Trek the Larapinta Trail

Werte! 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 your Intrepid leader in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers. (D)

This morning, you’ll be introduced to your local Aboriginal walking guides, your crew and your drivers who will all be with you on the trail. Then it’s time to head out of town to the start of the Larapinta Trail, which sits at the edge of the West MacDonnell Ranges (or Tjoritja, in the language of the Western Arrernte people). Get your first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges as you arrive at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Nearby is the waterhole that gave Alice Springs its name (which is not a spring at all). This is where you’ll start section 1 of the Larapinta Trail, the 14km walk to Wallaby Gap. When you arrive, take a moment to rest in the shade of the ghost gums, then make your way to your private campground – your home for the next four nights – located on Aboriginal land. Have dinner with your group and settle in for your first night by the campfire under the Outback sky. (L/D)

After breakfast, set off on one of the most scenic walks along the Larapinta Trail, along Serpentine Ridge (this is section 8 of the Larapinta Trail). From the base of Serpentine Gorge, you’ll make your way to the top of the ridge, passing landscapes of Mountain Hakea – the pink, alien-like bush flowers of the Outback. Once you reach the top of the ridge, take a break to appreciate the views across the red desert landscape, Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil – the highest point in the Northern Territory. These views are some of the best on the whole Larapinta trail, so take it all in as you have a bite to eat. Your Aboriginal guides will share the story of how the Irbanga (fish) ancestors travelled through this country, looking from the ridge towards the north, and the importance of the Eritja (eagle) and Takuia (mouse) Dreaming. Don’t miss the photo opportunity at Counts Point, from where you'll head back towards Serpentine Chalet Dam. Back at camp and the campfire, your hosts will share some stories about the West MacDonnell Ranges, including its rich history and culture. (B/L/D)

Head out on the Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk this morning. This scenic trail shows off all the natural beauty of Central Australia and the gorge at the end offers a nice respite. Your guides will share the stories of the Argutja Unthippa (dancing ladies), how they created the pound and what it represents, connected to Rodna Country. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your end-of-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 Western Arrernte First Nations people. A Traditional Owner will talk more about how important the ochre pits are and share the story of the Eritja (eagle) that came through this country. Later, head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars. (B/L/D)

Embrace a very early start this morning as you make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, to begin your hike to the top of Mt Sonder (or Rutjupma, in the language of the Western Arrernte people). This is section 12 of the Larapinta Trail. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle, then the trail gets slightly easier. When you reach the top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon, lighting up the expanse of the desert below. Your guides will point out the important sites and share the story of how the Argutja Unthippa (dancing ladies) created and transformed the MacDonnell Ranges and how the Kulaia (Rainbow Serpent) used to live on top of Mt Sonder but moved down to Redbank Gorge. This is also where Albert Namatjira lived and you can see the landscapes he painted from up here. Head back down the mountain along the saddle, ready for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. You then have a free afternoon, where you can take on some extra walks or simply relax until your last camp dinner together tonight. (B/L/D)

Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in all the scenery on your walk this morning. Head to Standley Chasm for the Reveal Saddle Walk (section 4 of the Larapinta Trail), which shows the Western MacDonnell Ranges in all their glory. The trail heads along the dry riverbed over rocky and uneven terrain, past lots of plants like cassias, sennas and the odd red river gum. Then, the trail starts climbing up through a valley towards Reveal Saddle. Similar to Serpentine Ridge, you’ll get an awesome view of the rock layers that have been tilted and exposed as you get higher. When you come full circle this afternoon, maybe walk into Standley Chasm – a sacred women’s site. Alternatively, you can have a coffee 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 your trip comes to an end upon arrival. (B/L)