From
_*This Twin Share Permanent Eco Tent fare price is (Per Person) for Adults or
Children. Suitable for children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be
accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. _
TOUR CODE: LPI06-S
OPERATES: Sunday, fortnightly (01May to 31Aug) - *Meet & greet SATURDAY
afternoon
DEPARTS: 06:00am
RETURNS: 15:00pm
TOUR DURATION: 5 Days / 4 Nights Permanent Eco Tents (optional bush
swags)
MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Doubletree by Hilton, 82 Barrett Driver,
Alice Springs
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Please note, days of the itinerary can be swapped on ground due to
operational reasons. Additionally, contrasting weather conditions including
heavy rain, extreme temperatures as well as changeable road conditions can
prevent us travelling on some of our advertised routes. In any case, your
expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!
ITINERARY:
Experience the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta
Trail, one of Australia's most popular wilderness walks. Covering up to 16 km
of the graded trail daily, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the
Australian outback. Be swept away by the Dreamtime of this ancient environment
and discover the magic and mysteries hidden within.
Traditionally, people expect the region to be a featureless plain of winding
red sand hills with a few grasses and bushes. Get ready for the shock of a
lifetime - Central Australia is home to the tallest peaks in the Northern
Territory, the oldest dramatic landscape in Australia, full of ravines,
escarpments and sensational waterholes, life forms that will excite the
curious. A truly excellent wilderness experience will immerse you in the peace
and tranquillity of the landscape.
Arrival and Meet and Greet (pre tour start)
Arrive at the airport and make your own way to your accommodation in Alice
Springs (not included, please book directly). We meet on Saturday afternoon
between 2.00-2:30pm in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, where you will meet the
rest of your group members to discuss the coming days with your guide.
Afterwards, head back to your Alice Springs accommodation, retiring early for
the night in preparation for the big journey ahead.
If you arrive earlier during the day, you might like to enjoy the sights and
sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it all behind
for the desolate outback. Browse Aboriginal artworks at Central Australia's
best art galleries. This is also a good time to ensure you have all the
articles needed for your Larapinta Trail adventure.
Meals: N/A . Pre-Accommodation: N/A. Driving Distance: 0km. Hike Distance
and Grading: _ 0km._
** Walking Itinerary**
Day 1 – Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap (Lunch & Dinner)
An early start, and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and
serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional
culture and are considered the best in Australia. Our first walk is around a
14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some
beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken
casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and
to ponder the coming 4 days.
Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and
transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges
National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural
waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin
as we rest in a region synonymous in the Creation time (Alcheringa) of the
Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting
Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering
company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild
harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks. Base Camp: Private and remote West MacDonnell
Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance:
approx. 146km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 14 km (Section 1), Grade 4 -
moderate to difficult.
Day 2 - Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto
a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is only suitable for well-
prepared and experienced walkers with a good fitness level. It offers
exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West
MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in
the Northern Territory). If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning
natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after a long day of walking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks. Base Camp: Private and remote West
MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving
Distance: approx. 67km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 13.4km (Section 8), Grade
4 - moderate to difficult.
**Day 3 - Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge **
Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually
working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is
steeped in traditional folklore, with several important sites being viewed,
including 'Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the
Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we will visit one of the
stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Tonight, relax at our
beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night
desert erupt into million-star accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks. Base Camp: Private and remote West
MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving
Distance: approx. 27km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade
3 - moderate.
**Day 4 - Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb **
An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) as we challenge
the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360°
view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement.
Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the
afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one
last evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote
campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks. Base Camp: Private and remote West
MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving
Distance: approx. 64km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 12), Grade
5 - difficult.
**Day 5 - Section 9/10 : Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs **
Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the
Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora and a grand
finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational
viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge
will leave you dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge,
heading back to pack and break camp, we’ll reluctantly bid farewell to this
wilderness haven and take the first steps back toward everyday life, carrying
the magic of the trail with us.
Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s
Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you
can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing
ale or cool drink.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Base Camp: N/A. Driving Distance: approx.
156km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 9km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 - moderate,
trail includes a small swim through portion today that is unavoidable in
certain times of the season.
*Walking Country/Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or
itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park
closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. _ Days of the itinerary
may be swapped on ground due to operational reasons._
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUSIONS:
WHAT TO BRING:
3-5L refillable water bladder for hiking, Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses &
sunscreen, Swimwear, beach towel & toiletries (wet wipes), Comfortable sturdy
hiking shoes (tread closed toe shoes, for walking & climbing), All-weather
lightweight, quick-dry clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold,
day/night), Thermal layers for extreme cold during the night, dusk and dawn,
15-20kg soft bag & approx. 5-8 kg small day pack, Head torch with spare
batteries (essential for the Mt Sonder hike and around camp at night),
Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (we provide dry fruit and
nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies and some cakes), Reusable zip
lock bag for snacks (we try to protect our beautiful environment wherever
possible, please think sustainable!), Tropical strength insect repellent,
Mosquito or fly net (summer months), Money for snack and meals, Bring your own
sleeping bag & pillow (optional - if you prefer your own), Recharge power bank
(no access to 240v power to charge phone or cameras at camp only limited 12v
Solar), Camera.
CHILD POLICY:
Children aged between 12 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or
legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 11 years and
under, due to safety requirements and the level of fitness required to
complete the walks. Therefore a medium/high level of fitness is required and
doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years (30-days prior to
travel).
WEATHER:
The weather in the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not
unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry
season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure
you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are
travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or
inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by
the provider.
TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS:
FLIGHTS ARRIVING - ALICE SPRINGS (airport code ASP)
Given our tour departs early from Alice Springs from 6:00am, guests must
arrive the day prior to the tour and stay 1-night for a welcome meet & greet
for 2:30pm. Once you have booked your Alice Springs accommodation, we will
arrange a pickup on the day of the tour. We do not provide airport-to-
accommodation transfer services pre/post tours.
UNEXPECTED DISRUPTIONS
To avoid potential travel disruptions, we strongly recommend against customers
booking departure flights on the final day of the tour. While we strive to
adhere to our itinerary, unexpected delays can occur. Please note that the
tour operator is not responsible for any costs incurred due to such delays.
For added peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK:
The Larapinta Trail is a wilderness experience defined by remoteness, mountain
ranges and extreme temperatures. In case of injury, evacuations can take
anywhere from a couple of hours to more than twelve hours, depending on
location and whether the rescue attempt extends into the night.
All passengers participating in our tours do so at their own risk, and no
responsibility can be accepted by Walking Country Pty Ltd for any loss, injury
or accident. Passengers are responsible for any additional costs involved
should such instances occur. All passengers will be required to sign a
liability waiver before departure. All passengers must wear shoes at all
times, use sunblock and wear hats. Passengers should note that adventure
travel and the Larapinta Trail, in particular, involves a higher-than-normal
risk; we highly recommend taking out appropriate travel insurance.
Autopia Tours - Northern Territory
USD 2,266.11