Larapinta trek wins Brolga's ecotourism award for third time

World Expeditions were awarded for the third time since 2016 for its ongoing commitment to provide an outstanding trekking experience, at minimal impact on the environment, on its iconic Larapinta Trail walk in Australia's Red Centre.

Our most popular Larapinta Trail walking experience, Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, has scored a BIG win in sustainability receiving the ‘Best Ecotourism Product’ at Northern Territory Tourism’s 2019 prestigious Brolga Awards.

This is the third time the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort has won the coveted Brolga Award, having previously been named 'Best Ecotourism Product' in 2016 and 2017.

The category recognises outstanding ecologically sustainable tourism products, with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

“Sustainability has been at the heart of our operations since we pioneered the trek back in 1995,” says Michael Buggy, the General Manager of World Expeditions’ domestic brand, Australian Walking Holidays who operates our iconic Larapinta treks.

Our four architecturally designed, semi-permanent campsite facilities incorporate sustainable technologies such as water-free toilets, solar lighting systems and a hybrid grey water disposal system designed for the arid environment.

“It’s been a huge commitment to deliver the standard of accommodation we do in a remote area, while remaining focused on complete sustainability and we acknowledge the support of NT Parks and Wildlife and the Indigenous Land Council in receiving this Award,” says Michael.

World Expeditions launched a series of architect-designed, semi-permanent campsites on the Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Red Centre in 2013; a new, fourth campsite began operations earlier this year.

In additional to the camps use of sustainable technologies, the sites deliver previously unavailable levels of comfort to walkers in a climate known for its temperature extremes. Colours, building materials and the overall style blend in with the surrounding environment aesthetically, while the structures are designed to allow the land to recover during the off-season, maintaining the idyllic natural setting of these wilderness sites.

As well as the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, there are more than 10 Larapinta walking options (shorter, longer, escorted, as well as geared for families and dedicated women’s departures) currently available on the trail.

The award comes at an auspicious time with all World Expeditions trips becoming 100% carbon offset and will directly support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.

It's such thrilling news with 2020 marking our 25th year on the Larapinta Trail.

View Larapinta Trail walks