The Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort is one of the 12 Great Walks of Australia, and offers the chance to walk the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory taking in sights such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge.

Northern Territory

From AUD$3185 pp

6 Day Small Group Walk

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1 Overview

2 Rates & Inclusions

3 Location & Access

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Featured Experiences

1Overview

Overview

The Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort is one of the 12 Great Walks of Australia, and offers the chance to walk the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory taking in sights such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge. A highlight on the Larapinta Trail walk is the day 5 summit hike at Mount Sonder which is timed for sunrise allowing guests to witness the desert landscape changing colour as the sun gets higher in the sky. On your walk you’ll stay in comfortable eco-tent accommodation and enjoy relaxing in the heated main dining pavilion and by the campfire. Hot showers are available and in the evening guests enjoy three-course dinners before retiring to bed.

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2Rates & Inclusions

Rates & Inclusions

From $2985 pp

6 days guided walking
5 nights accommodation in exclusive wilderness camps
All meals and snacks
National Park fees and fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Professional wilderness guide and support staff
All ground transfers
Camping equipment and emergency communications

3Location & Access

Location & Access

Commences and concludes in Alice Springs

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

Northern Territory

Larapinta Trek Camps, West MacDonnell Ranges

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (14km)

Your Larapinta Walk begins from the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station – the official starting point of the Larapinta Trail. The walk today will take you west through shady woodlands, before climbing atop the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge. From this point you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Alice Springs, and the surrounding landscape, before the descent into Wallaby Gap. A short transfer will see you arrive at Nick's Camp, an exclusive bush camp with views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. After settling in, you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. Total walk time today is 5-8 hours.

Included: L - D

Day 2

Nick’s Camp to Simpsons Gap (7km), then to Standley Chasm (2km)

After breakfast you will depart Nick’s Camp on foot, the trail taking you through shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods. As you approach one of the main waterholes in the area, Simpsons Gap, you may spot the rare Black-footed Rock Wallaby which inhabits the area. A short transfer will take you to Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture while on the private reserve, which is run by the traditional owners of the land. After a delicious picnic lunch you’ll walk into the magnificent Chasm before your transfer to back to the campsite. The total walk time today is 3-5 hours.

Included: B - L - D

Day 3

Serpentine Gorge to Charlie’s Camp (16.5km)

The uphill trek today takes you onto the crest of a high ridge that leads up to Counts Point. The view from the top allows you to see across 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 will also spot the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, and as you make your way down to the base of the ridge, look out for fossil stromatolites under foot. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie's Camp, nestled at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a delicious dinner. Total walk time today is about 6 hours.

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Charlie’s Camp to Ochre Pits (8km)

Leaving camp today we head to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet on route. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the magnificent pass, before continuing to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow coloured wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. After lunch relax this afternoon in preparation for the sunrise hike tomorrow. Relax at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge this afternoon, before your transfer to either Fearless Camp or Sonder Camp, both located beneath Mt Sonder itself. Today’s walk takes 3-7 hours.

Included: B - L - D

Day 5

Early morning sunrise walk up Mount Sonder, 1380m (16km)

An early morning start has you begin the pre-dawn trek up the majestic Mount Sonder. Head torches on, enjoy the magic of the surrounding darkness as you make your way up to the 1380m summit. See the sunrise from the top and congratulate yourself on making it to the official end and highest point of the Larapinta Trail. Descend into Redbank Gorge and enjoy a well-deserved brunch back at camp. Time permitting, we may visit the Glen Helen Homestead, where we can relax with a drink before returning to camp looking up at Mt Sonder. The walk today takes 6-7 hours.

Included: B - L - D

Day 6

Ormiston Pound walk (8km), and transfer to Alice Springs

This morning enjoy one of the best side walks off the Larapinta trail out to Ormiston Pound. As you explore the upper Gorge keep an eye out for Rock Wallabies, and native birds such as the Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar, and Mistletoe Bird. Overhead you may catch sight of Australia’s largest raptor – the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle. After a final lunch with the group, board the bus back to Alice Springs. Enjoy the passing scenery as you say goodbye for now to the ancient desert landscape you have explored for the last 6 days. Today includes 3-4 hours of walking.

Included: B – L

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

April to September

7Featured Experiences

Northern Territory

Private Simpsons Gap and Larapinta Trail Walk

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Northern Territory

Mount Sonder Sunrise Summit Walk, Larapinta Trail

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We saw countryside that is so unique and so special that it will remain in our hearts forever. Our guides were the perfect hosts
Larapinta Trek in Comfort, 2020

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