Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Trek the Larapinta Trail" tour in Australia's stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural insights, guided by local Aboriginal experts. Traverse the iconic Larapinta Trail, exploring sections like Euro Ridge and Serpentine Ridge, and summit the majestic Mt Sonder. Camp under the stars in a private site on Aboriginal land, and enjoy the serenity of Ormiston Gorge's swimming holes. Discover sacred sites such as the Ochre Pits and Standley Chasm, while supporting First Nations communities through a partnership with 100% Finke Adventures. Travel in comfort with modern transport and enjoy the camaraderie of a small group, making this a truly enriching journey through the heart of the Australian Outback. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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 next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers. ...more ...less
Day 2: Larapinta Trail
Location: Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Private permanent campsite with basic facilities
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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.Included Activities:-Larapinta Trail - Section 1 (Euro Ridge)
Day 3: Larapinta Trail
Location: Larapinta Trail
Accommodation Name: Private permanent campsite with basic facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Included Activities:-Larapinta Trail - Section 8 (Serpentine Ridge)
Day 4: Larapinta Trail
Location: Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits
Accommodation Name: Private permanent campsite with basic facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Included Activities:-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Pound Loop-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge Waterhole-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ochre Pits
Day 5: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder
Location: Mt Sonder
Accommodation Name: Private permanent campsite with basic facilities
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Included Activities:-Larapinta Trail Section 12 (Mt Sonder Summit)
Day 6: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Location: Larapinta Trail, Alice Springs
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 you’ll celebrate your hiking experience with the group over dinner. Included Activities:-Larapinta Trail Section 4 (Reveal Saddle)-Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Standley Chasm
Day 7: Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning and it’s time for a final goodbye. You can make your way back to the airport at your own pace. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Larapinta Trail - Section 1 (Euro Ridge)
Experience the beauty of the Larapinta Trail starting with Section 1 at Euro Ridge.
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Larapinta Trail - Section 8 (Serpentine Ridge)
Hike along the scenic Serpentine Ridge, part of Section 8 of the Larapinta Trail.
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Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Pound Loop
Explore the Ormiston Pound Loop in the Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ormiston Gorge Waterhole
Visit the refreshing Ormiston Gorge Waterhole in the Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Ochre Pits
Discover the culturally significant Ochre Pits in the Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Larapinta Trail Section 12 (Mt Sonder Summit)
Summit Mt Sonder as part of Section 12 of the Larapinta Trail.
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Larapinta Trail Section 4 (Reveal Saddle)
Hike the Reveal Saddle in Section 4 of the Larapinta Trail.
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Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges - Standley Chasm
Visit the Standley Chasm in the Tjoritja-West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Modern, Comfortable Bus Transport
Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges in a modern, comfortable bus equipped with recovery gear for emergencies.
What's Not Included
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Personal Travel Arrangements
Travel to and from Alice Springs is not included.
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Personal Equipment
Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked at an additional cost, or you can bring your own.
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Single Supplement
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability, covering the first and last night in Alice Springs.
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Self Assessment Form
A Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
Mode of Transport
Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges in a modern, comfortable bus equipped with recovery gear for emergencies. Vehicles are regularly serviced for safety and reliability, and a daily seat rotation system is encouraged for window seat enjoyment.
Accommodation
This tour features comfortable camping for 4 nights with a tent and stretcher bed provided, and hotel accommodation on the nights on either side. A sleeping bag can be pre-booked, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided.
Important Information
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL
- You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km.
- START & END TIMES
- This trip starts at 6pm with a welcome meeting on day 1 at your hotel and finishes back in Alice Springs after breakfast on day 7. Please take this into consideration when booking arrival and onward travel.
- ACCOMMODATION
- For our camping nights, a tent and a stretcher bed with a swag (an Australian style sleeping mat) is provided. Single travellers will be allocated their own tent. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked at an additional cost, or you can bring your own. Pillows and towels are not provided. Between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep. There is a shared toilet and shower block available at the campsite.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
- A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The single supplement covers the first and the last night in Alice Springs. For our camping nights single travellers will be allocated their own tent as a default.
- SELF ASSESSMENT FORM
- A Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Your booking agent will provide you with this form when you book to fill out before arrival.
- ELECTRICITY
- The camps are solar powered and there are a number of outlets that can be used to charge personal devices. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank to recharge your phone or camera, rather than relying solely on power at the camp.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a single supplement available for this tour?
Yes, a Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability, covering the first and last night in Alice Springs. For camping nights, single travelers will be allocated their own tent.
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What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is challenging and requires an excellent level of fitness. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 liters of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km. ...more ...less
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting sacred sites like the Ochre Pits with Aboriginal guides, learning about the Argutja Unthippa (dancing ladies) from your guides, and hearing stories from Traditional Owners about the significance of the ochre pits and other sites. ...more ...less
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour explores the West MacDonnell Ranges in a modern, comfortable bus equipped with recovery gear for emergencies. Vehicles are regularly serviced for safety and reliability, and a daily seat rotation system is encouraged for window seat enjoyment.
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Is there electricity available at the campsites?
The camps are solar powered and there are a number of outlets that can be used to charge personal devices. It is recommended to bring a fully charged power bank to recharge your phone or camera, rather than relying solely on power at the camp.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Trek the Larapinta Trail
7 Days Starting and ending in Alice Springs, Australia
Visiting: Alice Springs, Larapinta Trail, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Mt Sonder
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
16-99
