Walking Country: Larapinta Trail 5 Day Trek - Private Single Safari Tent from Alice Springs

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Discover the Red Centre's Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's top wilderness trails
• Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) on beautiful Arrernte country
• Be impressed by dramatic views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section one) and Counts point lookout (Section 8, 1140 m altitude) 
• Take a dip in some of the West MacDonnell ranges most impressive waterholes including Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek 
• Enjoy our exclusive private campsite on traditional land, complete with permanent safari tents, or choose to sleep in an Aussie Swag and watch the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation
• Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire   
• Explore ravines and escarpments, where life forms will excite the curious mind
• Watch the sunrise and stunning 360-degree view from Mount Sonder, one of the territory's highest mountain

*Please note, the days of the itinerary can be swapped on the ground due to operational reasons. Additionally, contrasting weather conditions including heavy rain, extreme temperatures as well as changeable road conditions can prevent us from traveling on some of our advertised routes. In any case, your expert guides will ensure the most amazing adventure is had by all!

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap

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 Dreamtime (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. Accom: 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. Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags. Driving Distance: approx. 94km. 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. Accom: 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. Afterward, 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. Accom: 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, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits). 

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. Accom: N/A. Driving Distance: approx. 156km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 - moderate.

(Walking Country 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 the ground due to operational reasons.)

INCLUSIONS:

• 4 Nights’ Private and remote permanent campsite on traditional land (bush setting & portable toilets)
• All camping equipment such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and basic swag
• Includes: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, trek snacks
• Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages 
• (BYO alcohol and cold storage will be provided, let your guide know at the meet and greet)
• Guided bush walking (~14km, grade 2-6)
• Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
• Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs
• Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
• Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host
• An outback meat-tasting platter including buffalo, kangaroo, and camel (based on availability)
• An ethically sourced, organic bush food-tasting platter straight from the Central Desert
• Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided
• Alice Springs Hotel on Day 1 and Day 5 of the itinerary
• Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner, please make your own way
• Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
• Travel insurance is highly recommended
• Personal expenses

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 staying in a swag), Recharge power bank (no access to power to charge phone or cameras at camp), Camera.

CHILD POLICY:

Children aged between 8 to 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. Not suitable for infants or children 7 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.

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.