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OVERVIEW

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 traditional owners of the land.

This walk is suitable for both experienced hikers seeking a spectacular challenge and for those who just want to experience the beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges and the Larapinta Trail on foot. With two guides, we can offer an easier walk each day for those that 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
  • Finke River, Counts Point & Standley Chasm
  • Two experienced Larapinta guides
  • Easy & hard pack-free hiking options each day
  • Authentic Australian farm homestead accommodation
  • Air-conditioned ensuite rooms
  • Chef prepared a la carte meals

 

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 3995

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 875

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

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 onto 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 – this 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 dinner

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 3
ALICE SPRINGS TO 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 the 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 quite 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: Cooked 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: Cooked 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: Cooked 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 ancient and spectacular upper reaches of the gorge. This is a great opportunity to search for Black Footed Rock wallabies which call the cliffs of the gorge home. Returning the same way, we hop in 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: Cooked 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.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • 2 expert guides
  • 8 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuite rooms
  • All meals including cooked 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 that 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 that 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 walkers 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 always augmented by Auswalk’s famous trail mix.

Importantly, you start each day with a cooked breakfast, expertly prepared by the in-house chefs at Glen Helen and Mercure. 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).

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 strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  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
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 8 Jul 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3995

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $875
    BOOK NOW

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Overview

OVERVIEW

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 traditional owners of the land.

This walk is suitable for both experienced hikers seeking a spectacular challenge and for those who just want to experience the beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges and the Larapinta Trail on foot. With two guides, we can offer an easier walk each day for those that 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
  • Finke River, Counts Point & Standley Chasm
  • Two experienced Larapinta guides
  • Easy & hard pack-free hiking options each day
  • Authentic Australian farm homestead accommodation
  • Air-conditioned ensuite rooms
  • Chef prepared a la carte meals

 

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 3995

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 875

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

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

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 onto 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 – this 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 dinner

Accommodation: Ross River Homestead

DAY 3
ALICE SPRINGS TO 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 the 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 quite 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: Cooked 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: Cooked 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: Cooked 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 ancient and spectacular upper reaches of the gorge. This is a great opportunity to search for Black Footed Rock wallabies which call the cliffs of the gorge home. Returning the same way, we hop in 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: Cooked 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.

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • 2 expert guides
  • 8 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuite rooms
  • All meals including cooked 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.

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 that 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 that 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 walkers 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 always augmented by Auswalk’s famous trail mix.

Importantly, you start each day with a cooked breakfast, expertly prepared by the in-house chefs at Glen Helen and Mercure. 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).

General Info

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 strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  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

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 11 Jul 2020
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $3895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $845
    BOOK NOW
  • 8 Aug 2020
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $3895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $845
    BOOK NOW
  • 17 Jun 2021
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $3995

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $875
    BOOK NOW
  • 21 Aug 2021
    FULL
    Details
    from

    $3995

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $875
    BOOK NOW
  • 8 Jul 2022
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3995

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $875
    BOOK NOW
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  • 2 engaging, knowledgeable and experienced guides
  • 6 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuites
  • Chef prepared restaurant meals, including 2-course a la carte dinners.
  • Champagne and wine at sunset
  • All transport from Adelaide
  • National Park admission
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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