Larapinta Trail

We start early and leave behind suburbia for the wilderness of the West MacDonnell Ranges. These ranges are known for their natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14km stretch starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. We will see beautiful views, especially at Euro Ridge. We take our walk casually, allowing us to relax and immerse ourselves in the region’s wonders.

Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at Wallaby Gap and take us to our remote camping location in MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If we have time, we will visit a natural waterhole for a swim. We rest in a region that holds great significance in the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Before dinner, we will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook tasting platter. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and uses wild-harvested produce from the Central Desert Region and beyond.

Meals are provided for lunch and dinner.

Accommodation is available at a private and remote campsite in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Guests can choose between Safari Tents or Bush Swags.

The driving distance is approximately 146km.

The hiking distance is 14km for Section 1, with a grade of 4, which is considered moderate to difficult.

Today, we will be exploring the western half of the Larapinta Trail. This section is 13.4km long and is recommended for experienced walkers with a good fitness level. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory. If there is enough time, we may also have the opportunity to swim in one of the beautiful natural waterholes after a long day of walking.

Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, Safari Tents, or Bush Swags.

The driving distance is approximately 94km.

The hiking distance for Section 8 is 13.4km, with a grade of 4 – moderate to difficult.

Today, we explore the low-lying regions near Ormiston Gorge. We gradually ascend into the remote areas of the Finke River. This region holds great significance in traditional folklore. We will see important sites like ‘Yapulpa’, which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time allows, we can swim in one of the breathtaking natural waterholes. At night, we can relax at our permanent campsite and witness the stunning desert sky filled with millions of stars.

Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, Safari Tents, or Bush Swags.

The driving distance is approximately 27km.

The hiking distance for Section 10 is 11km, and the grading is Grade 3, considered moderate.

The climb to the peak of Mount Sonder starts early (around 3 am). The view from the top at sunrise is breathtaking. Afterwards, have a cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your leisure at camp or Ormiston Gorge. Enjoy one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way at our remote campsite.

Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation options include private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite, safari tents, or bush swags. The driving distance is approximately 64km. The hiking distance for Section 12 is 16km, with a grading of Grade 5 – difficult.

The Ormiston Pound Walk is considered one of the top walks on the Larapinta Trail. It offers stunning views of the Chewing Range and Mount Giles and is a location that inspired Albert Namatjira. The entry into the Gorge is breathtaking, and after a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack up and head back to civilization.

Tonight, after showering, make your way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reflect on the past 5 days and engage in conversation over a drink.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Not applicable. Driving Distance: Approximately 156km. Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 – moderate.

Autopia Alice Springs Tours & Walking Country may modify the route or itinerary schedule in response to seasonal weather changes or park closures for traditional landowner ceremonies. Operational reasons may also result in swapping days of the itinerary on the ground.