Hiking the Larapinta Trail: 5 Days in the Outback

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Tour host
    • 5 days of hiking on a section of the Larapinta Trail
    • National Park fees and traditional owners and camping fees
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners)
    • An outback meat tasting platter, organic bush food tasting platter straight from the Central Desert, and trail snacks such as fresh fruit, muesli bars and biscuits
    • Hot and cold drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages) and fresh drinking water
    • Overnights in private and permanent campsites on indigenous land (4 nights) — single tent available for an additional fee during booking
    • All camping equipment (such as linen, pillows, sleeping bags and permanent safari tents)
    • Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle for all transportation
    • Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
    • Hotel pick up and drop off on the first and last day of the tour

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Alice Springs
    • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the tour
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Alcoholic beverages (but you can bring your own if you wish to)
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To fully enjoy and engage in this guided Larapinta Trail adventure, a moderate level of fitness is essential. Daily hikes will cover distances ranging from approximately 6.8 to 9.9 miles (11 to 16 km), often traversing steep, rocky terrains under direct sunlight and high humidity. Over the course of the tour, you’ll be embarking on approximately 43.5 miles (70 km) of challenging walks, and the hikes will be conducted at the guide’s discretion to prioritize guest safety.

  If you’re feeling unwell or have a mild injury on any given day, you have the option to opt out of the day’s walk. In such cases, you can enjoy a day of rest at our permanent campsite or at Ormiston Gorge, which features a café and a beautiful waterhole/beach area.

  The daily treks encompass a combination of sandy trails, small to medium rocks, steep ascents and descents along ridgelines, hills, gorges, and occasional water crossings. You should be comfortable covering the daily distances while carrying a small daypack (approximately 7-10 kg) containing essentials like water, sunscreen, snacks, camera/phone, and personal items. On average, each day’s trek will span 6-9 hours, including breaks. Rest assured, your guide will be by your side, providing encouragement and ensuring your safety throughout the journey.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of hiking gear you need to bring:

  • • Daypack large enough to fit all items you may need in a day (18-30L)
    • Trekking poles — optional
    • Water bladders or bottles (with 3-5 L total capacity)
    • Head torch with spare batteries
    • Insect repellent/fly net or sunscreen with fly repellent
    • Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (your guide will provide dry fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies, and some cakes)
    • Reusable ziplock bag for snacks

  For clothes, you will need:

  • • Lightweight, quick-drying clothes suitable for longer hikes/walks
    • Warm clothes for night/sleeping/early treks (clothes made of fleece are suitable)
    • Windbreaker or waterproof jacket for rain
    • Gloves and a beanie
    • Wide-brimmed hat
    • A pair of sturdy, lace-up boots for the track that provide adequate ankle support and have good, solid soles for walking on sharp rocks (new or near new condition)
    • A pair of hiking socks, (ideally one per day)
    • A pair of lightweight shoes
    • Warm clothes for the campsite
    • Swim suit/trunks and towel for showers/swimming
    • Flip-flops or similar (good for bathroom visits)
    • Your main bag should be a soft sports bag or large backpack that will packed and transported on the bus (it shouldn’t weigh more than 45 lbs/20 kg)

  For other items, we recommend you bring:

  • • Blister bandages and tape
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Anti-bacterial gel
    • Wet-wipes and/or toilet paper for the treks
    • Plastic bag for rubbish collection
    • Personal items such as toiletries and medications
    • Power bank to charge devices (there is no electricity at camp)
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)
    • If you would like to bring any alcohol, purchase this before the meet-and-greet

  Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather. You can expect cold evenings and mornings, pleasant daytime temperatures, and low possibility for rainy days. However, there is always a chance that the weather will be unpredictable, so you should be prepared for different scenarios. Temperatures can get extremely high (+120°F/50°C temperatures are not unheard of) and they can drop below freezing during the night. You’ll get a chance to discuss your packing list with the guide if you’re not sure about some items.

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• What are the campsites like?

  The campsites offer a unique and exceptional experience. Located on indigenous land, these beautiful private and permanent campsites feature permanent safari tents, complete with twin bedding, pillows, linen, sleeping bags, and blankets, ensuring comfort, privacy, and security. They are carefully chosen for their proximity to the hiking trails and breathtaking views of the landscapes, allowing you to enjoy the sunset over the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges and stargaze under the vast outback sky. These campsites provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.

  Rest assured, the campsites are equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, including a bush-camp kitchen, portable toilets, and pop-up showers. Please note that all water is brought in from Alice Springs, so water usage should be conservative. Wet wipes are recommended for freshening up on other days, or you can choose to dip into one of the water holes along the trek.

  For those seeking extra privacy, single-person tents are available for an additional fee. Additionally, all participants can opt for a bush swag if they want to sleep under the stars! While there are no charging facilities at the campsite, you can bring power banks to charge your electronic items. Phone reception is unlikely at the campsite, but the guides are equipped with satellite phones, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), and extensive remote first aid kits to stay in touch with the operations team in Alice Springs. Enjoy switching off and returning to nature in this remote and stunning setting.

• What are the meals like?

  During the Larapinta Trail adventure, all meals are covered, ensuring a variety of nourishing options. The day starts with breakfast, featuring muesli, toast, fresh fruits, and occasionally treats like croissants or pancakes. Lunch offers wraps, salads, fried rice, or an authentic Aussie BBQ with meats and bagels.

  Dinners are a highlight, prepared over a campfire, and may include hot pots, fish or meat dishes, accompanied by rice or pasta and fresh salads. For dessert, indulge in Tim Tams, butter-fried fruit cake, custard, apple crumble, sweet damper, or marshmallows, perfectly paired with a warm cup of tea.

  Trekking snacks such as nuts, fruit, and biscuits are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite chocolate bars, nuts, protein bars, or lollies to keep your energy up during the day.

  Various dietary requirements are catered to, including vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free — just let your guide know in advance. While specialist items like dairy-free yogurt or nut milk are not supplied, you’re welcome to bring these, and they will be stored for you.

  Fresh drinking water is offered throughout the journey, with the option to fill your water bladders and bottles using the equipped trucks. Given Central Australia’s arid climate, carrying 3-5L water bladders and hydrolytes is recommended to stay well-hydrated.

  Please note that alcoholic and soft drinks are not included, but you’re welcome to bring your own beverages. Moderation is encouraged due to the physical nature of the adventure and the risk of dehydration.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum number of participants is 15.
    • The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 6.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Hiking the Larapinta Trail can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors older than 7 are permitted to join the hike, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Alice Springs, most people fly into one of major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide. From there, we suggest taking another direct flight to Alice Springs. Once there, you should take a shuttle or a taxi from the airport to the city center (which is around 9 miles away).

  You will meet your guide at Olive Pink Botanic Garden at 4.30pm on Day 0. Additionally, you’ll be picked up at your accommodation at around 6am on Day 1, marking the official start of the adventure. You’ll be able to discuss the best arrival options with your guide prior to the departure as it may differ depending on where you come from.

• Safety measures in Central Australia

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. Medical insurance is essential to cover accidents or emergencies on and off the trail, including hospital treatments and air transportation. Verify that your medical insurance accounts for the Larapinta Trail’s demanding conditions. Travel insurance is equally crucial, protecting against flight cancellations, natural disasters, unexpected disruptions, and emergency repatriation costs. Given the trail’s remoteness, having travel insurance is a prudent choice.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
    • For bookings made within thirty (30) calendar days of departure, full payment is due upon confirmation and no refunds will be due in the case of cancellation

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.