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 in 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
$ 3895
per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 845
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
ITINERARY
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 under foot. 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 8.30am 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 day time 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.
Source; BOM
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your Auswalk holiday after we have confirmed it. We want to help make insurance more affordable by offering you a discount on policies purchased through NIB Insurance. This applies to any NIB policies issued via this link. Get an instant quote and purchase online now.
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
-
DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
-
11 Jul 2020FULLfrom
$3895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$845 -
8 Aug 2020ALMOST FULLfrom
$3895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$845 -
17 Jun 2021AVAILABLEfrom
$3995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$875 -
21 Aug 2021AVAILABLEfrom
$3995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$875
Overview
GROUP GUIDED
9 DAYS
Moderate
Book now
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 in 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
$ 3895
per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 845
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
Itinerary
ITINERARY
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 under foot. 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 8.30am 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 day time 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.
Source; BOM
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your Auswalk holiday after we have confirmed it. We want to help make insurance more affordable by offering you a discount on policies purchased through NIB Insurance. This applies to any NIB policies issued via this link. Get an instant quote and purchase online now.
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
There are no any content available.
MAP
Departure Dates
DEPARTURE DATES
-
DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
-
11 Jul 2020FULLfrom
$3895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$845 -
8 Aug 2020ALMOST FULLfrom
$3895
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$845 -
17 Jun 2021AVAILABLEfrom
$3995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$875 -
21 Aug 2021AVAILABLEfrom
$3995
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$875
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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.