4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 5 days walking
Accommodation
  • 4 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$AUD

Trip Code: SOG8230

Larapinta Trek Family Adventure Trip highlights


  • Trek the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise
  • Stay in multi award-winning, exclusive eco-campsites
  • Visit highlights along the trail including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture and Traditional Owners of the land
  • Relax in the evenings around a campfire as the guides prepare delicious 3 course meals
  • View spectacular and abundant endemic bird-life along the whole trail

Why Book With Us

  • Stay at our multi award-winning, exclusive eco campsites
  • Unrivalled experience, first on the trail in 1995
  • Join other like-minded families on this classic itinerary

Since 1995 – when we offered the first commercial trek in this outstanding walking destination – we have led the way on the Larapinta Trail and our exclusive semi-permanent campsites continue to set the standard, winning us the 2016 and 2017 Ecotourism award in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.

On this fully supported trek you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of this iconic desert trail: from the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges you'll see the vast flood plains that form this ancient land. You'll be dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge and soothed by their idyllic waterholes. You'll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm... and to top it all of you'll climb to the lofty peak of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise (1,380m).

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. Our exclusive camps combined with passionate guides, spectacular food, and an unsurpassed itinerary make this tour the ultimate Larapinta experience.

Activities:

Itinerary

We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments you take a quick transfer by bus to Nick's Camp. Nick's Camp is one of our exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. Walking Time: 5-8 hours

Meals:  L,D

From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture. Sunday and Wednesday departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation; Friday departures will have a cultural conversation on night one. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point - Charlie's Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow. Your guides will offer numerous afternoon activities. We transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps. Fearless – named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp - named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Both Camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder. Walking Time: 3-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke River. A short transfer returns us to camp looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and wildlife and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last five days! We will drop you to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice's great eateries. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks & hot drinks
  • 4 nights at our exclusive eco-comfort camps on a twin share basis or free upgrade to single tent for solo travellers
  • Professional wilderness guide & support staff
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & stretcher beds
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • National Park fees
  • Alice Springs hotel pick up/drop off on first and last day of tour
  • All transport during the tour
  • Emergency communications & 24 hour back-up
  • Comprehensive group first aid kit

  • Transfers from/to Alice Springs airport
  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Backpack and sleeping bag (if you would like to hire a sleeping bag this must be booked at least 14 days in advance)
  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

The Larapinta Trek Family Adventure is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves walking 5-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections. Suggested preparation: We recommend regular strenuous exercise 3 or 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) in the months leading up to your trip. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Child price (8-11 yrs)AUD$1600
  • Child price (12-15 yrs)AUD$2200
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter (June to August) - During the daytime, temperatures hover at low-mid 20C with refreshingly cool breezes, however evenings temperatures can drop close to 0C, particularly in the valleys, and the frost that covers the ground can create a snow-like appearance. Many people are surprised to find out how cold it can get in the middle of winter, so trekkers need to make sure they are adequately prepared for cold nights with insulated sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and thermal underwear.

Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day and when on top of Mt Sonder.

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

The Larapinta Family Adventure is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

Children will need to be 8 years or over to partake in this trip. They will also need to have a good level of fitness as the walking distances must be completed each day.

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections

You will need a good level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. It is preferred if children have previous walking experience, either day walks or multi day walks. If you have any questions about your suitability or your children's suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

If you need to use a CPAP machine during the trip please speak with our staff about this. There are charging points at camp, but not in your tent. You will need to bring spare batteries that can be charged by USB port during the day while the group are not at camp and/or bring a small solar panel to charge the batteries.

Yes, if you are travelling on your own or if your family has odd numbers, you will receive a free upgrade to your own private tent. No single supplement applies.


Larapinta Trek Family Adventure Trip reviews


Larapinta Trek Family Adventure Videos

What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.