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Explore 5 Day Trek The Larapinta Trail A Guided Tour for 5 days with Autopia Tours and discover unforgettable experiences - Photo 2

5 Day Trek The Larapinta Trail A Guided Tour

Country:

Australia

Flight:

Not included

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Tour id:

247264

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  • Operator:

    Autopia Tours

  • Length:

    5 days

  • Group size:

    15 pax

  • Age:

    8 to 70

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping

Itinerary

Experience the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's most popular wilderness walks. Covering up to 16 km of the graded trail daily, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. Be swept away by the Dreamtime of this ancient environment and discover the magic and mysteries hidden within.

Traditionally, people expect the region to be a featureless plain of winding red sand hills with a few grasses and bushes. Get ready for the shock of a lifetime - Central Australia is home to the tallest peaks in the Northern Territory, the oldest dramatic landscape in Australia, full of ravines, escarpments and sensational waterholes, life forms that will excite the curious. A truly excellent wilderness experience will immerse you in peace and tranquillity of the landscape.


Arrival and Meet and Greet (pre tour start)

Arrive at the airport and make your own way to your accommodation in Alice Springs (not included, please book directly). We meet at 4.30 pm in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, where you will meet the rest of your group members to discuss the coming days with your guide. Afterwards, head back to your Alice Springs accommodation, retiring early for the night in preparation for the big journey ahead. 

If you arrive earlier during the day, you might like to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it all behind for the desolate outback. Browse Aboriginal artworks at Central Australia's best art galleries. This is also a good time to ensure you have all the articles needed for your Larapinta Trail. 

  • Discover the Red Centre's Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's top wilderness trails
  • Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) on beautiful Arrernte country
  • Be impressed by dramatic views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section one) and Counts point lookout (Section 8, 1140 m altitude) 
  • Take a dip in some of the West MacDonnell ranges most impressive waterholes including Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek 
  • Enjoy our exclusive private campsite on traditional land, complete with permanent safari tents, or choose to sleep in an Aussie Swag and watch the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation
  • Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire   
  • Explore ravines and escarpments, where life forms that will excite the curious mind
  • Watch the sunrise and stunning 360-degree view from Mount Sonder, one of the territory's highest mountains

Tour program

Section 1

Alice Springs to Euro Ridge to Wallaby Gap

An early start, and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best in Australia. Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days. 

Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 146km

Hiking Distance and Grading: 14 km (Section 1), Grade 4 - moderate to difficult

Start point

82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia

06:00 - 06:30

Section 8

Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good fitness level. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after a long day of walking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 94km

Hiking Distance and Grading: 13.4km (Section 8), Grade 4 - moderate to difficult

Section 10

Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge

Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore, with several important sites being viewed, including 'Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Tonight, relax at our beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 27km

Hiking Distance and Grading: 11km (Section 10), Grade 3 - moderate

Section 12

Mount Sonder Climb

An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote campsite. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accom: Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags

Driving Distance: approx. 64km

Hiking Distance and Grading: 16km (Section 12), Grade 5 - difficult

Day 5

Section 9/10 : Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs

Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife, and flora and a grand finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits). 

Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accom: N/A

Driving Distance: approx. 156km

Hiking Distance and Grading: 9km (Section 9/10), Grade 3 - moderate

End point

82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs Northern Territory 0870, Australia

17:00 - 17:30

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Although every effort is made, Autopia Tours shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance coverage. Autopia Tours retains the right to alter routes, itineraries, bus types and configurations, fare adjustments, days of operation or even cancel tours if unforeseen circumstances occur. Other accredited tour operators may be used on some tours.


CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellation by traveller: Autopia Tours will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions


Day Tours:

Within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund

More than 24-hrs before the experience start time will result in a full refund for the amount paid


Extended Tours:

Within 14 Days from the experience start time or failure to board on tour will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund

More than 14 days prior to the experience start time will result in a full refund for the amount paid


Cancellation by the Tour Operator:

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise or in the event of a Force Majeure resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.


TRAVEL INSURANCE:

We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.


LUGGAGE POLICY:

Day Tours: No luggage storage facilities available, please bring only a small day bag (5-7kg). 

Extended Tours: Maximum baggage allowance 15-20kg, preferably a soft bag. Any other luggage presented at departure such as suitcases, strollers, walking frames and wheelchairs may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged with the Autopia Tours Reservations team.


DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:

Please notify Autopia Tours of any dietary requirements or medical conditions at least 48 hours prior to departure day. While we endeavour to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours and alternative options cannot always be guaranteed. For those with special dietaries we recommend bringing snacks along.


CHILD POLICY:

Our child policy and pricing varies depending on the trip; this is due to the diversity in our product range. All travellers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.


BOOKING CONFIRMATION:

All reservations must be reconfirmed at least 24 hours before departure by calling Autopia Tours Reservations team on  +61 3 9393 1333 or by emailing [email protected]

Tour Details

Accommodation

Camping Facilities - You will stay in our beautiful private and permanent campsites on Indigenous land. All camps are equipped with a bush-camp kitchen, portable toilets and pop-up showers. Please note that all water is brought in from Alice Springs, so we ask you to use showers sparingly and quickly to freshen up only. We recommend bringing plenty of wet wipes to freshen up on other days. Alternatively, choose to dip into one of the water holes along the trek - It's all part of the experience!

Sleeping Arrangements - We provide comfortable twin-share safari tents complete with twin bedding, which gives you a little more comfort, privacy, and security. Alternatively, we challenge you to sleep in a traditional swag (canvas-covered bed roll) to watch the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation. All bedding, including linen, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets, are provided. We recommend bringing thermal layers, warm socks, or a hot water bottle to keep you warm during freezing nights.

Transport

We have a couple of all-terrain 4×4 range eco-tour bus, uniquely designed to handle the harshest of terrains and off-road tracks. The maximum number of passengers we carry on these tours is 15 people, with a minimum requirement of 8 people to guarantee the departure. Fleet specs: Isuzu N Series NPS300 Trucks (15, 17, 21-seater). In the unlikely event of a breakdown alternative vehicles may be used.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

The weather in the Red Centre can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically.  Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.

Flights

Flights are not included. 

Additional Services

  • 4 Nights’ Private and remote campsite on traditional land complete with safari tents with twin bedding (bush setting including portable toilets and pop-up showers, excluding electricity)
  • All camping equipment such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and basic swag
  • Includes: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, trek snacks
  • Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages 
  • (BYO alcohol, cold storage will be provided, let your guide know at the meet and greet)
  • Guided bushwalking (~14km, grade 2-6)
  • Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
  • Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs
  • Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
  • Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host
  • An outback meat tasting platter including buffalo, kangaroo and camel (based on availability)
  • An ethically sourced, organic bush food tasting platter straight from the Central Desert
  • Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone & Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

Additional Services

  • Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks as options are limited in the outback.
  • Alice Springs Hotel on Day 5 of the itinerary
  • Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner, please make your own way
  • Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended
  • Personal expense

Meals

Includes: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, trek snacks

  • An outback meat-tasting platter including buffalo, kangaroo, and camel (based on availability)
  • An ethically sourced, organic bush food-tasting platter straight from the Central Desert

Most of the meals are prepared by our tour guides with basic camping-style food options and on occasions, they will be provided by our accommodation providers onsite. Guests are asked to participate in the preparation of meals, clean-up, and vehicle unpacking/loading as it’s a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow travellers.

Guide

These tours are delivered by professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guide & onboard host.

  • Knowledgeable Tour Commentary
  • Highly Experienced Driver / Guide

Driven by curiosity and insider knowledge, our enthusiastic team is dedicated to providing adventures to inspiring locations across Australia. Our local Road Crew holds the key to discovering hidden treasures and is on hand to help you have the best time!

Good to know

Currency

$

Australian Dollar

Australia

Plugs and adapters

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Plug type I

Customer reviews

Operator

4.6

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
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