Classic Larapinta Trail Trek

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin your walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Please ensure you’ve had breakfast before the pick-up (you may need to prepurchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am). From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands.

You'll 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 passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments, you take a quick transfer by bus to Nick’s Camp. Nick’s Camp is an exclusive award-winning camp, 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.

*You will need to arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:30pm pre-trip briefing.

From Nick’s Camp you’ll continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. You may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as you approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes the group to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture. All departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners – you transfer to back to the campsite.

Today’s highlight is the 5 km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here you’ll have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. You can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. You’ll descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees.

At the base of the ridge, you’ll follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, you will follow a private track to Charlie’s Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner.

After another wonderful breakfast the group will walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route. You’ll spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms.

From here you’ll 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. You’ll then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for your big day tomorrow.

This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. The group will transfer west to one of the 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.

Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) for a 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 you have expansive views across the entire vast landscape that you have been exploring over the last few days.

The group will then descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River.

This morning you’ll enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and is the perfect walk to complete your journey. You’ll explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where you may see 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. This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1 meter deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist.

After lunch you’ll 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 six days! You will be dropped at 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!