Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort

Sustainable comfort with the pioneers of Australia's most iconic desert walking experience

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1272 reviews

6 Days from

$2860 USD

Trip Code: LAR

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Sleeping Bag Hire

$22 USD

Larapinta Trail In Comfort Trip highlights

Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges

Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise

Hike the main highlights 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 bird-life along the whole trail

Overview

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 eco-comfort camps continue to set the standard, winning us seven Brolgas in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards since 2016, including winning both the Adventure Travel and Ecotourism awards in 2024.

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 off 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.

Itinerary

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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. Please ensure you've had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to pre-purchase 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. 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 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 *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.

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. 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 – we transfer to back to our campsite. Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today's highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we 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. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we 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, we follow our 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. Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route. 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. This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. 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 (2-3am) 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 back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River. Walking Time: 7-8 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 is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we 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 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist. 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 six 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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

What’s included?

Included

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks & hot drinks
5 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 plus all cooking equipment and utensils
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
Mandatory pre-trip briefing held the day before the trip starts

Not included

Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
Transfers from/to Alice Springs airport
Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
Backpack and sleeping bag (if you would like to hire a sleeping bag please let our staff know at least 14 days prior to your trip)
Airfares
Travel insurance
Face masks and hand sanitiser

Adventure Highlighted Video - Larapinta Trail In Comfort

Classic Larapinta in Comfort Trek - Everything you need to know

Sustainability: Larapinta Eco-Comfort Camps

Indigenous Cultural Experiences on our Larapinta In Comfort walks

Food on our Larapinta In Comfort walks

What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail

Extra trip info

Multi Award-Winning Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

Stay at our exclusive, multi award-winning Eco-Comfort camps, which have be awarded five Northern Territory Tourism Brolga Award for Best in Ecotourism and Best in Adventure Travel. Our exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps are the best accommodations along the Larapinta Trail and all of our trips are 100% carbon offset.

More comforts, but still feels like camping

During the trip we stay at our exclusive multi award-winning semi-permanent wilderness eco-comfort camps. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. These camps, which are exclusive to our travellers, offer so many more comforts to traditional camping but still allow the camping experience. They are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. Each site has a large covered area in which to relax at the end of a day of walking, with lounges, dining table and kitchen. Beside this shady communal space is our campfire, the perfect place to gather as the sun sets.

Sleep in comfort

The safari-style tents offer plenty of room for two people and gear. Luggage should be kept in the tent at all times, preventing dingoes from taking shoes and other items. You sleep on a stretcher bed in a swag. The stretcher beds raise you 40cm off the ground and offer a firm, flat base for the comfy swag mattress. The swag is a 5cm thick foam mattress inside a canvas cover. We provide a cotton fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase, which you keep for the entire trip. You can take your swag outside the tent and sleep under the stars if you are looking for that real outback experience.

If you book as a single traveller you will receive a free upgrade to your own private tent.

Shower Tents

Nothing says comfort in the wilderness like a hot shower. Hot water is heated using a “Donkey” hot water boiler - an efficient and economical way to heat water. Guests have a 9 litre bucket of warm water to use in our shower tents, which run for 2 – 2.5 minutes.

Organic shampoos and soaps are included for your use, sourced from Dindi Naturals, a supplier of handmade soaps and body products that contain no toxic or synthetic materials. These are chemical free derived from environmentally friendly ingredients from areas of fair trade and sustainability.