5-Day Trek the Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs | Northern Territory

About this tour

Join a bushwalking adventure along sections of the beautiful Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s best wilderness paths in Central Australia’s heart. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges, Euro Ridge, Mount Sonder, Ormiston Gorge, and Ellery Creek. Discover Australia’s bush and immerse yourself in the rough beauty of the spectacular landscapes.

• Take advantage of the included camping equipment, 4 nights of lodging, and meals throughout your trip
• Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire
• Watch the sunrise and stunning 360-degree view from Mount Sonder, one of the territory’s highest mountains

— What You Can Expect —
Experience the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s most popular wilderness walks, covering up to 14 km of the graded trail. Admire the ancient environment’s Dreamtime and uncover its secret charms and mysteries.

Brace for the shock of a lifetime; Central Australia is home to the Northern Territory’s tallest peaks, the country’s oldest spectacular landscape, full of ravines, escarpments, amazing waterholes, and living forms that will pique the interest of the curious. Experience this truly excellent wilderness trip in the tranquility of the landscape.

See the beauty of Australia’s Northern Territory with Mikitravel now!

— Full Itinerary —

• Arrival and Meet and Greet (pre-tour welcome)
  – Arrive at the airport and make your own way to your Alice Springs accommodation. (not included, please book directly). Meet the rest of the group at 4:30 p.m. at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden to talk about the next few days with your guide. Return to your Alice Springs lodging and retire early for the night in preparation for the long ride ahead. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Red Centre’s busy hub before leaving it all behind for the barren desert. Browse Aboriginal artworks in Central Australia’s best art galleries. Ensure you have all the articles needed for your Larapinta Trail.

• Day 1 – Section 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap
  – Visit the spectacular and calm West MacDonnell Ranges, recognized for their rich natural beauties and traditional culture, and regarded as the best in Australia. Walk a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs and see the beautiful Euro Ridge. Relax and immerse yourself in the wonders of the region as you contemplate the next 4 days.
  Meet the Ground Support Vehicle at the scenic Wallaby Gap and transfer to the remote camping spot within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Swim in one of the gorgeous natural waterholes (if time permits). Allow the actual experience to begin as you rest in a place synonymous with the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people’s Dreamtime (Alcheringa). Enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilizing wild-harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.

  Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
  Driving Distance: approx. 146 km
  Hiking Distance and Grading: 14 km (Section 1), Grade 4 (moderate to difficult)

• Day 2 – Section 8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
  – Head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good fitness level. Experience exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). If time permits, Visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after walking.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
  Driving Distance: approx. 94 km
  Hiking Distance and Grading: 13.4km (Section 8), Grade 4 (moderate to difficult)

• Day 3 – Section 10: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge
  – Traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, and gradually go upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. View ‘Yapulpa’, which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, Visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Relax at the beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colors of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
  Driving Distance: approx. 27km
  Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3 (moderate)

• Day 4 – Section 12: Mount Sonder Climb
  – Start an early trek at 3 am trek and challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. Marvel at the sunrise and the 360° view. Enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way at the beautiful remote campsite.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
  Driving Distance: approx. 64 km
  Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 12), Grade 5 (difficult)

• Day 5 – Section 9/10: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs
  – Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife, and flora, and a grand finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits). Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation: N/A
  Driving Distance: approx. 156 km
  Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 (moderate)

— Important Info —

• Departs: 6:30 am from Alice Springs
• Returns 5:00 pm to Alice Springs