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The desert ranges of the Red Centre deliver the quintessential Australian experience on the Larapinta Trail. This trekking tour is ideal for the more ambitious walker with some challenging stages passing over remote ridges and canyons, walking up to 16 kilometres per day over 6 days.
The end-to-end 223km long Larapinta Trail is one of Australia's most spectacular trekking experiences. The trail provides a rare perspective of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the awe-inspiring scale of this ancient land. It also harbours many Aboriginal sacred sites of the Arrernte people.
Over 6 days, traversing the high ridgelines of Alice Springs, you'll experience this ancient land from a perspective only few have witnessed. You will be supported by expert local leaders with full knowledge of the area and environment, providing with ...
Over 6 days, traversing the high ridgelines of Alice Springs, you'll experience this ancient land from a perspective only few have witnessed. You will be supported by expert local leaders with full knowledge of the area and environment, providing with the insight story of the Australia's most iconic desert trek.
This Larapinta Trail walk is enhanced with stylish, award winning architect designed, semi-permanent wilderness campsites, which come complete with hot showers and a heated dining and lounge tent, exclusive to you the Larapinta Trail. At each camp you will be provided with high quality, interesting and nutritional meals to support your daily energy recovery.
While you walk, your support vehicle transfers your luggage and camping gear to the next campsite leaving you only to carry a day pack while you hike. At the end of each day we relax in comfort at our architect-designed camps – including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter – as our guides prepare gourmet 3-course dinners around the campfire.
The Larapinta walk includes all nutritious meals, prepared by your guides, 5 nights' accommodation in exclusive semi-permanent campsites including safari tents, stretcher beds, swags and hot showers, all group camping equipment, National Park fees and fees to Traditional Owners as well as off-road transport from Alice Springs.
The Larapinta Trail will delight wilderness lovers and challenge the seasoned hiker. In the footsteps of traditional owners, early explorers, and modern adventurers, the stories of the Larapinta Trail will come to life with every passing desert step.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Walking Distance: 14 km. Walking Time: 5-8 hours
On the day before departure a compulsory briefing will be held at the 3:30 pm “Lone Dingo” Outdoor store on the Corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace. It is essential for guide to brief all trekkers on preparation for the trek ahead.
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation between 7:00–7:30 am. We'll head straight to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official starting point of the iconic Larapinta Trail. Be sure to have breakfast beforehand, as most cafes will be closed early in the morning (consider pre-purchasing food the night before).
The trail leads us westward through landscapes of witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We’ll ascend exposed hills to the rugged outcrop of Euro Ridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding terrain. From there, we’ll descend toward the picturesque Wallaby Gap, where we’ll pause for refreshments and take in the serene surroundings.
Afterward, a short bus transfer will bring you to Nick’s Camp, one of our exclusive, award-winning campsites. Nestled within the bush, this camp offers stunning vistas of the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a delicious spread of local bush foods prepared by renowned local specialist Rayleen Brown, giving you an authentic taste of the region.
The eco-comfort camps offer the perfect base for walkers to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the outback between hikes, all while soaking in the stunning desert scenery. Designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind, these camps provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
The kitchen, lounge, and dining areas are set on a raised platform to keep you out of the dust. The lounge is a cool, open-sided retreat for warm afternoons, doubling as a cozy, heated haven during chilly nights. The dining area features stylish table settings for group meals, while the campfire circle provides a welcoming space to unwind and share stories around the fire.
The clean, airy amenities shelter includes eco-friendly composting toilets that break down waste without the need for water or chemicals. After a rewarding day on the Larapinta Trail, treat yourself to a hot shower and wash away the dust in comfort.
The custom-designed safari tents are spacious and practical, measuring 3.6m x 1.8m x 2.2m, with plenty of room for two people, their gear, and swags. Each tent includes a comfortable stretcher bed, which can be removed if you’d like to sleep under the stars for a true outback experience. The sturdy canvas structure ensures excellent protection from the elements, even in bad weather.
The camps combine thoughtful design, comfort, and eco-friendly practices to enhance your hiking adventure and connect you with the beauty of Australia’s outback.
1. Nick Murcutt’s Camp near Simpsons Gap, named in honour of the architect, approximately 30km west of Alice Springs
2. Charlie Holmes Camp near Serpentine Chalet Dam, approximately 130 km west of Alice Springs
3. Fearless Campsite, near the base of Mt Sonder and approximately 210 km west of Alice Springs
4. Sonder Camp, at the base of Mt Sonder and approximately 210km west of Alice Springs
Walking distance: Nick’s Camp to Simpsons Gap and then to Standley Chasm (9km). Walking Time: 3-5 hours
Leaving Nick’s Camp, we travel west through a picturesque landscape of majestic Bloodwoods and towering Ironwoods, the dominant trees of this narrow alluvial flat. Along the way, keep an eye out for the elusive Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the region's most significant waterholes, Simpsons Gap.
Next, a short transfer takes us to the breathtaking Standley Chasm, where you'll gain fascinating insights into indigenous culture. All departures offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in Arrernte country through a cultural conversation led by knowledgeable guides.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before exploring the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still managed by its traditional owners. After this enriching experience, we return to our campsite, taking with us lasting memories of this unique journey.
Walking distance: Serpentine Gorge to Charlie’s Camp (16.5km). Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours
Today’s journey features a stunning 5km walk along the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Central Australia’s western horizon, including Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder, the iconic endpoint of the Larapinta Trail. The dramatic landscape also reveals the massive comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a striking feature we’ll encounter over the next few days.
Descending from the ridge, we pass through enchanting stands of mulga trees before following a dolomite limestone trail toward camp. Along the way, keep an eye out for fossilized stromatolites underfoot—remnants of one of Earth’s oldest life forms.
Leaving the main trail, we’ll take a private path to Charlie’s Camp, a secluded haven at the base of Counts Point, named in honor of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight, unwind in the serene wilderness around the campfire as your guides prepare a delicious dinner to cap off the day.
Walking distance: Charlie’s Camp to Ochre pits (8km). Walking Time: 3-7 hours
After another delightful breakfast, we set off from camp to explore the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, stopping at the historic Serpentine Chalet along the way. Inarlanga Pass offers a peaceful retreat, where we take time to admire the ancient cycad palms and the serenity of this remarkable landscape.
From there, we continue trekking southwest to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The quarry's wave-like ochre wall bursts with vibrant, rainbow-like colors, creating the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Afterward, we pause for a relaxing picnic lunch before wrapping up early to prepare for tomorrow's big adventure.
This afternoon, you can cool off with a swim at Glen Helen Gorge before we transfer to one of our exclusive Camps. Choose between Fearless Camp, named after the legendary trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp, nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Sonder. Both locations offer a serene and scenic base for the night ahead.
Walking distance: Mount Sonder 1380m (16km). Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Get ready for an early start today, as your guides will have you up at 2-3am for a pre-dawn trek up Mount Sonder. With only the soft glow of your headlamp lighting the way, you'll ascend to the 1380m summit of this magnificent mountain, surrounded by the calm and quiet of the night. Reaching the top just in time to witness the sunrise is a truly unforgettable experience. The breathtaking view from the summit, the highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail, offers sweeping vistas of the vast, rugged landscape you've been exploring over the past few days.
After descending to Redbank Gorge, you'll return to camp for a well-earned brunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy—relax at camp, cool off with a swim in the Finke River, or simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Walking distance: Ormiston Pound Walk (8km). Walking Time: 3-4 hours
This morning, we embark on what many consider the highlight of the entire Larapinta Trail: the stunning Ormiston Pound. This extraordinary walk showcases a breathtaking variety of landscapes and is the perfect finale to our journey. As we explore the Gorge’s upper reaches, be on the lookout for Rock Wallabies darting along the towering cliffs. The surrounding scrub is alive with native birdlife, including the Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar, and Mistletoe Bird. Don’t forget to glance skyward—you might spot the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey, soaring above.
A thrilling part of today’s adventure is the unavoidable water crossing. The still, cold water can be up to 1 meter deep early in the season and stretches roughly 20 meters across. Your guides will be on hand to assist, ensuring everyone crosses safely.
After enjoying a well-earned lunch, we board the bus for our return to Alice Springs. Relax as the iconic desert landscape, now so familiar, rolls past the window—a perfect moment to reflect on all you’ve accomplished over the past six days. We’ll arrive in town between 4-5pm, dropping you off at your accommodation.
This evening, why not round off the adventure with a celebratory dinner at one of Alice Springs’ fantastic restaurants? Congratulations on completing this incredible journey!
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures if the scheduled departure dates are not suitbale.
- The departure point is Alice Springs NT- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Alice Springs
Day 1: Approximately 13.5 km, 6 - 7 hoursDay 2: Approximately 10 km, 5 - 6 hoursDay 3: Approximately 15 -17 km, 7 - 9 hoursDay 4: Optional walk is 8 -10 km, 4 - 5 hoursDay 5: Optional walk is 16 km, 8 hoursDay 6: Approximately 6 km
In the Red Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct and temperatures are extreme, plummeting below freezing on winter nights (June to August) and soaring to the high 40°C (105 F plus) on summer days (December to January). Trekking on winter days is often pleasant with mild daytime temperatures (15-25°C, or 60-80 F) and light winds. Please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks, there can be frosts most evenings from June - August.The shoulder seasons of April-May and September are mild with some warmer days. Night frosts are unlikely and daytimes are warm and occasional hot days may require an adjustment to the itinerary (ie: less walking, more swimming).Rain is not common in the desert but it does rain on occasion, please be prepared for wet and windy conditions on all trips.
Alice Springs Climate Statistics
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
COVID-19 Temporary Amended Terms & Conditions
The General Cancellation Policies will still apply, however we have developed the following flexible payment T&Cs for all of our travellers booked onto 2021 trip dates, in case they are still unable to travel safely at the time:
*A government travel restriction is official government advice or restrictions associated with the pandemic in respect of border restrictions or closures and quarantine requirements. The restriction or closure must be active during the scheduled departure date of your trip. If there are restrictions or closures in place with no prescribed end date the restriction will be deemed to impact your departure if it is still in place 60 days prior to the departure date. Any non-refundable permits, flights or other non-recoverable prepayments that have been paid by you and sent on to secure those services may not be refundable subject to the terms of the third party suppliers whom hold those funds. You will notified at the time of tour cancellation of the status of such payments after consultation with the relevant suppliers.
LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.