Overview
6 Days
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Larapinta Trail
Camps & Lodges
Premium
12-99 Years
16
Challenging
Fully Guided
Itinerary
After a quick briefing in Alice Springs on the first morning, we head out towards the red ridges of Tjoritja / The West MacDonnell Ranges to start our walking adventure at Standley Chasm. After a visit to the peaceful narrow gorges the guides will take you off the beaten track into a portion of section 3 of the Larapinta trail. This is our only opportunity to visit the rugged Chewings Range section of the trail, a less accessible part of Tjoritja / The West MacDonnell Ranges. We ascend steeply into the range, before retreating to a shady creek bed for lunch and then transfer to our private and exclusive campsite, which will be home for the next five nights.
Ormiston Gorge to the Finke River offers a longer day of exploring the ranges, where you can move through the landscape at your own pace. Heading west from Ormiston Gorge we wander through the undulating foothills of the range. Views back towards Ormiston in the morning light are an absolute delight, and ahead you will see the majestic Rwetyepme / Mt Sonder. We cross tributaries of the Finke River, including Ormiston Creek. The trail takes walkers to a high point offering views to Glen Helen Gorge in the Pacoota Range, back to Mt Giles and Ormiston Pound and down to the confluence of the Davenport and Ormiston Creeks.
After a peaceful lunch in the shade of the river red gums in the sandy riverbed, we follow the river on its western side. Settle in at our campsite for another night of good company, hospitality, a delicious dinner, beer, and wine. Our safari style dining and living tent is a comfortable place to kick back and relax.
Today is one of the more challenging walks, as it offers a chance to climb up onto the range. You are rewarded with impressive views from the ridgeline across to the Chewings Range, and into a dramatic indented valley. After an initial climb the track levels out and runs along the high quartzite ridgetops that typify Tjoritja / The West MacDonnell Ranges.
We walk along the ridge to Counts Point where panoramic views stretch across to Mt Zeil, the highest mountain in the Northern Territory. We descend through old growth Mulga forest and through Lomandra Gully - named after this unique Irongrass species endemic to the eastern creek gullies of the West Macs. We then meet for a short transfer back to camp, where it will be time to refuel with another feast prepared by your talented guides.
Today we take a relaxing walk-through Ormiston Gorge and around the beautiful escarpment of Ormiston Pound. We start the walk at the mouth of the gorge and waterhole. The walk then takes us through the rolling spinifex covered hills and rocky floral gullies to the lip of Ormiston Pound where a lookout offers wonderful views of the remarkable formation below.
After descending into and crossing the pound, we make our way slowly through the rocky gorge. From here we gently climb the contours of the gorge wall along the aptly named Ghost Gum Walk, which offers stunning views back into the gorge. Towards the end of the gorge is a permanent pool of water that is sometimes deep enough to warrant wading through; a perfect way to refresh tired feet after a long walk. We enjoy lunch sitting under the shade of River Red Gums in the embrace of one of the Northern Territory's most natural wonders.
Today is a real highlight of the track, as we climb to the peak of Rwetyepme/Mount Sonder. This morning is an early start. The first hour walking is in the pre-dawn and we watch the country waking up. We wind steadily uphill for 3km through the shadows of Eucalypt and Acacia. The early start is easily worth it as we gain a saddle to watch the sun rise.
From the saddle the incline continues, steady yet unrelenting through the morning. The landscape continues to expand and when you reach the summit and are greeted with some of the most spectacular views in Tjoritja / The West MacDonnells. It is a truly stunning vantage of Central Australia.
On the final day, we drive the short distance from our campsite to the Ochre Pits – the site of an Aboriginal quarry – to start our day walking.
We approach the Larapinta trail on the Arrernte (Aranda) Walk, meandering through the foothills just above creek lines filled with river red gums. The striking colours of the landscape and surprising botanical diversity are a delightful introduction to the Red Centre, Arrernte culture, and Tjoritja / The West Macs.
As we approach the range, a rocky pass comes into view. Named after the elusive nocturnal echidna, Inarlanga Pass is a spectacular narrow gorge through the Heavitree Range. The section of the trail through the Pass is part of section 9 of the Larapinta Trail. We explore the length of this enchanting gorge with its twisted metamorphic rocks and ancient Cycads. We return to the Ochre Pits carpark for our transfer to Ellery Creek Big Hole for a swim and lunch. After this relaxing break we head into Alice Springs and arrive around 4-5pm, we can also do a hotel drop off on the way.
Trip Inclusions
- Return transfers to and from Alice Springs
- Accommodation at our private camp in the National Park
- All meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of local wine and beer.
- Use of a weather-proof jacket for the duration of the walk
- Bedding
- Three qualified guides for the duration of the walk (two on track, one remains at camp)
- National Parks Pass
- Tasmanian Walking Co's Track Notes list everything you need to prepare and get excited about your adventure, all in one document. From pickup times to gear lists, daily distances to accommodation details, this is your Larapinta (Signature Walk) go-to-guide.
Operator
Journey on foot and take in the incredible ancient landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre along sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail. Read more
Guests consistently agree in their feedback that our Larapinta Trail walking guides are our most outstanding asset. Read more
True shelter, something that gives protection and refuge, simple and sustainable, clean and comfortable. Our groups have exclusive use of our private campsite on the Larapinta Trail. Read more
Trip FAQ's
Our trips depart between April and September each walking season.
Each trip requires a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests.
The minimum age for guests walking with us is 12 years old. There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who are 69 or above we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.
The Larapinta Trail takes us to some remote locations where facilities are simple. Our private and secluded campsite, where we are based for the duration of the tour is located within Tjoritja / The West read more MacDonnell Ranges National Park (between Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge).
Despite the remote location of our camp, you will be provided with comfortable facilities. We have two semi-permanent outdoor toilets with a view, and showers designed for comfort and to suit the environment.
We provide luxury fully enclosed swags with mattresses, underlays, cotton sheets, pillows and pillowcases or spacious touring tents offering privacy, two single beds, a rug on the floor and a small reading lamp. They are of standing room height and have space for your luggage. Our stylish safari style living and dining tent is a great place to relax with a book after a sensational day on the trail. Dinner is served either sitting around the open fire under the stars or in our safari tent at our custom-made dining table.
The Larapinta Trail is divided into twelve sections, each section of the trail is graded on a four-stage scale. The sections we visit are rated moderate to hard. As each trip has three guides, we are able read more to split the group according to ability if necessary, challenging the fit walkers without pressuring walkers who prefer a more leisurely pace.
One of the great aspects of the Larapinta Walk is that we return to camp every night so there’s no need to carry a heavy pack.
We recommend light weight boots, flexible walking shoes or trail running shoes that you have worn in to avoid blisters.
The guides prepare scrumptious three-course meals each night with ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. We regularly change the menu, depending on the season and what the local producers have read more for us that week. We are also quite happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance. Evening meals are served with a selection of local beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options.
There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Alice Springs from backpackers lodges to four-star hotels. Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Lasseters Hotel and Quest, Alice Springs are some of the better read more hotels in the area. For people wanting to spend a few extra nights in Alice Springs we recommend Studio Five. We recommend that you book accommodation well in advance for winter stays in Alice Springs, it’s a very busy time of year and accommodation is likely to sell out quickly.
On the morning of departure a briefing on the walk will be held at 8.30am in the foyer of the Double Tree Hilton Hotel at 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs. Our shuttle picks up in front of Mercure Resort read more (34 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs) at 8:15am, Quest Alice Springs (10 South Terrace, Alice Springs) at 8:20am and Lassetters, Crowne Plaza (93 Barrett Dr Alice Aprings) at 8:25am. The tour departs immediately after the briefing. On return, we arrive back at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel at approximately 4-5pm.
Trip Reviews (2)
Our guide Dean made our stay truly memorable. He went above and beyond daily to accommodate our requests and ensure our tour was a success. The food was fantastic, with the poached pears being particularly memorable. The quality of the coffee in the middle of the bush was also a surprise.
The tent accommodation was comfortable, and the option of sleeping in a swag under the star-filled sky was a wonderful touch. However, there were a few logistical issues with the tents and sleeping arrangements that caused minor inconveniences. Returning to camp each day was a joy, with drinks and food served individually around the campfire.
However, it must be mentioned that the needs of a member of our group with specific food allergies were not adequately addressed, despite these allergies having been communicated in advance. It was concerning to witness the food of concern being served repeatedly, especially considering we were often out of range even with the sat nav phone. This issue required careful management by our group.
The work ethics of the guides varied, with Dean and Nana standing out for their exceptional effort. Despite trekking to the peak of Mt Sonder, Dean returned to camp and cooked us a meal fit for a king without pause. After guide Kai left, the cleanliness of the camp dropped noticeably, and regular drink refills ceased.
Despite these hiccups, the overall experience was extraordinary. Walking and camping on the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, the land of the Arrernte people, and witnessing the result of over 300 million years of geological evolution was awe-inspiring.
However, I was disappointed by the lack of information and stories about local identities and the history, geography, flora, and fauna of the area provided by the guides. It seemed evident that they had not received appropriate training in these areas. The lack of meaningful engagement with the indigenous culture and history was disappointing and felt like a missed opportunity.
Despite these criticisms, our tour group had an absolute blast. The bonds of friendship that were formed in the central desert are unforgettable, and we are planning more treks to further discover this beautiful planet. I hope my feedback can contribute to improving this already wonderful experience.
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Tasmanian Walking Company. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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