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HOT DEAL!
Receive one free night�s accommodation in Alice Springs in a FOUR STAR hotel (Aurora Resort or similar) either the night prior to departure or on night after trip ends.
Sunday 12th July @ 2pm – ends Friday 17th July 2009
Sunday 2nd August @ 2pm – ends Friday 7th August 2009
Day 1 - Out To Camp
Passengers need to arrive in Alice Springs on a Sunday or prior for pickup from Hotel or airport between 1.30pm and 2pm. We will meet you at the airport or hotel and head straight out into the West MacDonnell Ranges. After a rugged one hour four wheel drive journey, we arrive out our majestic camp site at Birthday Waterhole on the Hugh River. After setting up camp, discussing the journey ahead and eating a meal cooked on the open fire, we sleep out in the river bed in swags under the starry sky.
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Day 2 - Birthday Waterhole to Stanley Chasm
It's up early to start our journey on the Larapinta Trail with the very challenging 17.7km, 9 hour, section 4. This stage follows the high quartzite ridges of the Chewing Range and is graded as very hard. A rugged track with frequent steep and long climbs and descents, but the effort is worth it with some of the most breathtaking views on the entire length of the Larapinta Trail. Our support crew will meet us at Stanley Chasm to transfer us to our camp on the Hugh River
Day 3 - Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
We pack up camp, load the four wheel drive and head west along the ranges to hike Section 8. This is a 13.4km hike taking us up to Counts Point on the Heavitree Range. The lookout offers us spectacular views of the surrounding ridgelines and peaks. We have plenty of time to do this walk with a steep climb and long descent back to Serpentine Chalet Dam. The track takes us through a variety of habitats, from timbered creek lines to the rocky country of the ranges. Arriving at the dam, we are transported to our camp at Two Mile on one of the oldest rivers in the world, the Finke River. We camp by the waterhole, a swim beckons (if conditions permit). The river is famous for the Finke Desert Race, a challenging motorbike, quad bike and 4wd vehicle race through the outback.
Day 4 - Finke River to Ormiston Gorge
A slow start to the day, we leave on our trek from camp onto section 10. This walk is an easy 9.9km, 4-5 hour hike. A good opportunity exists to see Euros (Macropus robustus) on this walk as we make our way through rolling spinifex covered hills and across numerous creek lines. We eventually arrive at the base of the Heavitree Range at Ormiston Gorge. After the walk, we head to Glen Helen Gorge for a swim, (water conditions and temperatures permitting). Feeling refreshed we visit the Glen Helen Resort Homestead and admire the artwork of the famous Albert Namitijira. Then it's back to camp at Two Mile again for an early night in readiness for Mt Sonder the next day.
Day 5 - Mount Sonder Summit
An early rise this morning, we have a short drive to Redbank Gorge carpark where we prepare for our walk up Mount Sonder under the cover of darkness. Section 12 is a 15.8km return hike that takes us up the icon of the West MacDonnell National Park and one of the highlights of the Larapinta Trail. We leave early to catch an awe inspiring sunrise over the ranges. The arduous climb to the peak is well worth the effort and views are some of the most spectacular in the park. On our descent we make a short detour to have a swim at Redbank Gorge (water conditions and temperatures permitting). We will arrive back at camp mid afternoon with plenty of time to relax and discuss our experiences thus far. Then it's our last camp fire meal and last night under the stars in our swags.
Day 6 - Ormiston Pound then Back to Alice Springs
We can have a sleep in this morning before packing up camp and taking a short drive to Ormiston Gorge. Here, we do the four hour Ormiston Pound walk. This walk takes us along ancient creek beds and age old boulders through entire length of one of the most beautiful places in the ranges, Ormiston Gorge. Then, it's time to jump back in the four wheel drive and head back to civilization. On the way we'll stop and check out Ellery Creek Big Hole, those that are keen can jump in for a swim. Arriving at Alice Spings in the afternoon, we will drop you off at your chosen place of residence (own arrangements) for a well deserved shower and a night in a bed. |