Experience a bushwalking trek along sections of the Larapinta Trail, located in Central Australia. Discover the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, Euro Ridge, Mount Sonder, Ormiston Gorge, and Ellery Creek.
The Larapinta Trail tour in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a popular wilderness walk in Australia. Visitors can cover up to 14 km of the graded trail each day, allowing ample time to relax and appreciate the beauty of the Australian outback. The trail immerses oneself in the ancient environment, uncovering its magic and mysteries.
Central Australia offers surprising features such as tall peaks, ravines, escarpments, and sensational waterholes, making it the oldest dramatic landscape in Australia. This region provides an excellent opportunity to experience the peace and tranquillity of the wilderness.
Highlights
- Explore the Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Red Centre, one of the country’s premier wilderness trails.
- Explore the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) in Arrernte country.
- Experience breathtaking views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section 1) and Counts Point Lookout (Section 8, with an altitude of 1140 meters).
- Visitors can swim in various waterholes in the West MacDonnell ranges, such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek.
- Experience our secluded private campsite on traditional land, featuring permanent safari tents, or sleep in an Aussie Swag, where you can witness the mesmerizing transformation of the night desert into a breathtaking million-star accommodation.
- Experience the unique flavours of ethically sourced, organic bush foods cooked over a campfire in the Central Desert.
- Discover ravines and escarpments, where interesting life forms will intrigue the curious mind.
- Visitors can enjoy the sunrise and panoramic view from Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountains in the territory.
The itinerary for the Red Centre may change due to the diverse landscape, culture, and weather conditions. The expert guides will ensure that everyone has a fantastic adventure.
Tour Details
- Tour code: LPI06-S/ LPI06-P
- Operates: Mondays (May-Aug)
- The departure time from Alice Springs is scheduled for 6:30 am.
- The return time to Alice Springs is at 17:00.
- The duration is five days and four nights.
- The maximum group size is 15 people.
- The campsite is available for four nights.
- The fitness level is moderate to high for grades 3-6.
- The driver guide is accredited and also serves as a host in the outback.
- Comprehensive local tour commentary
- Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
ULURU TOURS OPERATES
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Itinerary
Pre-tour welcome will include arrival and meet and greet.
Upon arrival at the airport, travellers should make arrangements for accommodations in Alice Springs (not included; please book directly). At 4.30 pm, the group will gather in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden to meet each other and go over the itinerary with the guide. Afterwards, participants can return to their accommodations in Alice Springs and rest early to prepare for the upcoming journey.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you can enjoy the busy centre of the Red Centre before heading out to the remote outback. Visit art galleries showcasing Aboriginal artworks in Central Australia. This is also an excellent opportunity to make sure you have everything you need for your Larapinta Trail.
Day 1 - Section 1: Alice Springs - Wallaby Gap
We will start early and leave the suburbs behind to explore the wilderness. The West MacDonnell Ranges are known for their natural wonders and traditional culture, making them the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14km stretch starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. We will see beautiful views, especially at Euro Ridge. This walk is meant to be casual, allowing us to relax and appreciate the region over the next four days. 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 might visit a natural waterhole for a swim. This will be an authentic experience in a region deeply rooted in the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Before dinner, we will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook tasting platter, which features bush foods and wild-harvested produce from the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Meals are provided for lunch and dinner. Accommodations include private and remote campsite options, including Safari Tents or Bush Swags. The driving distance is approximately 146km. The hiking distance for Section 1 is 14km, with a grading of Grade 4, which means it is considered moderate to difficult.
Day 2 - Section 8: Serpentine Gorge - Serpentine Chalet Dam
Today, we will explore the western half of the Larapinta Trail, a 13.4km section requiring experienced walkers with reasonable fitness levels. This trail offers breathtaking views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory. If there is enough time, we may also visit a natural waterhole for a refreshing swim after a full day of walking.
The meals provided are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, safari tents, or bush swags. The driving distance is approximately 94km. The hiking distance for section 8 is 13.4km, and the grading is moderate to difficult.
Day 3 - Section 10: Ormiston Gorge - Glen Helen Gap
We will explore the low-lying regions around Ormiston Gorge today. As we progress, we will venture into the remote areas of the Finke River. This region has a rich traditional folklore with significant sites such as ‘Yapulpa’, associated with the Carpet Snake Dreaming and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If we have enough time, we can take a refreshing swim at one of the breathtaking natural waterholes. At night, we can relax at our permanent campsite and enjoy the vibrant colours of the desert as the sun sets, providing us with a stunning million-star accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite. Accommodation options include Safari Tents or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approximately 27km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3 – moderate.
Day 4 - Section 12: Climbing Mt. Saunder
We start our trek very early in the morning, around 3 am, to climb the 8km to the peak of Mount Sonder. The breathtaking sunrise and panoramic view will leave you amazed. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast at our campsite. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, either at camp or Ormiston Gorge. Enjoy the Milky Way’s beauty at our remote campsite in the evening.
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, graded as a strenuous hike (Grade 5).
Day 5 - Section 9/10: Walk from Ormiston Pound to Alice Springs
The Ormiston Pound Walk is considered one of the top trails on the Larapinta Trail. It offers breathtaking views of the Chewing Range and Mount Giles and is an inspiring location for artists like Albert Namatjira. After enjoying a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will say goodbye to our campsite and start our journey back to civilization.
Tonight, after taking a shower, you can visit one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants. Your guide will provide you with the time and location. Feel free to reflect on the past five days and enjoy a beverage.
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no accommodation provided. The driving distance is approximately 156km. The hiking distance is 16km (Section 9/10) with a grade 3 – moderate difficulty.
Details
Additional notes
Inclusions
- 4 Nights’ Private and remote campsite on traditional land complete with safari tents with twin bedding (bush setting including portable toilets and pop-up showers, excluding electricity)
- All camping equipment, such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and essential swag
- Includes: 4 breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, trek snacks
- Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages
(BYO alcohol and cold storage will be provided; let your guide know at the meet and greet) - Guided bushwalking (~14km, grade 2-6)
- Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
- Courtesy hotel pickup/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 & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Exclusions
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
- Alice Springs Hotel on Day 5 of the itinerary
- Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner; please make your way
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
Options
What to bring
- 3-5L refillable water bladder for hiking
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Swimwear, beach towels & 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 sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if staying in a swag)
- Recharge power bank (no access to power to charge phone or cameras at camp)
- Camera
*please get in touch with us for a comprehensive packing list
Where to meet
Our main meeting point for this tour will be outside the front of Doubletree by Hilton 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs, at 6:00 am.
- 6:00 – A Good Rest BandB – 51 Dixon Rd Alice Springs NT
- 6:00 – Alice in the Territory – 46 Stephens Rd Mount Johns
- 6:00 – Alice Springs Tourist Park – 70 Larapinta Dr Araluen NT
- 6:00 – Alice on Todd Apartments – 1 Strehlow St The Gap
- 6:00 – Crowne Plaza Lasseters – 93 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 6:00 – Desert Palms Alice Springs – 74 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 6:00 – DoubleTree Hilton Alice Springs -82 Barrett Dr Alice Springs
- 6:15 – Alice Lodge Backpackers – 4 Mueller St East Side NT
- 6:15 – Alice Motor Inn – 25-27 Undoolya Rd East Alice Springs
- 6:15 – Alices Secret Travellers Inn – 6 Khalick St East Side NT
- 6:15 – Aurora Alice Springs Hotel – 11 Leichhardt Terrace
- 6:15 – Desert Rosa Inn – 15 Railway Tce Alice Springs NT
- 6:15 – The Diplomat Motel – 20 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs
- 6:15 – Best Western Elkira Court Motel – 65 Bath St Alice Springs
- 6:25 – Gday Mate Tourist Park – 23 Palm Circuit Ross Alice Springs
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.
FAQ
What is the Larapinta Trail?
The Larapinta Trail is a famed bushwalking path in the West MacDonnell Ranges close to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Spanning 223 kilometers, it showcases breathtaking desert vistas, rugged ravines, and a deep connection to Indigenous culture.
How difficult is the 5-Day Larapinta Walking Tour?
This trek is pegged as moderate to strenuous. It entails daily bushwalks lasting 5 to 7 hours across rough terrain, with some steep climbs and descents. Bushwalkers should be reasonably fit and have some experience under their belts.
When's the best time to hit the Larapinta Trail?
The prime time for tackling the Larapinta Trail is during the cooler months from April to September when the hiking conditions are more favorable.
What facilities are on offer along the trail?
Facilities are pretty basic. Expect simple campgrounds with long-drop dunnies. A few spots might have water tanks, but purifying water before drinking is crucial.
Can I tackle the tour on my own?
While you can take on the Larapinta Trail solo, the 5-Day Walkabout is guided, offering extra safety, insights into the local culture, and logistical support like tucker and transport.
How many people are in a group?
The group size can change, but tours usually run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 16 bushwalkers to ensure a tailored and comfy experience.
Do I need travel insurance?
It’s wise to have travel insurance covering bushwalking for all participants to handle any unexpected situations.
