This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.

Maximum 16

Itinerary

The Larapinta is one of the best walks in Australia and over the years the word has spread, making it our most popular trek. On the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Range we gain a rare perspective of the vast flood plains & rocky outcrops that form this ancient land. We walk between eight and sixteen kilometres each day, but you only carry a daypack. This is a supported trek and all the camping equipment is transported by vehicle to the next campsite. On arrival, you'll find the bush tucker exceeds expectations and you'll have plenty of time to reflect on the dynamic landscape. The Larapinta Trail will appeal to the avid walker. At times the trail descends from the ridgeline into narrow canyons where delicate ferns and twisted gum trees grow from dry rivers of sand. The trail also visits the impressive Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. There is also an opportunity to climb Mt Sonder (1380m), a perfect vantage point where you can see the length of the entire West MacDonnell Range. An exceptional walk…exceptional destination…exceptional guides.

Day 1.

Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap
You are picked up from your accommodation between 7am and 7.30am. Your walking commences from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, which marks the beginning of the Larapinta Trail. The stone buildings here date back to 1872 and they housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. The trail passes through witchetty bush and mulga scrub, and over exposed hills and shady woodlands, before you arrive at the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap and transfer to your exclusive Ti Tree wilderness camp, the first of two semi-permanent wilderness camps. Meals L,D

Day 2.

Simpson's Gap plus Standley Chasm
From Ti Tree Campsite you follow the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. You may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as you approach Simpson's Gap. A short transfer takes you to the stunning Standley Chasm where you undertake a spectacular loop walk including an exciting descent through the rugged heart of Standley Chasm. You transfer back to Ti Tree wilderness campsite and magnificent sunset views along the Heavitree Range. Meals B,L,D

Day 3.

Serpentine Gorge to Counts Point and Serpentine Chalet Dam
The highlight of the day is the 5 km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Count's Point. From the summit you have views west to Mount Sonder, and where for the first time you can see the comet impact crater, Gosse Bluff a feature of the landscape for the next few days. The descent from the high ridgetop takes you down through a surprising forest of old Hill Mulga Trees. At the base of the ridge you trek along the dolomite limestones toward camp, keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites one of the most ancient forms of life. You trek in to the exclusive Charlie's Camp, the second semi-permanent wilderness camp, and have a relaxing afternoon amongst the hills. An optional walk to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals some early history and the chance for a swim in the dam and chasm. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4.

Serpentine Bush Camp to the Ochre Pits (7 km), Ormiston Gorge to Finke River (11 km)
Your trek today takes in crossing the ranges at Inarlanga Pass as well as the vibrant colour of the Aboriginal quarry at the Ochre Pits. The walk from Ormiston Pround takes you through the diverse lowlands and Creek country through to the ancient Finke River. You then return to Charlie's Camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5.

Mount Sonder (16 km)
This morning you are up early for your ascent of Mount Sonder (known as the pregnant lady by the local Anangu Aboriginal people). An early start allows you to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape. To sight the views of the country from the top and knowing you have just climbed one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Glen Helen Resort at the base of the range, relax with a drink or even take an optional helicopter flight over the West MacDonnell Ranges. A short transfer returns you to Charlie's Camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6.

Ormiston Pound Walk (8 km) to Alice Springs
The Ormiston Pound offers some extraordinary scenery and wildlife. Our final walk eplores the upper reaches of the Gorge and the chance to see the many Rock Wallabies as the scamper about the imposing cliffs. You drive back to Alice Springs, concluding around 5 or 6pm. Meals: B, L

Style of Tour

Each day will start with a hot drink call from your guides. They will then prepare breakfast, whilst you prepare for the day and pack up all your equipment. After breakfast the guides finish their last minute packing and you set off for the day’s walk. Each day is different but usually the morning walk is 3-4 hours with numerous snack, photo and water breaks along the way.

A leisurely lunch is served and a chance to put your feet up and simply take in the magnificent scenery. The afternoon walk is usually shorter then the morning walk getting us to camp with plenty of daylight and time for exploring, relaxing or just enjoying a welcome hot drink and a chat.

A hot dinner and dessert is served around 7pm with time to tell a few stories and hear a brief on the following day’s activities.

Grading & Fitness

Grade C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiatic. We will be taking you into real wilderness areas so at times the tracks will be uneven and steep in places.

The itinerary is flexible enough to provide time to relax or to present you with challenges. We recommend you do some physical preparation: brisk walking, jogging or cycling a couple of times a week during the month or so before you arrive as this will enable you to make the most of your trip.

Guides & Safety

The guides are experienced outdoor leaders who will take the time to make you comfortable if you have not been camping before. The guide is responsible for your safety at all times during the trip. Feel free about approaching the guide about anything that may concern you. He/she will be doing everything possible to ensure that you get the most out of the trip. The guide will coordinate every aspect of the tour, including cooking and camp preparation. You are welcome (but not obliged) to assist in things like food preparation, washing dishes and setting
up tents. Your participation in these activities will ensure a rewarding trip.

What to take

The Larapinta Trail is a fully supported trek. You will need to carry just a day-pack with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items. You should plan on carrying at least 3 litres of water each and every day.

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

Essential Items

Clothing
1-2 pairs Walking Pants . Lightweight and quick drying hiking pants (not denim)
1 pair shorts
1 Long-sleeved shirts which are light weight and can be worn on hot days for sun protection
Hiking socks to wear each day
Sunhat - broad brimmed for good sun protection (crushable)
Bandana for sun protection on your neck
3 T-shirts
1 Warm jumper (Woollen or Polar fleece)
1 pair of Warm Pants for the evenings. eg. Track suit pants
Underwear
Swimming costume
Personal toiletries (think small, light weight and biodegradable/low environmental impact)
Beanie or warm hat (It can get to as low as 5 degrees C in the evenings in Katherine and Southern Kakadu)

Footwear
A pair of lace‐up sturdy walking shoes for the track that provide adequate ankle support
A pair of lightweight shoes that can be worn around camp or sports sandals to wear canoeing (eg.Teva or similar)

Ensure that your boots are well worn in before travelling, blisters have ruined many holidays.

Equipment
Duffle bag or soft bag to put all clothing/gear in – 700mm x 400mm x 400mm
(Please stick to these size dimensions and no hard suitcases! They wont fit in the trailer)
2 Litres worth of Water Bottles/Bladders (if you bring a bladder you must also carry a bottle in case the bladder gets punctured). Unbreakable lightweight bottles are recommended.
Sleeping bag (2 ‐ 3 seasons)These are available for hire but must be booked prior to departure – you must provide a sleeping bag inner sheet if you are hiring your sleeping bag.
Daypack (large enough to carry 2 litres of water, snacks and personal items such as camera)
Sunglasses
Head torch and spare batteries (essential for campsite)
Small Lightweight Towel
Walking poles (Optional)

Medical Supplies
Your guide will carry a comprehensive medical kit for any accidents that may occur. It is your responsibility to bring sufficient quantities of any specific medications you require. Please advise the guides of medications you will be carrying. In addition we suggest that each passenger bring the following:
Sunscreen
Lip protectant
Band‐aid strips
Blister protection
Insect repellent
Aspirin or equivalent headache remedy
A mild anti‐nausea drug if you are concerned about motion sickness.

Optional Items
Camera with plenty of spare batteries
Book/Maps
Binoculars
Fly net

Gear Supplied
All cooking and eating equipment
High quality tents
Swags with a sheet and pillow.

Transport

The vehicles used for transport on the Larapinta Trail are Toyota Landcruisers or Coaster minibuses. Maximum of either eight (Landcruiser) or sixteen (Coaster) passengers plus a driver per vehicle. The
vehicles are registered as commercial tourist (passenger carrying) vehicles. We have well equipped camping trailers and large water tanks.

Food

It is known that healthy appetites build up when trekking and touring and providing tasty and varied meals with plenty of fresh ingredients is necessary. The excellent cooks serve a sensible combination of local and European dishes while at the same time ensuring high standards of hygiene. On all the trips your good health is our highest priority. Vegitarians are also catered for. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Accommodation

During the trip you camp in exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills these campsites offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. There are two campsites, the Ti Tree Camp and Charlie's Camp.

The semi-permanent campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about setting up or packing up tents. Each site offers a large kitchen - dining tent that provides warm shelter for the whole group during bad weather, or a shady spot to relax on a sunny afternoon.