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)
    • All camping equipment (such as linen, pillows, sleeping bags and permanent safari tents)
    • 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 participate in this guided Larapinta Trail trip, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The hikes range from 5.6 to 9.9 miles (9 to 16 km) per day for 5 consecutive days, encompassing varied terrains and elevation gains. You should be comfortable walking for several hours each day and be prepared for quite challenging ascents, such as the climb to Mount Sonder—the most difficult part of the tour with lots of steep terrain and an elevation gain of around 2,800 ft (880 m).

  In short, it’s essential to have a good overall physical condition and stamina to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences along the Larapinta Trail. Keep in mind that you will always have a guide by your side who will encourage you and make the experience safe and enjoyable.

• 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
    • 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)
    • Soft sports bag or large backpack that will packed and transported on the bus

  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 cool evenings and mornings, warm 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. You’ll get a chance to discuss your packing list with the guide if you’re not sure about some items.

• 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 and are carefully chosen for their proximity to the hiking trails and breathtaking views of the landscapes. From enjoying the sunset over the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges to stargazing 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. Additionally, for those seeking extra privacy, single-person tents are available for an additional fee.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum number of participants is 15.
    • 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, 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.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A $340 non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid at the latest one month (30 days) prior to 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
• 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. 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.

• Covid measures in Northern Territory, Australia

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Australia’s Northern Territory, please refer to Australia’s COVID-19 travel advice.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!