A guide will accompany you each day as you discover the highlights of the Larapinta Trail, explore the remote Kings Canyon and take in Uluru and Kata Tjuta from below. On some of the more challenging walks two guides will accompany the group, to offer more options.
Some of the walks on The Larapinta Trail, King’s Canyon and Kata Tjuta include quite steep and rocky sections; but, with a moderate level of fitness, each walk is enjoyable! We highly recommend that you do some training beforehand, especially walking steps and doing some training on rocky terrain.
Most walks along the Larapinta Trail will be in one direction whereas the walks around Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are circuit walks. You are always welcome to take a day off walking. We will try to help you find suitable alternative activities.
*The itinerary may alter depending on extreme weather conditions and heat.
Day 1: Alice Spring Arrival Day
No walking
Meet your guides for a 5.30pm welcome meeting and a brief about the upcoming tour. The meet and greet will then be followed by a lovely group dinner at a restaurant.Accommodation: Mercure Alice SpringsMeals: D
Day 2: Larapinta Trail – Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap
13.5km
We depart Alice Springs town after breakfast and head just out of town to the Telegraph Station. From here we start our walk on the Larapinta Trail and as we head along the ridges just behind Alice Springs town we start getting our first glimpses of the seemingly endless mountain ranges all around us. From Wallaby Gap we will head back to Alice Springs for one night. While you unpack your guides will prepare a 2-course dinner.
Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Larapinta Trail – Reveal Saddle and Standley Chasm
12km + 2km
Today we drive out to Standley Chasm from where we start our walk on The Larapinta Trail up to Reveal Saddle and back. As we make our way along the creek bed and then slowly start climbing up through the valley to the top, you would never have anticipated the stunning views you get rewarded with once at the top. Spot the odd Cycad hidden away in the gullies and enjoy an array of flowers and River Red Gum Trees in the creek bed. In the afternoon you will have time for the short walk (2km) up into Standley Chasm. From Standley Chasm we then make our way to Glen Helen to settle in at our accommodation for the next 3 nights.
Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Larapinta Trail – Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam and The Ochre Pits
14km
Journey to one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail. From Serpentine Gorge carpark we make our way up to the top of the ridge. Discover some Mountain Hakea along the way and enjoy the breathtaking views once we get to the top. Discover the most iconic picture of the Larapinta Trail at Counts Point from where we head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam. At the end of the walk we will head to the famous Ochre Pits to have a look around one of the most significant places to the local Arrente Aboriginal people.
Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Larapinta Trail – Mt. Sonder
16km
Ready for an adventure and a highlight of the Larapinta Trail, we make our way to Redbank, from where we will start our walk today. From the valley floor we slowly make our way up some steep sections to get to the Saddle. As we walk along the Saddle take in the vastness of the area before ascending to the top of Mt. Sonder. Enjoy your well deserved lunch as we take in the spectacular 360° views.
Accommodation: Glen Helen Homestead Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Larapinta Trail – Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and drive to Kings Canyon
9km
Today we enjoy our last walk around the West Mac Donnell Ranges before making our way along the Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon. The Ormiston Gorge Pound is a stunning walk that shows off all the beauty Central Australia can provide. After our walk in Ormiston Gorge we make our way along the unsealed Mereenine Loop to Kings Canyon. Here we will enjoy a dinner at the Restaurant after settling in at our accommodation.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort campground and cabins
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Kings Canyon Rim Walk and Aboriginal experience
6km
Enjoy awakening to the sounds of the Australian Bush before we head out to Kings Canyon for the Rim Walk. After a steep climb up to the top the walk takes us along the canyon and through a small remnant of a tropical oasis. In the afternoon we will immerse ourselves in an Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Experience spear and boomerang displays, learn about bush tucker and bush medicine, learn local languages and much more. You could even choose to top it all off with a flight over Kings Canyon.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort campground and cabins
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Kings Canyon to Uluru and Kata Tjuta
7.4km
After our walk we head back to Yulara Resort to check-in and set up at our accommodation.Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort Campground and cabinsMeals: B, L, D
Day 9: Kata Tjuta and Valley of the Winds walk
10km
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we head to Uluru to do the Base Walk. As we admire Uluru from below we will learn more about the local Anangu people and some of the amazing stories connected to Uluru as well as discover how diverse the base of Uluru can be.
With a little free time in the afternoon you may choose to join a helicopter ride, come up close to some camels, discover Yulara or just relax.
Later we will enjoy some nibbles while watching the sunset over Uluru as we reflect on a great trip.
*Please note itinerary may vary slightly depending on sunrise and sunset times
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Yulara to Alice Springs
To complete your experience of Central Australia we head to Uluru for sunrise. Before our journey back to Alice Springs we return to camp to enjoy one last leisurely breakfast and pack up. We break up the long drive (5.5hrs) with a few interesting stops along the way. The drop off at your chosen hotel in Alice Springs will be around 4pm.
Meals: B, L
Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening
As much as this walk on The Larapinta Trail, Uluru and Kata Tjuta is a fantastic outdoor experience, it’s also a social experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the companionship and support of like-minded people.
Enjoy a cuppa with a slice of home-made cake for morning tea and a fresh healthy lunch, surrounded by nature. Every day is finished off by a delicious and nutritious dinner together with the group.