Larapinta and the East MacDonnells – 9 Days

GROUP-GUIDED

OVERVIEW

THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AS GLEN HELEN LODGE IS TEMPORARY CLOSED WITH REOPEN DATE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN; WE HOPE IT WILL BE IN 2026.

Trek the amazing Larapinta Trail & East MacDonnell Ranges. Walk the Trephina Gorge and the high ridgelines of the East & West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ormiston and Serpentine Gorges and hike the unforgettable Mount Sonder at sunrise. Be amazed by the dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Glen Helen Gorge and Standley Chasm.

These Larapinta trail walks take us through land sacred to the Arrernte Aboriginal people since the Dreamtime. Here we gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture of the land’s traditional owners.

This walk suits both experienced hikers seeking a spectacular challenge and those who just want to experience the beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges and the Larapinta Trail on foot. With two guides, on most days we can offer an easier daily walk for those who want it. This is a way of experiencing the splendid isolation and remoteness of the most spectacular parts of the Larapinta Trail with quality dining and relaxed, comfortable accommodation.

Highlights

Trephina, Ormiston, Glen Helen & Serpentine Gorge
Emily & Jessie Gap Art Sites
Views from Mount Sonder at dawn
Easy & hard pack-free hiking options each day
Authentic Australian farm homestead accommodation
Chef prepared a la carte meals each evening

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

GROUP GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

9 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 3995

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 875

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF

Departure Dates

Book now

ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

DAY 1
EAST MACDONNELL SHORT WALKS & ROSS RIVER HOMESTEAD

We start our tour at 8.30 am at Mercure in Alice Springs. From here, we drive to the Ross River Homestead. On the way, we enjoy a range of short walks: Emily Gap art site, Jessie Gap art site, Corroboree Rock Conservation area and Giant Ghost Gum (Trephina entrance).

We’ll enjoy lunch at the Bluff Campground before we hike to the Trephina Gorge walk. After our walk, we’ll head off to Ross River Resort, where we will stay for the night. After a short sunset walk, it is on to dinner at the resort.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13 km / 4 hrs

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 2
TREPHINA GORGE

After breakfast at the Ross River Homestead, we depart for the Trephina Gorge National Park.

Today we will walk the Ridgetop Walk – which will take us from the Panorama Campground to John Hayes Rockhole and finally back to the Trephina Gorge Road.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 12 km / 5.5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 3
ORMISTON GORGE, POUND WALK AND ELLERY BIG HOLE

Leaving the Ross River Homestead we will drive west along Larapinta Drive and then Namatjira Drive through the West MacDonnell National Park towards Ormiston Gorge, our first stop on the Larapinta Trail. We will stop at Ellery Creek Big hole for a short leg stretch and trip briefing. The Ormiston Pound circuit walk is on a moderate track and takes around 4 hrs. Leaving Ormiston Gorge, the walk heads into the low hills surrounding Ormiston Pound, stopping first at a serene lookout and then heading down into the pound itself and meeting the ancient Ormiston Creek River. We then follow Ormiston Creek to an incredible lunch spot in the Ormiston Gorge, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs. Following lunch, we rock hop down the gorge and gradually climb up to the iconic Ghost Gum Lookout overtop the main waterhole before descending back to our starting spot. From here, there will be time to laze by the Ormiston Gorge waterhole with ice cream or coffee and have a refreshing swim.

Walking: Easy / 10 km / 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge

DAY 4
SERPENTINE GORGE TO NAMATJIRA DRIVE VIA COUNTS POINT

Today we visit Counts Point, which is one of the iconic and unbeatable viewpoints in Central Australia, and of the Larapinta Trail. The first few kilometres of this walk are pretty easy and level until we reach the base of the Heavitree Range. We then climb up to the crest of the ridge at Eagles Landing and are rewarded by uninterrupted views stretching to the horizon on all sides. Towards the end of the ridge, we reach Counts Point and stop for a well-earned lunch break with outstanding views. After leaving the lookout, we then descend off the ridge via a spectacular spur. We drop into the lovely shaded Lomandra Gully for a rest on our descent. The last few kilometres of the walk are along an easy, flat bush track.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a 2 course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
OLD SERPENTINE CHALET TO OCHRE PITS VIA INARLUNGA PASS

We commence the walk near the old Serpentine Chalet. Turning west, we walk for two kilometres in the low foothills to the start of the Inarlunga Pass. We then rock hop up into the pass where we have lunch, surrounded by Cycads and fascinating red quartzite cliffs.

Following lunch, we may head out into the Hidden Valley beyond Inarlunga depending on time. Retracing our steps down the gorge, we then continue west and walk to the nearby Ochre Pits and learn about the cultural significance of this place to the Aranda people.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a BBQ dinner at Ormiston Gorge while watching the sunset

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
MOUNT SONDER LOOKOUT TO ORMISTON GORGE

For today’s walk, we will start at the nearby Ormiston Gorge, following the low foothills and plains overlooking the Davenport and Finke rivers. Stop along the way at a spectacular lookout and rest while we enjoy the amazing views on all sides. We then drop down to meet the Finke River, where we rest in the shade of magnificent River Red gums for lunch. After lunch, we follow the riverbed down for another 1.5 km to where we reach the Two Mile Campground. There is a lovely swimming hole here, a great place to relax for a while before heading home.

Walking: Moderate / 12.5 km / 5 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course dinner at Ormiston Kiosk

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
MOUNT SONDER AT SUNRISE

Today we will leave very early to avoid the heat and take advantage of the sunrise and the best light of the day. After 500m of easy walking, we reach the start of the climb onto the ridge leading up to Mt Sonder. This will be the steepest part of the climb today. Taking short, regular breaks, we will reach the main ridge and head along with it to the 3km mark lookout, where we will see the magnificent dawn spreading across the landscape below.

From here, the next few kilometres are a gradual climb until we reach a short, sharp descent, where we will stop for snacks and before climbing again towards the summit. The final stretch of the walk is much easier. Here we have brunch and a cuppa to celebrate. The views continue as we make our descent. Once back near the trailhead, we will have a picnic lunch in the river bed and take a well-earned rest in the shade.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 16 km / 8 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
SERPENTINE GORGE LOOKOUT, ELLERY BIG HOLE & STANDLEY CHASM

At Serpentine Gorge, we commence our easy, flat, one-hour return walk into the beautiful Gorge. Here we take a rest in peace in the shade whilst enjoying the reflections on the ancient rock and spotting birds coming to drink at the waterhole. The next stage of the walk is a short climb up to the lookout peering down into the gorge’s ancient and spectacular upper reaches. This is a great opportunity to search for Black Footed Rock wallabies that call the cliffs of the gorge home. Returning the same way, we hop on the bus and head to Standley Chasm, nestled in the Chewings Range. Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye to the Aranda people, is located in a private nature reserve owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust and is operated by Aboriginal family members of the local Traditional Owners.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 6 km / 3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs (formerly The Chifley) or Aurora

DAY 9
ALICE SPRINGS

This Larapinta Trail tour ends with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
30+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

Genuine all-inclusive pack free walking holiday
Two expert guides
8 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuite rooms
All meals, including breakfasts, a la carte two-course dinners most nights and comprehensive walkers lunches
All transport from Alice Springs, plus all luggage transport
National park admission
Champagne sunset
Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag and container

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Our first accommodation is at Ross River Homestead for a 2-night stay. The Homestead is located in a picturesque location. All the rooms have ensuites at all the accommodations on this walk.

We then stay five nights at Glen Helen Lodge the only accommodation located within the Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, 130km west of Alice Springs. This extraordinary landscape is 800 million years old and has been home to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. We get to enjoy the comfort provided by the lodge with Glen Helen Gorge and the national park right at our doorstep. Importantly the lodge is owned and now also run by the traditional owners with some assistance, which means by staying here we are supporting the local people.

At the end of each day, all the benefits of having a private room await, including a hot shower and a comfortable bed. The lodge, partly an old homestead, reflects the region’s character and is in an amazing location, offering up great views including sunsets like no other over the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The Mercure in Alice Springs is a very good quality hotel in an excellent location. It’s a big property with plenty of room to relax either by the pool, in the garden or in the many other facilities it offers.

All of the a la carte two-course dinners are prepared by the in-house chefs at Glen Helen and the Mercure. There’s an emphasis on Australian game meat, Top End fish, tropical fruit and bushtucker.

The packed lunches and picnics complete the circle, ensuring your appetite is always satisfied. In fact, you can look forward to having lunch on a daily basis at some of the most incredible locations on the Larapinta Trail. A walker’s lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin of some kind, plus a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is constantly augmented by Auswalk’s famous trail mix.

Importantly, you start each day with a healthy large breakfast. This is a great way to ready yourself for the upcoming walk.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1 & 2

ROSS RIVER

On the first few nights, you will stay at the Ross River Homestead, which was based around the original 1890s Loves Creek Homestead. Their rustic cabins have ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free WiFi. Other amenities on the property include a swimming pool and a spa, as well as a bar and dining area. It should also be noted that this area is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
NIGHTS 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

WEST MACDONNELL RANGES

You will stay at Glen Helen Lodge for the first five nights of your walk. The property is located in the 800 million-year-old home of the Western Aranda Aboriginal people. Apart from their numerous motel rooms, they have a restaurant that’s quite popular with locals as well as a bar/bistro, a swimming pool and a general store.

The rooms have been recently renovated, as has the remainder of the property. The rooms are modest and have ensuite bathrooms and laundry facilities. But the location is simply epic. Enjoying the advantage of having a hot shower in this stunning but harsh environment at the end of the day is a real highlight. You can also look forward to a solid, quiet, uninterrupted sleep in a comfortable, warm bed, a real advantage over tented tour options.

The a la carte meals prepared by chefs are served with one of Australia’s most beautiful backdrops ( Glen Helen Gorge). You can look forward to doing the best walks in the Larapinta and then relax at night and dine in comfort, knowing that the meals are prepared professionally, as are the breakfasts. This frees up time for our guides to guide.
NIGHT 8

ALICE SPRINGS

Mercure Alice Springs, located on the Todd River, will be where you’ll be staying on your last night. It’s close to the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Simpson’s Gap. Their accommodations feature ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs and room service. Some even have shared outdoor balcony areas. Other conveniences include free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and guest laundry services. Aurora Alice Springs also has a BBQ area, a bar and lounge and an outdoor swimming pool to help walkers unwind after a long day on the trail.

We enjoy our final a la carte dinner here tonight and say goodbye over the cooked breakfast the following morning.

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to strengthen your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on improving stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and Russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain if you can. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

GENERAL INFO

The Larapinta Trail tracks are dry and firm but often rocky underfoot. Most of the walks are moderate in difficulty, however, most days involve between 7 to 9 hours on the track, across rocky terrain and ridgelines with steep inclines. Please be advised that it may be warm this time of year and that you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you each day.

This trip operates with two experienced and knowledgeable guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

Pre and post-tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Alice Springs, however, we pick up and drop off at one central hotel the Mercure (formerly the Chifley), Alice Springs. The tour starts at the Mercure at 8.30 am and includes the final night at the Mercure on return.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

This environment is only suitable to walk from May to August as it is too hot at other times. Nights are generally significantly cooler than daytime temperatures. Please ensure you bring warm clothing for the evenings. The climate is marked by very low humidity. Please ensure you have at least 2L capacity for water on the walk, as this will be necessary.

See the Bureau of Meteorology information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Larapinta climate graph

Source; BOM

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE
PER PERSON

Single Occupancy

DETAILS

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
4 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuites
Chef prepared restaurant meals
Scenic helicopter flight at Rawnsley Park (*please note flights are subject to weather conditions)
Champagne and wine at sunset
All transport from Adelaide and luggage transport
National Park admission
Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, lunch bag and container

Overview

OVERVIEW

THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AS GLEN HELEN LODGE IS TEMPORARY CLOSED WITH REOPEN DATE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN; WE HOPE IT WILL BE IN 2026.

Highlights

Trephina, Ormiston, Glen Helen & Serpentine Gorge
Emily & Jessie Gap Art Sites
Views from Mount Sonder at dawn
Easy & hard pack-free hiking options each day
Authentic Australian farm homestead accommodation
Chef prepared a la carte meals each evening

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

GROUP GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

9 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 3995

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 875

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF

Departure Dates

Book now

Itinerary

ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

DAY 1
EAST MACDONNELL SHORT WALKS & ROSS RIVER HOMESTEAD

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13 km / 4 hrs

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 2
TREPHINA GORGE

After breakfast at the Ross River Homestead, we depart for the Trephina Gorge National Park.

Today we will walk the Ridgetop Walk – which will take us from the Panorama Campground to John Hayes Rockhole and finally back to the Trephina Gorge Road.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 12 km / 5.5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 3
ORMISTON GORGE, POUND WALK AND ELLERY BIG HOLE

Walking: Easy / 10 km / 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge

DAY 4
SERPENTINE GORGE TO NAMATJIRA DRIVE VIA COUNTS POINT

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a 2 course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
OLD SERPENTINE CHALET TO OCHRE PITS VIA INARLUNGA PASS

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a BBQ dinner at Ormiston Gorge while watching the sunset

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
MOUNT SONDER LOOKOUT TO ORMISTON GORGE

Walking: Moderate / 12.5 km / 5 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course dinner at Ormiston Kiosk

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
MOUNT SONDER AT SUNRISE

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 16 km / 8 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the lodge restaurant

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
SERPENTINE GORGE LOOKOUT, ELLERY BIG HOLE & STANDLEY CHASM

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 6 km / 3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs (formerly The Chifley) or Aurora

DAY 9
ALICE SPRINGS

This Larapinta Trail tour ends with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast in the restaurant

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

Genuine all-inclusive pack free walking holiday
Two expert guides
8 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuite rooms
All meals, including breakfasts, a la carte two-course dinners most nights and comprehensive walkers lunches
All transport from Alice Springs, plus all luggage transport
National park admission
Champagne sunset
Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag and container

Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Our first accommodation is at Ross River Homestead for a 2-night stay. The Homestead is located in a picturesque location. All the rooms have ensuites at all the accommodations on this walk.

All of the a la carte two-course dinners are prepared by the in-house chefs at Glen Helen and the Mercure. There’s an emphasis on Australian game meat, Top End fish, tropical fruit and bushtucker.

Importantly, you start each day with a healthy large breakfast. This is a great way to ready yourself for the upcoming walk.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1 & 2

ROSS RIVER
On the first few nights, you will stay at the Ross River Homestead, which was based around the original 1890s Loves Creek Homestead. Their rustic cabins have ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free WiFi. Other amenities on the property include a swimming pool and a spa, as well as a bar and dining area. It should also be noted that this area is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
NIGHTS 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
You will stay at Glen Helen Lodge for the first five nights of your walk. The property is located in the 800 million-year-old home of the Western Aranda Aboriginal people. Apart from their numerous motel rooms, they have a restaurant that’s quite popular with locals as well as a bar/bistro, a swimming pool and a general store.

The rooms have been recently renovated, as has the remainder of the property. The rooms are modest and have ensuite bathrooms and laundry facilities. But the location is simply epic. Enjoying the advantage of having a hot shower in this stunning but harsh environment at the end of the day is a real highlight. You can also look forward to a solid, quiet, uninterrupted sleep in a comfortable, warm bed, a real advantage over tented tour options.

The a la carte meals prepared by chefs are served with one of Australia’s most beautiful backdrops ( Glen Helen Gorge). You can look forward to doing the best walks in the Larapinta and then relax at night and dine in comfort, knowing that the meals are prepared professionally, as are the breakfasts. This frees up time for our guides to guide.
NIGHT 8

ALICE SPRINGS
Mercure Alice Springs, located on the Todd River, will be where you’ll be staying on your last night. It’s close to the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Simpson’s Gap. Their accommodations feature ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs and room service. Some even have shared outdoor balcony areas. Other conveniences include free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and guest laundry services. Aurora Alice Springs also has a BBQ area, a bar and lounge and an outdoor swimming pool to help walkers unwind after a long day on the trail.

We enjoy our final a la carte dinner here tonight and say goodbye over the cooked breakfast the following morning.

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

TERRAIN

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

This trip operates with two experienced and knowledgeable guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

See the Bureau of Meteorology information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Larapinta climate graph

Source; BOM

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

CONTACT

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE
PER PERSON

Single Occupancy

DETAILS

Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
4 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuites
Chef prepared restaurant meals
Scenic helicopter flight at Rawnsley Park (*please note flights are subject to weather conditions)
Champagne and wine at sunset
All transport from Adelaide and luggage transport
National Park admission
Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, lunch bag and container

blog

May 23, 2016

10 minutes with Merel

September 12, 2018

10 things that you need to know about Carnarvon Gorge and why you need to walk it

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

Get in touch

Larapinta and the East MacDonnells – 9 Days

WALK MENU

sections

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Highlights

WALK OVERVIEW

Grade 4 - Moderate to Challenging

ITINERARY

DAY 1 EAST MACDONNELL SHORT WALKS & ROSS RIVER HOMESTEAD

DAY 2 TREPHINA GORGE

DAY 3 ORMISTON GORGE, POUND WALK AND ELLERY BIG HOLE

DAY 4 SERPENTINE GORGE TO NAMATJIRA DRIVE VIA COUNTS POINT

DAY 5 OLD SERPENTINE CHALET TO OCHRE PITS VIA INARLUNGA PASS

DAY 6 MOUNT SONDER LOOKOUT TO ORMISTON GORGE

DAY 7 MOUNT SONDER AT SUNRISE

DAY 8 SERPENTINE GORGE LOOKOUT, ELLERY BIG HOLE & STANDLEY CHASM

DAY 9 ALICE SPRINGS

WHAT’S INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

NIGHTS 1 & 2

NIGHTS 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

NIGHT 8

FITNESS GUIDE

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

TERRAIN

GENERAL INFO

WEATHER

INSURANCE

INFORMATION PACK

CONTACT

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

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