Larapinta Walking Tour

Starting early, we say goodbye to suburbia and hello to the wilderness of the West MacDonnell Ranges. These ranges are known for their natural wonders and traditional culture, making them the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14km leg stretch outside Alice Springs. Euro Ridge offers beautiful views along the way. We take the walk casually, allowing us to relax and take in the wonder of the region. Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at Wallaby Gap and take us to our remote camping location in MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If we have time, we may visit a natural waterhole for a swim. This is where the experience begins, as we rest in a region that holds great significance in the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Before dinner, we will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter, which showcases bush foods from the Central Desert Region and beyond.

Meals include lunch and dinner. Accommodations are provided at a private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, with Safari Tents or Bush swag options. The driving distance is approximately 146km. The hiking distance for Section 1 is 14km, with a grading of 4 – moderate to difficult.

Today, we will be exploring the western half of the Larapinta Trail. This 13.4km section is recommended for experienced walkers with a good fitness level. Along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the high quartzite ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). If we have 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.

• The meals provided on this trip include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Accommodation is available at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. You can choose to stay in Safari Tents or Bush Swags.
• The driving distance is approximately 94km.
• The hiking distance for Section 8 is 13.4km, graded as a moderate to strenuous hike.

We will explore the low-lying regions near Ormiston Gorge today. As we gradually climb higher, we will encounter significant sites from traditional folklore, such as ‘Yapulpa’, the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend, and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If there is enough time, we can take a refreshing swim in one of the breathtaking natural waterholes. We can relax at our permanent campsite in the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset and the stunning night desert sky filled with millions of stars.

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

We start our trek to the peak of Mount Sonder very early in the morning, around 3 am. It is an 8km climb that will be challenging but rewarding. Once we reach the top, the sunrise and the 360° view will leave you in awe. Afterwards, we will have a cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure, either at camp or Ormiston Gorge. In the evening, you can enjoy the beauty of the Milky Way at our remote campsite for one last night.

• Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, safari tents, or bush swags.
• The driving distance is approximately 64km.
• The hiking distance for Section 12 is 16km, with a grading of 5 – complex.

The Ormiston Pound Walk is considered one of the best sections of the Larapinta Trail. It offers breathtaking views of the Chewing Range and Mount Giles and is a favourite among hikers. After lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack up and return to civilization.

Tonight, after showering, head to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (the guide will provide details) to reflect on the past five days and enjoy a drink.

• There are three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• There is no accommodation available.
• The driving distance is approximately 156km. T
• he hiking distance is 16km for sections 9 and 10, with a grading of Grade 3, which is considered moderate.