Looking for a quintessential Australian experience? Come with us to the Larapinta Trail and discover Australia’s vast wild heart—the famous Outback. Starting from Alice Springs, we’ll hike a section of the trail in 5 days, with its majestic ridges, enchanting gorges, and ancient rock formations steeped in millennia-old stories. Explore the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, with sweeping views across vast desert plains, and reach notable landmarks like Ormiston Pound and Mt Sonder. Taste unique bush food, delve into rich Aboriginal history and Dreamtime legends, and relax at peaceful campsites under starry skies. Let the Larapinta Trail show you the timeless allure of Australia’s Outback.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rugged beauty of the Larapinta Trail. Begin in Alice Springs and venture into the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges. Traverse high quartzite ridgelines, encounter ancient folklore, summit the area’s highest peak and take in the vistas of the vast Australian Outback. Stay in remote and comfortable camps, learn about Aboriginal culture, savor authentic bush food. Experience the transformative Larapinta Trail expedition.
Arrive in Alice Springs and settle into your accommodation, in the vibrant heart of the Red Centre. Take the opportunity to explore the city, visit art galleries showcasing Aboriginal artworks, and gather any necessary items for the Larapinta Trail. In the late afternoon, join your group at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden to meet your Larapinta Trail hiking guide and fellow travelers, where we’ll discuss the exciting days that lie ahead. Rest and recharge for the upcoming adventure.
Bid farewell to the comforts of civilization as we head into the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, starting from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Expect some breathtaking views, particularly at Euro Ridge. Let the natural beauty of the region captivate your senses and allow you to unwind. At Wallaby Gap, our Ground Support Vehicle will meet our group, transporting us to a remote campsite within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Taste a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter, with its pre-dinner treats that celebrate the flavors of the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 8.7 mi (14 km)
Driving distance: 91 mi (146 km)
The western section of the Larapinta Trail is an 8.3 mi (13.4 km) stretch that caters to experienced hikers with good fitness levels. Discover the beautiful high quartzite ridgelines, including the imposing Haasts Bluff and the Northern Territory’s highest point, Mt Zeil. Be prepared for the stunning views that unfold before you. Tasty meals throughout the day will provide you with the necessary energy.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8.3 mi (13.4 km)
Driving distance: 58 mi (94 km)
Today we’ll walk through the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually ascending into the back reaches of the Finke River. Get ready for the rich traditional folklore of the area, where you’ll encounter significant sites such as ‘Yapulpa,’ linked to the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend, and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy the vibrant colors of the night desert at our beautiful permanent campsite, an ideal setting for stargazing beneath a canopy of a million stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.8 mi (11 km)
Driving distance: 17 mi (27 km)
Prepare for an early and challenging ascent as our group tackles the 5-mile (8-km) climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise and enjoy a breathtaking 360° view that will leave you speechless and etch itself into your memory. We’ll spend the remainder of the day at camp, surrounded by the beauty of the Milky Way above and the tranquility of nature.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 9.9 mi (16 km)
Driving distance: 40 mi (64 km)
Get ready for the grand finale of the Larapinta Trail with the awe-inspiring Ormiston Pound Walk, Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles, immortalized by Albert Namatjira. After lunch, bid farewell to the trail and head back to Alice Springs. Share stories and laughter while enjoying a refreshing ale or cool drink at an Outback Restaurant. Your adventure ends after dinner. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers and retreat to your accommodation in Alice Springs. The following day, say goodbye to this part of Australia—or continue touring on your own.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 5.6 mi (9 km)
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
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.
Here’s a list of hiking gear you need to bring:
For clothes, you will need:
For other items, we recommend you bring:
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.
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.
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 prices:
Hiking the Larapinta Trail can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
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!
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.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
If you are looking for an unforgettable tour of the Larapinta Trail, we did a 5-day Larapinta Trail tour. It’s one of the most iconic Australian tour companies that allows you to see the best on this trail. In addition, they have their permanent campsite, and the evenings were outstanding. A big thanks to Don, he is one the best expert in Larapinta Trail.