A guide will accompany you each day as you discover the highlights of the Larapinta Trail. 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 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.
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
There are daily flights into Alice Springs from most major capital cities. Make your way to your accommodation at the Aurora. Meet in the lobby at 6pm where we will do a short welcome before we head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious chef prepared a la carte meal and prepare for our full days walk on the Larapinta Trail the next day.
Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs
Meals: D
Day 2: Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap
9km
We depart Alice Springs town after breakfast and head just out of town to start our walk on the Larapinta Trail. 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 to Ellery Creek Campground for the next few nights.
Accommodation: Ellery Creek Campground
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
12km + 2km
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.
Accommodation: Ellery Creek Campground
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and The Ochre Pits
9km
Today we pack up camp and head to our new campsite at Ormiston Gorge. When we arrive we will complete the Ormiston Gorge Pound walk which is a stunning trail that shows off all the beauty Central Australia can provide. There will be plenty of time to relax and have a dip at the swimming hole before we set-up camp for the next two nights. In the afternoon we head to the famous Ochre Pits to have a look around one of the most significant places to the local Arrente Aboriginal people.
Accommodation: Ormiston Gorge Campground
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Mt. Sonder
16km
Today is an absolute cracker! We make our way to Redbank, from where we will start our walk to the famous Mt Sonder. 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. It’s then back to Ormiston Gorge, where you may want a refreshing swim before dinner.
Accommodation: Ormiston Gorge Campground
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap
11km
Today is our last days walk on the Larapinta Trail and we finish with a walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. A quick climb out of Simpsons Gap with some nice views across the range followed by a fairly flat then undulating walk all the way to Wallaby Gap.
In the afternoon we say goodbye to the spectacular West McDonnell Ranges as we make our way back to our accommodation at the Aurora in Alice Springs. Our guides will wave goodbye as they drop you at your accommodation for the last night of tour.
Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs
Meals: B, L, D
Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening
As much as this walk on The Larapinta Trail 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.