Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort

On this fully supported trek you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of this iconic desert trail: from the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges you’ll see the vast flood plains that form this ancient land. You’ll be dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge and soothed by their idyllic waterholes. You’ll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm… and to top it all off you’ll climb to the lofty peak of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise (1,380m).

At the end of each day we relax in comfort at our architect-designed camps – including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter – as the guides prepare gourmet 3-course dinners around the campfire. The exclusive camps combined with passionate guides, spectacular food, and an unsurpassed itinerary make this tour the ultimate Larapinta experience.

 

Highlights

• Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
• Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
• Hike the main highlights including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm
• Gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture and Traditional
• Owners of the land
• Relax in the evenings around a campfire as the guides prepare delicious 3 course meals
• View spectacular and abundant bird-life along the whole trail

Inclusions

• 5 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks
• 5 Nights at exclusive ec0-comfort camps
• Professional wilderness guide & support staff
• Camping equipment including tents, swags and stretcher beds plus all cooking equipment and utensils
• Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
• National Park fees
• All transport during the tour
• Emergency communications and 24 back-up
• Comprehensive group first aid kit
• Mandatory pre-trip briefing held the day before the trip starts

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (14km)
You will be picked up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin the walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail.  Please ensure you’ve had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to pre-purchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am).  From here the trail goes west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the passage of Wallaby Gap.  After a stop for refreshments you take a quick transfer by bus to Nick’s Camp.  Nick’s Camp is one of World Expeditions exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley.  Following your introduction to camp you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown.

Walking Time: 5-8 hours.
Meals L, D

DAY 2 – Nick’s Camp to Simpsons Gap (7km) then to Standley Chasm (2km)
From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat.  We may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap.  A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture.  All departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation.  After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners – we transfer to back to our campsite.

Walking Time: 3-5 hours.
Meals B, L, D

DAY 3 – Serpentine Gorge to Charlie’s Camp (16.5km)
Today’s highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail.  We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days.  We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees.  At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie’s Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes.  Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point.  Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner.

Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours.
Meals B, L, D

DAY 4 – Charlie’s Camp to Ochre pits (8km)
After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route.  We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow. This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. We transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps. Fearless – named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp – named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Both Camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder.

Walking Time: 3-7 hours.
Meals B, L, D

DAY 5 – Early morning sunrise walk up Mount Sonder 1380m (16km)
Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder.  Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience… and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River.

Walking Time: 6-7 hours.
Meals B, L, D

DAY 6 – Ormiston Pound Walk (8km), transfer to Alice Springs
This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest raptor. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last six days! We will drop you to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice’s great eateries.

Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Meals B, L

Trail surface

While the Larapinta Trail is well marked, well-defined track, walkers should still expect parts of the trail to be very rocky underfoot.

This may focus your concentration on avoiding stones, so make sure you train with some rock-hopping before you go to be comfortable with this type of terrain.

World Expeditions strongly recommend investing in proper hiking boots with good support for both the foot and ankle.

The trail can be steep in some sections, which will require you to use your hands when descending or ascending and is overgrown with spinifex in places, so gaiters or hiking pants are recommended.

There is not a lot of shade along the trail and you will be exposed to the sun for the majority of your walking hours.

Not Included

• Pre and Post accommodation in Alice Springs
• Transfers from / to Alice Springs airport
• Items of personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
• Backpack and sleeping bag (if you’d like to hire a sleeping bag please advise at least 14 days prior to departure)
• Airfares, Travel insurance
• Face masks and hand sanitiser

NOTE

You need to arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:30pm pre-trip briefing.

5 Nights / 6 Days

Cost per person from 

• $3,885 – Twin share tent
• Single tent same cost and subject to availability

Start Date	End Date
13/Apr/2025	18/Apr/2025
07/May/2025	12/May/2025
04/Jun/2025	09/Jun/2025
13/Jul/2025	18/Jul/2025
17/Aug/2025	22/Aug/2025
10/Sep/2025	15/Sep/2025