journey. Today we will enjoy a wonderful introduction to the East MacDonnell ranges as we walk on a new trail from Anthwerrke (Emily Gap) to Atherrke (Jessie Gap). Along the route we will see significant indigenous art sites and are amazing geographical formations containing rock paintings depicting the caterpillar dreaming story.
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Alice Springs
Enjoy dinner including wine where you can get to know your fellow guests.
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Afterwards, we head to our charming outback accommodation At Ooraminna Station Homestead. Overnight.
Day 2
Alice Springs
Eco Tour at MacDonnell Ranges. Trephina Gorge walk: After an early breakfast we drive out to Trephina Gorge in the East MacDonnell ranges, stopping along the way to view the small rocky outcrop of Corroboree Rock. Our hiking today takes us to spectacular walk along the top of Trephina Gorge walking along the beautiful Ridgetop Walk through the Chain of Ponds & John Hayes Rockhole. Ghost gums, cypress pines and fantastic vistas are all about before you descend down towards the Chain of Pools loop walk and John Hayes Creek expect another climb smaller this time, some sandy creek beds and more birdlife and the awe-inspiring permanent water hole that is the rock hole. Maybe if you’re lucky you will hear a chorus of frogs in the desert.
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Breakfast. Enjoy dinner served with wine and a relaxing evening.
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Alice Springs
Later we return to Alice Springs for a night at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort. Overnight.
Day 3
Alice Springs
Eco Tour at Standley Chasm. Standley Chasm: After breakfast, meet your guides in the foyer of the hotel. From there, you’ll venture towards the awe-inspiring Standley Chasm, known by its indigenous name Angkerle Atwatye. Prepare to embark on a captivating walk through this natural wonder, as towering rock formations and breathtaking scenery envelop you in a spectacle of nature’s grandeur.
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Hiking at Ormiston Pound. Ormiston Gorge: Afterwards we travel to Ormiston Gorge which is one of the main highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Enjoy a beautiful and spectacular walk up to a high escarpment overlooking the pound and then we descend into the pound, and across the gorge. The walk takes you through a spinifex covered landscape. You will be amazed at the extensive population of wildlife surrounding the many waterholes along the way. Upstream as you walk through the gorge rising spectacularly on either side are cliff faces that look like Red Lego blocks. You will see ancient pines; river red gums and you may even see the famous Sturt Desert rose. Towards the end of today’s walk is a refreshing water crossing so you may want to pack your swimmers. We are very lucky to be able to take advantage of a campsite at beautiful Ormiston Gorge. Today we walk directly into our campsite to find our stand-up touring tents with off-the-ground beds and camping mattresses and pillows erected and your overnight bags waiting in your tent. Take a dip in the refreshing waterhole before dinner, a great way to refresh after your day’s walk.
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Alice Springs
Breakfast. Enjoy a hot shower and then relax as a delicious dinner served with Australian wine is prepared for your enjoyment.
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Accommodation.
Day 4
Alice Springs
Hiking at Mount Sonder. We have carefully planned your journey so that the most challenging day to Mt Sonder (the highest point of the trail) is at the start of the tour when you are fresh and more energetic, then we gradually make each day easier as the tour comes to an end. We start the day early so we can enjoy a glorious walk to Mt Sonder. Europeans were first acquainted with the mountain in the watercolor painting of the famous Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. This section’s walk to the summit showcases the stunning colors of the range and amazing views for hundreds of miles into the distance. Initially, we climb through bushland, then the tree’s gradually become more stunted as the track rises on open spinifex covered slopes. At the top, we will enjoy sweeping views of where we have been and record our achievement in the Visitor’s book. The trip to the peak of Mount Sonder comprises an 8km walk from the gorge over rocky and steep terrain suited to fit bushwalkers. We return to our campsite with time to have a relaxing swim in the waterhole before dinner.
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Tonight enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring local produce and Australia wine.
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Accommodation.
Day 5
Alice Springs
Eco Tour at Larapinta Trail. Larapinta - Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Homestead: Today our walk will take us from the Ormiston Gorge to the Historic Glen Helen Homestead. Our walk starts with a magnificent Red Mallee Forest, wildflowers after rains if you’re lucky and a dis-used cattle corral, which reminds us of the past pioneers of this rugged cattle country. Mount Sonder looming in the distance and plains stretching as far as the eye can see. We descend over gently undulating terrain when we come to the junction of Ormiston and Davenport creeks which is the start of the famous Finke River. The Finke was called Larapinta by the Arentee People which means salt creek and it is one of the oldest watercourses on this planet. We cross the Finke River to the west bank and rise through a patch of river red gums to an open plain. An easy walk leads to the oasis of the Historic Glen Helen Homestead which is our accommodation for the next two nights. Upon arrival enjoy free time to stroll along pretty Glen Helen Gorge take a swim in the homestead pool. We return to our campsite with time to have a relaxing swim in the waterhole before dinner.
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Alice Springs
Tonight, our group meets in The Homestead’s restaurant for our evening meal. Enjoy hearty pub-style meals accompanied with Australian wine. Retire to your room with ensuite and reverse cycle air conditioning/heating.
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Accommodation.
Day 6
Alice Springs
Hiking at Larapinta Trail. Section 8 of the Larapinta Trail: Today we walk section 8 of the Larapinta Trail. We climb to Eagles landing which in the Aboriginal Dreamtime tells the story of an Eagle ancestor who patrolled the range from Ochre pits to Serpentine Gorge. After a morning tea stop at Eagles landing, we then continue to Counts Point. This vantage point offers a wonderful opportunity to see the overall geology of the ranges. Views along this straight Quartz ridge lines give a spectacular view of Mt Sonder. To the right in the distance is the highest peak in the Northern Territory Mt Zeil. In our opinion the best view along the whole length of the trail. After lunch, we descend the range into the plains to the end of our walk at Serpentine Gorge chalet. We then transfer back to our hotel accommodation at Glen Helen Homestead.
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Alice Springs
Enjoy dinner in the restaurant featuring Australian wine and chat about the day’s adventures.
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Accommodation.
Day 7
Alice Springs
Hiking at Larapinta Trail. Larapinta - Ochre Pits to Serpentine Chalet Gorge: Today we hike an easy 4 km track along the Song Line of the Arrente track from Ochre pits which connect to Inarlanga Pass. The Ochre pits are still used by the traditional landowners, Arrente people. The track follows high ground to some of the best views of the whole Larapinta trail. We enter into the Inarlanga Gorge the smoking green fronds of the McDonald ranges Cycads stand out against the glowing red walls of the gorge formed 300 million years ago. The gorge has been the ceremonial place an important watering point for the Western Arrente people for thousands of years. We walk the descent back through spinifex foothills over a low saddle through mulga back to our starting point.
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Alice Springs
Helicopter Tours at Larapinta Trail. Larapinta Trail: We travel back to Alice Springs to enjoy an afternoon scenic helicopter flight to see the dramatic landscapes from the air. On this remarkable journey, you will fly the first section of the Larapinta trail from Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap. We take to the air and follow the Todd River to the Telegraph Station and get a bird’s eye view of Mt Gillen and Heavitree Gap before making our way to marvel at the breathtaking Simpsons Gap from the air, you will also see stunning views of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, parallel ridges spanning out 644kms into the distance from Alice Springs. This flight is a truly remarkable way to finish our Larapinta experience. A truly inspiring experience. Afterwards, we head back to the Mercure Alice Springs.
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Tonight, enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
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Accommodation.
Day 8
Alice Springs
Transportation. Fly to Kings Canyon: This morning enjoy breakfast before we transfer to Alice Springs airport for an early morning flight over the stunning desert ranges and gorges to Kings Canyon saving us almost 4 hours in driving.
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Yulara
Eco Tour at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Giles Track: Today we walk a section of the Giles Track named after Ernest Giles the 19th-century explorer, the first European to visit this area. The track is one of the hidden gems of the area. We enter a labyrinth of amazing beehive rock formations that remind one of the Bungle Bungles in Western Australia. Domes of layered rock stand up to 15 meters high and the Giles Track weaves its way through these through stunning gullies. After our walk, we make our way to our accommodation at the superb Kings Canyon Resort. Enjoy drinks at their Sunset Viewing Platform as the nearby cliffs glow red and the stars emerge in a brilliant, vast sky.
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Alice Springs
Breakfast. In the evening, we enjoy a superb dinner served with wine at Carmichaels Restaurant and share our newly acquired knowledge and experiences of the Red Centre.
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Accommodation.
Day 9
Alice Springs
Eco Tour at Kings Canyon (Northern Territory). Walk Kings Canyon Rim: After an early breakfast, we lace up our hiking boots and head off to make our way to the rim of the dramatic Kings Canyon. This 6km loop walk starts with its most challenging difficult section, a steep climb from the canyon floor to the rim. But, once up on the rim you will find yourself amongst an amazing landscape of weather-sculpted sandstone pagodas known as the Lost City. From here the track winds around the rim of the canyon above sheer and colorful cliffs that will take your breath away with their grandeur. The walk also passes through the picturesque Garden of Eden, a sacred waterhole filled with lush greenery. The track continues to the southern rim before descending again to the car park.
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Yulara
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. From here we travel to Uluru. Enroute you will stop for a view of the impressive, but less famous, Mount Conner, known locally as ‘Fool-u-ru‘ as its towering silhouette, rising out of the desert horizon, is the first thing you see as you travel west towards its more famous Neighbours, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. No brochure or photo can prepare you for the grandeur of the world’s most iconic monolith as it comes into view. Your next two nights are spent at the beautiful Ayers Rock Resort in the Desert Gardens guest rooms. This resort features a wonderful swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining and bar options.
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Alice Springs
Breakfast. Tonight enjoy a superb dining experience at Arnguli Restaurant enjoying a wonderful menu, that incorporates signature dishes enlivened by indigenous flavours and complemented by Australian fine wines.
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Alice Springs
Accommodation.
Day 10
Yulara
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Red Centre: Walk Kata Tjuta (The Olgas): After breakfast, we head out on our day’s walk. Today you visit Kata Tjuta meaning ‘many heads. The enormous domes, 36 in total, rise out of the rolling sand dunes and desert plains to the west of Uluru. Weathered over millions of years, the tallest, Mt Olga, is actually higher than Uluru! Today ‘s walk takes you through the heart of these domed monoliths along the Valley of the Winds Walk, which winds its way into the shady depths of narrow passages beneath the imposing heads of Kata Tjuta. The Valley of the Winds also features unparalleled views of the spectacular desert landscape from two lookout points along the track.
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Yulara
Cultural Immersion at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. After experiencing the remote beauty of Kata Tjuta, you have free time this afternoon at the Cultural Centre, to deepen your understanding of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here you can learn about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment through the exhibits. There are also Aboriginal art galleries and several community-owned shops and facilities. You return to your accommodation today for a relaxing dinner.
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Alice Springs
Breakfast. Experience at Arnguli Restaurant enjoying a wonderful menu, that incorporates signature dishes enlivened by indigenous flavours and complemented by Australian fine wines.
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Alice Springs
Accommodation
Day 11
Yulara
Hiking at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Today you get up close and personal with the Rock and follow in the footsteps of the ancestral beings that shaped the landscape. The Uluru Base Walk is the best way to connect with the rock and learn its stories. The walk is about 10 km and that takes you around the whole circumference. The sheer scale of Uluru, when up close and personal, is really quite extraordinary. As you walk you will pass through acacia woodlands and grassed claypans and encounter bloodwoods, native grasses and waterholes. This is a beautiful and intimate way to end your Red Centre experience.
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After the walk, we transfer you to the Yulara airport for your return flight at the end of a grand journey to the heart of Australia. Thanks for traveling with us!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Pack-Free fully supported walk with your overnight luggage transported to the campsite & homestead Helicopter Flight over Section 1 of the Larapinta, for a unique view of the MacDonnell Ranges Stargazing experience in Alice Springs Scenic Flight/Air Transfer from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon Professionally guided – Our guides are passionate, entertaining, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information National Park Pass
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
Hiking shoes Comfortable clothes
Meeting & Pickup
Book your flights to arrive in Alice Springs in the morning. (own expense)
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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