Larapinta Trail, Uluru & Kata Tjuta Tour - Inspiration Outdoors

Larapinta Trail, Uluru & Kata Tjuta Tour

The best walks of the Larapinta Trail as well as Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour: 9 Days, moderate terrain, approx. 90km $2,850pp (camping) OR $3,500pp (non-camping) ($570 single supplement)

Walk the highlights of the Larapinta Trail, explore Kings Canyon, admire Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on this active tour of central Australia.

Do you enjoy walking and being out in nature? Do you want to see more than the average visitor? We will take you on the very best 5 day walks on the Larapinta trail, then to the remote Kings Canyon before finishing with a tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

We’ve designed a 9 day itinerary which is active yet relaxed. Travel in air-conditioned comfort in a custom-built 4WD bus, and enjoy fantastic guided walks along the way. You either choose to camp our stay in lodge style accommodation.

Larapinta Trail, King’s Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour at a glance;

  • Fantastic moderate bushwalks. Active yet relaxed.
  • 9 day tour starting and finishing in Alice Springs
  • All meals daily
  • All transport: private custom built 4WD bus to and from Alice Springs; as well as transport to and from the track each day
  • Professional guiding and support each day
  • Emergency support: fully trained guides carry satellite phones and a full first aid kits     
  • Excellent itinerary and planning drawn from 14 yrs experience
  • $2,850pp camping OR $3,500 non-camping ($570 single supplement) ex Alice Springs

Tour Length:
9 days
Distance walked:
Shortest walk is 2km, longest walk is about 16km
Difficulty:
moderate – some walks are short and some of the longer walks will allow you to choose how much of the walk you would like to do. Most of the surface is rocky and uneven underfoot and some walks will require you to do some rock hopping – a moderate level of fitness is recommended. SEE FAQ; See FAQ
Dates:
27. Aug – 4. Sep 2017
31. Aug – 8. Sep 2018
12 – 20. Sep 2018
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Highlights of this walk

From the amazing Larapinta Trail to the iconic Uluru, this tour is full of highlights. Each day, enjoy the very best day walks Central Australia has to offer.

Walking Tour Itinerary

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 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.

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 if you desire.

Whilst we have chosen the departure dates at best time of year, the itinerary may alter depending on extreme weather conditions and heat.

Day 1: Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap

Day 1: Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap

13.5km

We depart Alice Springs after picking you up at your accommodation early this morning and head just out of town to the Telegraph Station and to the start of the Larapinta Trail. From here we start our walk along the ridges just behind Alice Springs town and we start to get 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: Alice Springs Tourist Park

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Reveal Saddle and Standley Chasm

Day 2: Reveal Saddle and Standley Chasm

12km + 2km

Another classic Larapinta trail walk. Today we drive out to Standley Chasm and walk to Reveal Saddle and back. As we make our way along the creek bed we slowly start climbing up through the valley to 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 (1km) up in to 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 3: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam and The Ochre Pits

Day 3: 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 we make our way up to the top of the ridge. See Mountain Hakea along the way and enjoy the breathtaking views. Discover the most iconic view on the Larapinta Trail at Counts point. 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 4: Mt. Sonder

Day 4: Mt. Sonder

16km

Ready for an adventure and another highlight of the Larapinta Trail? This morning we make our way to Redbank, 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 5: Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and drive to Kings Canyon

Day 5: Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and drive to Kings Canyon

9km

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 has on offer. After our walk, 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

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Kings Canyon Rim Walk and Aboriginal experience

Day 6: 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, purchase local arts and craft and much more. You could even choose to top it all off with a flight over Kings Canyon.

Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Kings Canyon to Uluru and Uluru base walk

Day 7: Kings Canyon to Uluru and Uluru base walk

9.8km

Moving on to probably the highlight of any Central Australia trip we make our way to Uluru today. After settling in at our campsite/accommodation in Yulara we head out to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park in the afternoon to commence our Uluru Base Walk. The very diverse Base Walk at Uluru has much more to offer than you would expect. As we admire Uluru from below we will learn more about the local Anangu people and some of the amazing stories connected to Uluru.

Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort Campground

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Kata Tjuta, Valley of the Winds & Field of Light

Day 8: Kata Tjuta, Valley of the Winds & Field of Light

7.4km

To be able to make the most of your Central Australia experience we head out to Uluru early in the morning for a sunrise. As we enjoy our breakfast we will have enough time to take in the colour changes taking over Uluru.

We then head to Kata Tjuta for the Valley of the Winds walk. Walking through the many domes and coming up close to this conglomerate we discover how different Kata Tjuta and Uluru are.

With some free time in the afternoon you may choose to join a helicopter ride, come up close to some camels, discover Yulara or just relax.

Our grand finale will be watching the Field of Lights installation over Uluru! The perfect end to this epic adventure.

Meals: B, L, D

*Please note itinerary may vary slightly depending on sunrise and sunset times.

Yulara to Alice Springs

Yulara to Alice Springs

As our adventure comes to an end we will have a more leisurely morning in Yulara before making our way back to Alice Springs. 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

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.
Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.

Accommodation

Our Central Australia tour is very unique as we can offer you the choice between camping and staying in motel style accommodation.

The motel style accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same gender. Limited single supplements are available at an additional charge. Please ask for details and availability if interested.

In regards to the camping you will provided with your own tent and all of the high-quality camping equipment you need, including stretcher beds and a mattress to sleep on, 160cm high tents, and comfortable armchairs. Bring your own pillow and sleeping bag or hire a sleeping bag from us for $35 (please let us know when booking if you would like this option).

All the eating utensils and crockery you will need are provided for your convenience. You’ll have a small dilly bag with your own plates and utensils to clean after your meal, but we’ll do all of the hard work for you. Simply set up your tent and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night as you sit around the campfire, recapping the highlights of the day with your fellow travel companions.

We will be staying at a variety of different accommodations on our Central Australia walking tour.

On our first night we will be staying in Alice Springs at Alice Springs Tourist Park. Here we will have multiple camping sites all together for the campers and Ensuite Cabins for our non-campers. A camp kitchen will be set up in the camping area and we endeavour to have it as close as possible to the non-campers.

We then move to Glen Helen for 3 nights to get closer to our walks on the Larapinta Trail. At Glen Helen the campers will enjoy 3 nights in permanent canvas tents and the non-campers will be staying in the motel rooms. The camp kitchen will be set up in the camping area, which is a very short walk from the motel rooms.

At Kings Canyon we will be staying at Kings Canyon Resort for 2 nights. Here the campers will be at a group campsite with the camp kitchen set up and the non-campers will be staying in motel style rooms with shared bathrooms. The group camp area is right next to the motel rooms.

In Yulara we will be staying at Yulara Campground and cabins. The 2 bedroom cabins are in close proximity to the shared bathroom blocks.

What to bring

Due to health and safety requirements, please limit your luggage to one medium sized, soft sided bag per person. Length + width + height should not exceed 140 cm. The maximum weight of the bag shouldn’t exceed 15 kg. If you’re travelling as a couple, please pack two smaller bags rather than one large one. Your day pack is in addition to your main luggage bag.

Suggested items to pack for your Central Australia walking tour:

• Day-pack – one with a waist strap is best to help take some weight off your shoulders;

• Shorts or trousers and shirts for walking – lightweight and quick-dry material are best;

• Casual clothing for evenings and rest days;

• Wind and waterproof jacket;

• Socks – whichever thickness you’re comfortable in (thick explorer socks can get quite hot);

• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots (ankle support is recommended as many surfaces are rocky and uneven);

• Gaiters (not sweaty plastic ones) for keeping grass seeds out of socks and shoes;

• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing);

• Bathers and swimming towel (lightweight so you can easily carry them);

• Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication;

• Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (can be quite dark going in between the cabins and useful when sharing a room);

• Any preferred first aid supplies such as blister treatment (Your guides will also carry a first-aid kit);

• Water bottle/s – 3 litre capacity at least;

• Fly net;

• Insect Repellent;

• Robust sandals for relaxing around the campsite

• Camera and charger/batteries (You can use your battery charger on the bus while we are driving, need USB plug);

• Walking pole/s (optional but good for using on some rocky sections if your balance is not good and useful for steep sections).

• At this time of year (August-September) the days are typically quite clear and mild (average max 25°C) and the nights can be quite cold (average min 8°C)

Food

Three meals each day plus morning tea and snacks are included in the price of your tour (unless otherwise specified – see tour itinerary for details).

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you book, we are happy to adapt our tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs.

Transport

Transport is by an air-conditioned custom built four wheel drive (4WD) tour coach, designed for comfort in outback conditions. Vehicles are modern, comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They are also fitted with long-range high frequency radios and recovery gear in case of emergency.

In the case of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour.

Seat Allocation: Seats on tour vehicle are not pre allocated. To ensure all participants get to enjoy window seats we encourage a daily seat rotation system.

This walk includes

icon-meals
All meals, including morning tea and snacks

We pride ourselves on providing you with fresh, wholesome food. Enjoy healthy breakfasts, delicious morning teas, fresh picnic and packed lunches, fruit and hearty two-course dinners each day.

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 14 years experience.

icon-meals
Meals prepared in our camp kitchen

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided.

National Park entrance fees

Transport built for outback conditions

Transport is by an air-conditioned custom built 4WD tour coach, designed for comfort in outback conditions. Regularly serviced to ensure safety and reliability. Fitted with communication and recovery gear in case of emergency.

icon-tour-guide
Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

We’ll feed you, tell you stories, help you achieve the walks safely and make sure everything goes to plan so that you don’t have to worry about a thing

Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

How hard are the walks on this tour?

The walks on the Larapinta Trail walking tour are not particularly difficult, but most walks will be on rocky and uneven surfaces. The itinerary however is built in way so we can take our time and don’t have to rush to complete the walks.

On some of the longer and more strenuous walks there is an option to shorten the walk and you may choose how far you would like to go.

The more training on rocky and uneven surfaces you do the more fun the tour will be.

Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

What will the weather be like in August/September?

August and September is the best time to be in Central Australia. The days aren’t too hot yet (average max. temp 25°C) and the nights aren’t too cold anymore (average min. temp of 8°C). The chance of getting rain in this period is very small, but still always come prepared.

Humidity is usually quite low in Central Australia, which makes drinking enough water very important to feeling well. Make sure to bring enough water bottles with at least 3l capacity.

Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

Can I buy snacks and alcohol once we leave Alice Springs?

Yes, but options will be quite limited. Glen Helen Station and Kings Canyon Resort are very small properties and will have limited stock. Yulara township is very small and will also only offer a limited selection. Due to us travelling on the Mereenie Loop Road, cask wine and keeping glass to the minimum would be greatly appreciated. If you need to stock up in Alice Springs on the first day, please let us know and we will endeavour to make a stop at the shops.

Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

Do I have to share a room or tent with other people?

No, if you decide to camp you will be provided with your own tent.

If you decide not to camp you don’t have to share either as there are single supplements available at an extra cost. There is a limited amount of single supplements available though. If you decide to share your motel room, it is on a twin-share basis and we will team you up with somebody of the same gender. If you are interested in a single supplement give us a call or send us an email for further information.

Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

How hard are the walks?

The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.

When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call on (08) 6219 5164 and we can talk you through it.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Do I have to twin-share accommodation?

Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will give you a room with someone of the same sex. Sometimes, depending on the accommodation, it is possible to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have a room to yourself – please ask us if this option is available when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?

We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.

Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?

About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75. Our youngest guest has been about 35 and our oldest was 82. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?

We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Of course, if you like, you can indulge in some less nutritious treats as well – you’re on holiday after all and Emily bakes a mean cake. Breakfast, home-made morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?

Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

Do I have to walk every day on tour?

Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What do I have to carry when I walk?

Very little. A water bladder or bottles, a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening

As much as this walk 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.

What people have said

I have been on many Inspiration Outdoors tours and I keep coming back. There is so much effort put in to make the trip enjoyable. Love the walks, love the food, love the guides. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Judy, Northcliffe to Walpole

Thank you once again for the great care your team take, making us feel so safe and able to go beyond what we could manage ourselves. I hope to travel with you again…

Jeannie, Pilbara & Karijini 2015

Pricing

$2,850pp camping OR $3,500 non-camping ($570 single supplement) ex Alice Springs

Secure your seat with a $350pp deposit

Money-Back Guarantee

Our number one priority at Inspiration Outdoors is to ensure our guests have a great experience on EVERY tour.
We can't guarantee the weather, bush fires or events beyond our control, but we do guarantee that:
– your guides are professional, friendly and hard working.
– your itinerary is well organised and thought out.
– the particulars of your tour (accommodation, transport, food etc), are as described on the website and in the tour notes.
We stand behind our guarantees. If you come on a tour with Inspiration Outdoors and we do not fulfil these promises, we will give you your money back.

Ask about this tour:

If you would like to book this tour, or just want to learn a bit more about it, please fill in the enquiry form below and we will get back to you to confirm availability or to answer your questions.

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Other ways to get in touch

What happens after I book?

After you have paid a deposit and filled in a registration form, we will send you any extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.

Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.

Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.

What are my payment options?

Payment can be made by:

  • Direct deposit
  • Cheque
  • Credit card

Can I cancel my booking?

We hope that you do not need to cancel your booking. However, if you do, our cancellation fee, based on the notice given prior to the departure date, is:

  • More than 12 weeks: $50 administration fee
  • 6 to 12 weeks: loss of deposit
  • 4 to 6 weeks: 25% of full tour cost
  • 2 to 4 weeks: 50% of full tour cost
  • less than 2 weeks: 100% of full tour cost, no refund

If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.