Trek the Larapinta Trail

5 Days

Travel Dates

TRIP DATES AVAILABILITY PRICE SPACE LEFT
02/09/2023 - 06/09/2023 Guaranteed $2,632.00
Available
23/09/2023 - 27/09/2023 Guaranteed $2,632.00
Available

Tackle the rugged landscape of one of Australia’s greatest multi-day walks. If you’re looking to travel to the heart of the Australian Outback, then the West MacDonnell National Park is your place. And there’s no better way to experience and immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape than the Larapinta Trail. Hike along the red rock slopes of the West Macs and enjoy the time to truly connect to Country and appreciate the importance of this place to the local people over thousands of years. Hike to shadowed gorges, snaking riverbanks, open plains and towering mountains filled with a rich diversity of animals and plants, taking in sights like Ormiston Gorge and a rewarding ascent of Mt Sonder. One of the world’s best desert treks is waiting for you.

DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM

To book or find out more, please email hello@wherewildthingsroamtravel.com quote reference LARAPINTA

Overview

Tackle the rugged landscape of one of Australia’s greatest multi-day walks. If you’re looking to travel to the heart of the Australian Outback, then the West MacDonnell National Park is your place. And there’s no better way to experience and immerse yourself in this unforgettable landscape than the Larapinta Trail. Hike along the red rock slopes of the West Macs and enjoy the time to truly connect to Country and appreciate the importance of this place to the local people over thousands of years. Hike to shadowed gorges, snaking riverbanks, open plains and towering mountains filled with a rich diversity of animals and plants, taking in sights like Ormiston Gorge and a rewarding ascent of Mt Sonder. One of the world’s best desert treks is waiting for you.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Experience the challenges and rewards of an active Australian adventure, with days of hiking and wild swimming, and nights around the campsite fire sharing Outback yarns.
  • Explore the majestic Ormiston Gorge, the most spectacular chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges, and maybe cool off in the year-round waterhole.
  • Enjoy the unique experience of camping out overnight along the trail, making the most of the remoteness and the star-filled desert skies.
  • Cap your Larapinta Trail experience with a summit of Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West Macs, and the perfect place to look over the landscape and back at what you’ve achieved.

Is this trip right for you?

  • It is required you have an excellent level of fitness and are prepared to trek for multiple hours a day through a variety of terrain.
  • 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.
  • Accommodation for this trip is Swag Camping under the stars, which includes bedrolls containing mattress, pillow and sleeping bag. This is an amazing and authentic Australian experience!
  • Toilet facilities will be very basic and you’ll have to sacrifice hot showers as you camp out overnight along the trail, but there will be refreshing swimming opportunities along the way.
  • There is a early morning start on Day 5 to climb to the summit of Mt Sonder. Though it will be difficult to get up early for this trek, it will be well worth it for the views.
  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Important notes

From 01 September 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips will be required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Excludes Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands tours. Read details here.

Highlights

  • Majestic Ormiston Gorge
  • Unique experience of camping out overnight along the trail
  • Summit of Mt Sonder
  • Nights around the campsite fire sharing Outback yarns

Itinerary

Begin this beautiful bushwalking track today by stretching your legs on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail. We begin our walk from the official start of the trail at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The Station was founded in 1871 and used for relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Follow the route of the old telegraph line through the rocky, rolling country that spreads out before you, winding along a path that makes its way over creeks and gullies. Walk along the scenic spine of the Euro Ridge and take in the excellent views of the surrounding Alice Valley, with the gnarled peaks of the West Macs out in the distance. Follow the trail downhill to Wallaby Gap, home to elusive black-footed rock-wallabies and a great place for birdwatching. After this, you’ll be met by your 4x4 vehicle and transferred to your campsite for the night in Ormiston Gorge, right in the heart of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Sleep beneath countless stars in your swag tonight.
Meals Included
Lunch
Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you are ready at 7 am in the hostel lobby for collection. See the joining point instructions in the Essential Trip Information for more details. Walking Distance: 14km - approximately 6 hours.

Begin today at the beautiful Ormiston Pound, home to the most impressive gorge in the whole West MacDonnell region. There’s a near-permanent waterhole shaded by ghost gums and towering red rock walls that is more than welcoming to any walker. The trail weaves its way from Ormiston to the Finke River through rolling limestone hills filled with unique plant life. The Finke is one of the oldest river systems in the world, and the local Arrernte name for this waterway gives the whole trail its name – Lhere Pinte, which means a salty river. Head to 2 Mile Campground with time to enjoy a tasty dinner and swap stories around the campfire.
Accommodation
Swag Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special Information
Walking Distance: 10km - approximately 5 hours

The next two days are the most challenging but also rewarding section of your Larapinta hike. This trail and its views are dominated by Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It’s an undulating 26 kilometres across spinifex-covered hills, making your way through the foothills towards to the hulking mountain. Cross the Davenport River then make the climb up to Hilltop Lookout, an ascent that’s rewarded with panoramic views of the peak and its surroundings. Descend through mulga woodland and past distinctive knobbly black rock to shady Rocky Bar Gap and along the southern flank of Mt Sonder to Redbank Creek. You’ll finish Day 4 at a campsite in Redbank Gorge, in the shadow of the mountain itself.
Accommodation
Swag Camping (2 nights)
Meals Included
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
Special Information
Walking Distance: 26km over two days

As above.

Hopefully, you got an early night yesterday as today you’ll be up with the possums for an early start to climb to the summit of the iconic Mt Sonder. The early start allows you to climb in the cool morning air before the sun begins to beat down. The mountain is known traditionally as Rwetyepme – in local Arrernte culture she's portrayed as a pregnant woman forever doomed to lay on her back and watch the sky. It’s not an easy climb, but the journey to the peak is worth the sweeping views in all directions of Central Australia, taking in the trails you’ve covered over the past few days, the Tanami Desert in the north, meteor craters in the south, and the NT’s highest mountain in the west. It’s the perfect way to cap off the trip. Afterward, you’ll make your return to Alice Springs for an arrival in the late afternoon, where you’ll enjoy a well-earned shower and time to rest and maybe celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.
Accommodation
Swag Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Special Information
Walking Distance: 16km - approximately 6 hours

Package Inclusions

Includes

  • Meals
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch
  • Transport
  • Bicycle (e-bike available, subject to availability), Support Vehicle
  • Accommodation
  • Hotel/Guesthouse (4 nights), Glamping ( night)
  • Included activities
  • Maria Island Cycling

Excludes

  • Additional costs such as meals not included on itinerary, drinks and souvenirs
  • Transport to and from the airport
  • Flights

Accommodation

Swag Camping (4 Nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

While every care has been taken to ensure the prices and availability of this tour is locked in, we do sometimes experience fluctuations and changes from our suppliers and ground operators. While every effort will be made to ensure this has no impact on the overall cost of your trip, if this cannot be done, you will be notified immediately with options.

Please note that we are working in remote destinations and sometimes changes to the itinerary are unavoidable. While we endeavour to ensure we stick to the set itinerary, changes may occur prior to travel and while on location. Also, note that wildlife is never guaranteed nor predictable. We are travelling during times of high probability of wildlife experiences; however, this is never 100% guaranteed. 

FLIGHTS

Flights are NOT included with this package unless otherwise stated. Please discuss with us the timing requirements for arrival and departure if you are organising your flights. If you wish us to book flights, we can arrange this also.

PRICING

All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars. Typically, prices are based on two passengers travelling together. Solo traveller supplements may be applicable. Special offer pricing has already been applied to the website pricing displayed, unless it is stated otherwise.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months or longer than your intended stay overseas. Visas to some countries are required for Australian Passport holders. Visas can be purchased on arrival in most countries, but please note, for entry into certain countries a visa must be applied for online before travel. Some visa fees are payable in US Dollars cash only. Some countries have a requirement making it necessary to have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Please check with us regarding visa requirements.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Travelling with children under 18 years of age through certain countries may require further documentation in addition to their valid passport. As requirements can change, please check with us.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Please consult your GP or Travel Doctor for up-to-date medical advice. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate in a Where Wild Things Roam Travel tour. In addition, some tours may require you to disclose your body weight. Please check with us to ensure that you can meet the relevant requirements. COVID19 declarations must be completed before travelling and conditions of these must be met, otherwise your travel will be cancelled.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Luggage restrictions may apply to your tour where safari vehicles or light aircraft are utilised. Please check your trip dossier for detail on this and what is suggested to pack. 

BOOKING

A non-refundable deposit of 25% per person is required within seven days of booking confirmation along with a signed Booking Form. Some tours and arrangements may impose a higher non-refundable deposit – please check at the time of booking. Payment of deposit and a signed Booking Form represents acceptance of Where Wild Things Roam Travel Terms & Conditions by the client. The final balance of payment must be received no later than 60 days before departure.

LATE BOOKINGS

Bookings made within 30 days of travel from Australia will require full payment immediately.

AMENDMENT FEE

An amendment fee of AU$50 will be levied to cover communication and administration costs for any changes to bookings. This is in addition to any airline and operator fees.

ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

We can organise additional arrangements such as hotels and car hire not forming part of a package. Just ask us at the time of booking.

CANCELLATIONS

While we appreciate that circumstances change and travel regulations may vary, we will always try to be flexible with changes to your booking. Cancellations must be received in writing and will take effect from the date received by Where Wild Things Roam Travel. The following cancellation charges will apply to the tour costs.

  • More than 60 days before departure: Deposit only
  • 60-49 days before departure: 40%
  • 48-31 days before departure: 60%
  • 30-0 days before departure: 100%

These charges can vary subject to the trading terms of our suppliers as some do impose higher cancellation fees on certain tours. The non-issuing of an invoice or non-payment of the deposit will not exempt clients from these cancellation and administration fees. We regret we can make no exception to the charges and strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out at the time of booking to cover cancellation fees.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that a comprehensive travel insurance policy be taken out at the time of paying the deposit. Where Wild Things Roam Travel will NOT accept responsibility for loss of deposit/full payment, loss or damage to baggage and personal items, personal illness or injury, medical expenses, cancellation or curtailment of your trip.

TRAVEL SAFETY

For the latest government advice on travel safety and security, please visit and register your holiday on www.smartraveller.gov.au 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PRICES

Much care has gone into the composition of itineraries and prices, however, circumstances beyond our control such as currency devaluation, fuel or airfare surcharges, imposition of new or amended Government charges (i.e VAT) may necessitate an increase in cost. Where Wild Things Roam Travel cannot be held responsible for these changes. Should this occur at any time until the departure date, you will be notified as soon as possible, and regardless of deposit or total payment having been made, any increase is to be paid by the client. If such an increase is unacceptable, the client may cancel the booking, though, in so doing, is still liable to pay any cancellation charges imposed by our suppliers. While every effort has been made to ensure prices are accurate, please use the brochure as a guideline only, as rates are subject to change.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Where Wild Things Roam Travel uses local ground operators in the country of travel. The standards of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicated by a certain class. However, we do not represent or guarantee that standard, class or fitness for purpose of the accommodation or service. Where Wild Things Roam Travel does not accept any liability of whatever nature for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of those airlines, local operators, shipping companies, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with your tour under a contract between them and yourselves and over whom we have no direct and exclusive control. We do not accept liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of itinerary when required, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including, but not limited to war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities, accidents to, or failure of, machinery or equipment, or industrial action (whether or not involving our employees and even though such actions may be settled by acceding to demands of a labour group).

Intrepid Travel Terms & Conditions can be found here for flexipledge and booking conditions.

Intrepid Travel Trip Notes can be found here.

From $2,632.00
/ Adult
  • 5 Days
  • Tackle the rugged landscape of one of Australia’s greatest multi-day walks