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Our local and experienced guides have selected by far the best sections of the trail, making this the ultimate Larapinta experience, or choose your own path. Take on this breathtaking, yet rugged and remote country. Carrying only a day pack, immerse yourself in the West MacDonnell Ranges, whilst our support crew assist to your every need. Having walked anywhere between 10-18km each day in this dynamic setting, you will deserve some relaxation. Settle around the camp fire whilst your evening meals are prepared before you. If you are looking for the experience of a life time, come on a Larapinta Walkabout.
 Hotel Collections Commence at 06:00AM (approximately)
Tour Returns to Alice Springs at 17:00PM (approximately)
RECONFIRMATION
Please phone 0425 210 820 a minimum of 24hrs prior to your confirmed departure date, to confirm your booking.
Tours Departing For 2010
Monday 3rd May–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 8th May
Monday 10th May–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 15th May
Monday 17th May–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 22nd May
Monday 24th May–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 29th May
Monday 7th June–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 12th June
Monday 14th June–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 19th June
Monday 21st June–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 26th June
Monday 28th June–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 3rd July
Monday 5th July–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 10th July
Monday 12th July–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 17th July
Monday 19th July–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 24th July
Monday 26th July–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 31st July
Monday 2nd August–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 7th August
Monday 9th August–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 14th August
Monday 16th August–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 21st August
Monday 23rd August–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 28th August
Monday 30th August–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 4th September
Monday 6th September–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 11th September
Monday 13th September-Return to Alice Springs Saturday 18th September
Monday 20th September–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 25th September
Monday 27th September–Return to Alice Springs Saturday 2nd October
Itinerary
Day 1 MONDAY: SIMPSONS GAP TO JAY CREEK
Adventurers will be picked up from their nominated address approximately Monday 06:00AM.
Today’s walk is steady and a nice scenic warm up.
Day 2 TUESDAY: 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 WEDNESDAY: 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, and 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 THURSDAY: FINKE RIVER TO ORMISTON GORGE
A relaxed 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 indigenous artist Albert Namitijira. Then it is back to camp at Two Mile again for an early night in readiness for Mt Sonder the next day.
Day 5 FRIDAY: MOUNT SONDER SUMMIT
An early rise this morning, we have a short drive to Redbank Gorge car park 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’s 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 SATURDAY: 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 4 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 Springs 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.
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Culture
Learn about the oldest culture on earth. Learn about the desert art styles from dot painting to the water colours of Albert Namatjira.
Geography
From the arid zones of the red centre to the wetlands of the top end. An amazing array of ecosystems: sand dunes, plateaus, rocky outcrops and mountains. Flora and Fauna and ancient plant species. The territory is a great place to see many native mammals, a host of birds and some impressive reptiles. Aboriginal bush tucker, medicinal plants and their uses.
History
Stuart’s incredible journey across central Australia in the 1860’s. The Overland Telegraph Line, the colonies link to England. The Missionaries. Giles journey through the mountains of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Outback Experience-Camping in swags under the stars. Saying “G’day” and meeting the locals. Campfire cooking. Team building. Group participation. Challenging and demanding walks over and through mountains in the rugged remote country that is the West MacDonnell Ranges.
What to Bring
A small day pack and a good pair of boots. Warm clothes for winter as temperatures can reach -6 degrees Celsius.
High level of fitness required. Minimum age 18 years (For private groups this minimum age can vary. However, those under 18 MUST have a good level of fitness and be accompanied by a responsible adult).
All food is supplied. Water is also provided.
Does not include final night’s accommodation in Alice Springs or airfares, these should be booked directly with Hotel and airlines. |
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