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Alice Springs · Northern territory · Australia
Larapinta Trail 5 Day Trek - Private Single Safari Tent From Alice Springs
Starting From
From $2,405.19 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Day 1 - Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap Day 2 - Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam Day 3 - Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge Day 4 - Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb Day 5 - Section 9/10: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Discover the Red Centre's Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's top wilderness trails
- Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park
- View the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section One) and Counts Point lookout
- Take a dip in some of the West MacDonnell ranges most impressive waterholes
- Enjoy our exclusive private campsite on traditional land
- Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire
- Explore ravines and escarpments, where life forms will excite the curious mind
- Watch the sunrise and stunning 360degree from Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountain
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Alice Springs
Hiking at MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap An early start, and its bye bye suburbia - hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best in Australia.
Continued
Darwin
Sightseeing at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge.
Continued
Alice Springs
Birdwatching at MacDonnell Ranges. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days. Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
Continued
Alice Springs
Swimming at MacDonnell Ranges. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.
Continued
Darwin
Food Tasting at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approx. 146km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 14 km (Section 1), Grade 4 - moderate to difficult.
Day 2
Alice Springs
Hiking at MacDonnell Ranges. Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good fitness level. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after a long day of walking.
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Continued
Alice Springs
Other. Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approx. 94km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 13.4km (Section 8), Grade 4 - moderate to difficult.
Day 3
Alice Springs
Hiking at Ormiston Pound. Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore, with several important sites being viewed, including 'Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming.
Continued
Alice Springs
Swimming at Finke River. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim.
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approx. 27km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3 - moderate.
Day 4
Alice Springs
Hiking at Mount Sonder. Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless - a truly unforgettable achievement.
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp.
Continued
Alice Springs
Other. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Continued
Darwin
Other at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approx. 64km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 12), Grade 5 - difficult.
Day 5
Alice Springs
Nature Walks at Ormiston Pound. Section 9/10: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora and a grand finale to our walk.
Continued
Alice Springs
Sightseeing at Mount Giles. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles - the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumbfounded.
Continued
Darwin
Relaxation & Fun at Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits). Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
All camping equipment such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and basic swag Guided bush walking (~14km, grade 2-6) Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs Walking Trail Fee 5 Days Traditional owners and camping fees Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host Extensive remote first aid kit Satellite phone
Not Included
Any meals not indicated within the itinerary Excludes alcohol (BYO, storage provided) For those with special dietaries, we recommend you discuss this with us more in detail as options are limited in the outback. Alice Springs Hotel on Day 1 and Day 5 of the itinerary Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner, please make your own way Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point Travel insurance is highly recommended Personal expenses
What to Bring
3-5L refillable water bladder for hiking Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen Swimwear, beach towel & toiletries (wet wipes) Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (tread closed-toe shoes, for walking & climbing) All-weather lightweight, quick-dry clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night) Thermal layers for extreme cold during the night, dusk and dawn 15-20kg soft bag & approx. 5-8 kg small day pack Head torch with spare batteries (essential for the Mt Sonder hike and around camp at night) Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (we provide dry fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies, and some cakes) Reusable zip lock bag for snacks (we try to protect our beautiful environment wherever possible, please think sustainable!) Tropical strength insect repellent Mosquito or fly net (summer months) Money for snacks and meals Bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if you prefer your own) Rechargeable power bank (no access to 240v power to charge phone or cameras at camp only some 12v solar) Camera
Restrictions
Children aged between 12 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 11 years and under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to complete the walks. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30 days before travel).
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point at, Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Hotel pickup services are available
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 12 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
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