Larapinta Trail

Trek the ruggedly beautiful Larapinta Trail: 7 Days, moderate terrain, approx. 60km, comfortable camping and hotel accomm

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Arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, the Larapinta Trail is a walkers delight. Experience the rugged beauty of the famous West MacDonnell ranges, vast desert vistas, stunning gorges and cool waterholes framed by weeping ghost gums.

On this 7-day guided walking tour, we will take you to the highlights of this 223 km trail. You will be challenged to scale the mighty Mt Sonder and trek along a vast desert ridge, heading down into Simpsons Gap and some of the unique gorges of the area, including Ormiston gorge and Serpentine gorge.

Each evening after a full days adventure you will return to your comfortable campsite for a hot shower, delicious meal and a night under the stars!

Larapinta Trail 7 Day Tour includes;

Fantastic moderate walks including Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, Mt Sonder, Serpentine Gorge and Simpsons Gap.
7 day tour starting and finishing in Alice Springs
All meals, a combination of a la carte dinners, home cooked camp meals, healthy packed lunches and some cooked breakfasts.
All transport: private bus to and from Alice Springs; as well as transport to and from the track each day
Professional guiding and support each day
Small group size
Emergency support: fully trained guides carry satellite phones and first aid kits
Excellent itinerary and planning drawn from many years of experience
Comfortable camping (nights 2,3,4,5) and hotel accommodation (nights 1 and 6)

So that we maximise your time outside of the bus exploring, rather than commuting back to Alice Springs each night, this tour involves comfortable camping for 4 nights. Before you think camping is not for you, click here to check out our camping experience for non campers.

After the ultimate adventure? Combine with our Uluru & Red Centre Tour, operated by Waratah Adventure Tours, a JOOB Travel company (rest assured you'll still see all the familiar faces that you would guiding an Inspiration Outdoors tour).

Highlights of this walk

Walk some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail, one of the worlds best desert trails. Highlights include the West Macdonnell ranges, Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge, Mt Sonder and Simpsons Gap.

Walking Tour Itinerary

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 Glen Helen Campground.

Accommodation: Glen Helen 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: Glen Helen Campground

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and The Ochre Pits

9km

Today 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 head back to camp. 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: Glen Helen 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.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Campground

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Standley Chasm and Reveal Saddle Walk

11km

Today is our last day on the Larapinta Trail and we finish with a walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. We head to Standley Chasm and take in the impressive Reveal Saddle walk.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitors centre before saying 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 drop you at your accommodation for the last night of tour.

Accommodation: Aurora Alice Springs

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Departure Day

no walking

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before catching your flight home.

Meals: B

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

Accommodation

Due to the remoteness of the trail we will be staying in a mixture of motel accommodation, while in Alice Springs and camping when we are out in the West MacDonnell Ranges completing walks on the Larapinta Trail.

Aurora, Alice Springs, 2 nights (night 1 and 6)
Glen Helen Campground, 4 nights, (night 2,3,4, and 5)

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 for an additional $150.

On our first and last nights of tour we will be staying at Aurora in Alice Springs. The rooms are standard 4 star hotel rooms and we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and breakfast at the hotel dinning room.

We will be staying at Glen Helen Campsite which is an oasis in the desert. There are toilets and showers at the campground as well as an onsite bar/ restaurant. We provide a comfortable tent for each guest, with a stretcher and mattress

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 Larapinta 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 manysurfaces are rocky and uneven)
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and consider your clothing)
For campers: need a towel
Toiletries, hand sanitiser and personal medication
Reliable headlamp with spare batteries (can be quite dark going in between the cabinsand useful when sharing a room)
Any preferred first aid supplies such as blister treatment (Your guides will also carry afirst-aid kit)
Water bottle/s – 3 litre capacity at least
Insect Repellent

** At this time of year (June/July) the days are typically quite clear and mild (average max 25°C) and the nights can be quite cold (average min 0°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 tour coach, designed for comfort in outback conditions. Vehicles are comfortable and regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They contain remote communications technology 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

Continental breakfast at your accommodation

Start the day on the right foot with a simple, healthy breakfast

Emergency support

Wilderness first aid trained guides carry radios, satellite phones and a full first aid kit so you can walk without worry.

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 22 years experience.

Healthy packed lunches

Pack a healthy salad or roll in the morning to enjoy for lunch each day out on the trail.

Home made morning tea each day

Enjoy a slice of home-baked cake and a hot cuppa each morning on the track - we'll even carry the thermos for you!

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.

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 are quite challenging, whereas the walks around Kings Canyon and Uluru and Kata Tjuta are not too difficult. Please be aware that all walks will be on quite 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 June, July and early August?

The average temperatures in June, July hover around the 20°C mark during the day and the nights around the 5°C mark. Although the weather is cooler at this time of the year, it is a popular time to visit Central Australia as the summer +30°C sun makes it quite uncomfortable to stand in, let alone embark on a walk! Come prepared with layers so you can stay warm or cool throughout the day. The chance of getting rain in this period is very small, but still always come prepared.

Humidity is usually quite low in Central Australia (the average relative humidity in Alice Springs is 24%), which makes drinking enough water very important to feeling well. Make sure to bring enough water bottles with at least 3l capacity.

Another thing to look out for is the UV index or UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

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

Glen Helen Station has a small convenience store with a limited range of snacks. It is best to get any snacks and some alcohol you may need for our 5 days in the National Park prior to departing Alice Springs (please note that the bottle shops in Alice Springs do not open until midday). You can buy alcohol at Glen Helen restaurant but it must be consumed within the establishment.

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? Can I have my own room?

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 place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won't always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.

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, but we welcome all adults on our tours. 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 the team bake some mean cakes. 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

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

From $2,990.00 AUD per person
(single supplement $150.00)

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.

With multiple departure dates, write about your chosen month in the Question box

Other ways to get in touch

1300 544 882
walk@inspirationoutdoors.com.au

Check availability / book now

What happens after I book?

After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all 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?

If you need to cancel your tour;

85 days or more, you will be refunded all monies paid, less a $50 administration fee.
42 to 84 days prior to departure, you will lose your deposit
28 to 41 days: 25% of full tour cost
14 to 27 days: 50% of full tour cost
less than 14 days: 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.

Larapinta Trail

Larapinta Trail 7 Day Tour includes;

Highlights of this walk

Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Spring Arrival Day.

No walking

Day 2: Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap

9km

Day 3: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

12km + 2km

Day 4: Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk and The Ochre Pits

9km

Day 5: Mt. Sonder

16km

Day 6: Standley Chasm and Reveal Saddle Walk

11km

Day 7: Departure Day

no walking

Accommodation

What to bring

Food

Transport

This walk includes

Continental breakfast at your accommodation

Emergency support

Excellent itinerary and planning

Healthy packed lunches

Home made morning tea each day

National Park entrance fees

Transport built for outback conditions

Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

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

What people have said

Pricing

From $2,990.00 AUD per person (single supplement $150.00)

Money-Back Guarantee

Ask about this tour:

Other ways to get in touch

What happens after I book?

What are my payment options?

Can I cancel my booking?

The 15 Bushwalking Essentials You Absolutely Must Know

From $2,990.00 AUD per person
(single supplement $150.00)