Northern Territory School Mentoring & Leadership Larapinta Adventure – 7 Nights – 8 Days

Larapinta Trail 14 Day Trek

Northern Territory School Mentoring & Leadership Larapinta Adventure - 7 Nights - 8 Days

The Larapinta Trail and Red Centre Highlights – $3,995 Per Person

Our Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park and Larapinta trek is a monumental adventure.

Trekking through Australia’s Red Centre, the spiritual heart of Australia is an extraordinary experience.

The Landscape that the Larapinta track winds through is a place before our time.

Our belonging is on the earth that we walk.

Larapinta is about a belonging and understanding of ancient culture, history and landscape.

People have got to get out there to understand it.

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre.

We trek sections of the Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular wilderness walks in Australia. Covering up to 18 km’s of graded trail per day, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback in our permanent camp sites. Discover the magic and mysteries concealed within this ancient environment and be swept away by the dreamtime and history of the area.

The Larapinta Trail & Red Centre – 7 Nights – 8 Day Adventure

Our Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park and Larapinta trek is a monumental adventure.

Trekking through Australia’s Red Centre, the spiritual heart of Australia is an extraordinary experience.

The Landscape that the Larapinta track winds through is a place before our time.

Our belonging is on the earth that we walk.

Larapinta is about a belonging and understanding of ancient culture, history and landscape.

People have got to get out there to understand it.

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre.

We trek sections of the Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular wilderness walks in Australia. Covering up to 18 km’s of graded trail per day, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback in our permanent camp sites. Discover the magic and mysteries concealed within this ancient environment and be swept away by the dreamtime and history of the area.

Price Includes

Tour guide, ground support crew and all transportation. Camping equipment and bedding including swags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets. Meals and snacks as indicated on on itinerary. Hot and cold drinks excluding alcoholic beverages (note that the purchase of alcohol can be arranged with your guide at the pre-trek meeting. Cold storage will be provided), fresh drinking water.

  • –  1 x 4WD vehicle (16 PAX Max)
  • –  1 x professionally trained and accredited tour guide
  • –  1 x professionally trained tour host
  • –  National Park Fees and camping fees
  • –  Meals as listed (Groups assistance to prep & wash up)
  • – Pre and Post trek accommodation
  • –  Karrke Cultural Experience
  • –  All linen, pillows, sleeping bags and permanent safari tents (11 tents per site)
  • –  Airport/ Hotel pick up on Day 1, Alice Springs Hotel drop off on last day (no later than 6 pm)
  • –  Cold drinking water and snacks such as fresh fruit, muesli bars and biscuits during the day.
Price

$3,995 Per Person

Accommodation

Basic bush camp with swags (tents upon request) (4 nights)

Exclusions

Flights, airport departure taxes, arrival and departure transfers, visa, travel insurance, optional tours and activities during free time, tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature. It is recommended that any additional alcohol/refreshments be purchased prior to tour departure** in Alice Springs. Storage will be provided

Arrival & Meet & Greet

We meet at 3.00pm in the foyer of the Doubletree Hilton (Barrett Drive) where you will meet the rest of the members of your group to discuss the coming days with your guide.

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 articles needed for your Larapinta Trail walk.

Day 1

Section 1 Alice Springs to Wallaby (Lunch & Dinner)

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 there is 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. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Section 10 Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 as well as the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. Tonight, relax at our beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Section 8 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 level of fitness. 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).
Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Section 12 Mount Sonder Climb (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

An early rise is an understatement 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. Enjoy time at camp for your last evening under the stars of the Milky Way.
Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Section 9/10 Ormiston Pound Walk to Kings Creek Station (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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 great 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 dumb founded. After another healthy lunch, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and began our journey along the Mareenie Loop towards Kings Creek Station where we will spend the night in our remote bush camp.

Camp: Kings Creek Station permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Kings Canyon (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we head off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a mind blowing 6km walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka. We will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and the tranquil ‘Garden of Eden’. Afterward we travel a short distance to our next stop to enjoy a well-earned lunch followed by the opportunity to immerse yourself in an authentic indigenous cultural experience. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk with our indigenous custodians while learning about bush tucker and the healing powers of bush medicine and gain an insight into Aboriginal dot painting. Late afternoon we start returning to Uluru for our final night in the outback, if time permits, we will watch the sun set over Uluru. Afterwards we will be settling in at our permanent campsite marvel at the clearest skies you can imagine.

Camp: Yulara permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Rising early, take a short walk to a lookout close to our campsite to view sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta without the hustle and bustle of the public viewing areas before heading off to Uluru to walk around the base of this iconic Red Centre sight. We will explore the cultural center and enjoy a picnic lunch here before heading off to Kata Tjuta for a walk through the “Valley of the Winds”. Afterwards settle in at our private camp, complete with our signature Endless Star dining experience before retiring to comfortable safari tent complete with beds.

Camp: Yulara permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Uluru and Alice Springs (Breakfast & Lunch)

Witness a stunning sunrise over Uluru before enjoying your final breakfast in the Outback. Afterwards, we will start making our way back to Alice Springs, stopping at Mount Conner (Atila), Curtin Springs and Erldunda Roadhouse along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

  • –  1 x 4WD vehicle (16 PAX Max)
  • –  1 x professionally trained and accredited tour guide
  • –  1 x professionally trained tour host
  • –  National Park Fees and camping fees
  • –  Meals as listed above (Groups assistance to prep & wash up)
  • Pre and Post trek accommodation
  • –  Karrke Cultural Experience
  • –  All linen, pillows, sleeping bags and permanent safari tents (11 tents per site)
  • –  Airport/ Hotel pick up on Day 1, Alice Springs Hotel drop off on last day (no later than 6 pm)
  • –  Cold drinking water and snacks such as fresh fruit, muesli bars and biscuits during the day.
  • Price Per Person $3,995.00

“If our set departure dates are not convenient for you, you may choose Private departures by selecting your own convenient tour date. These types of departure are best suited to couples, families, charity and small groups of friends. Customised itineraries are available as per your travel need.“

What to Bring

Headlight or torch, wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, fly net, water bottles (min. recommended capacity 3-4 litres total), walking shoes/boots, warm clothing, personal items such as toiletries and medications and towel. BYO alcohol (see note under inclusions).

Please note temperature variation is great in Central Australia. You will be required to carry all clothing required for that day and should plan accordingly. Temperature variations ranging from 0 – 30 degrees Celsius can be experienced each day.

All other clothing and luggage will be transported by the ground crew. Any items not needed for the trek can be stored at your accommodation in Alice Springs.

Travelling with Children

Due to the nature of this tour, the minimum age accepted for children is 12 years. Private Charters can be arranged by request and tailored for children’s needs accordingly.

Arrival in Alice Springs

Many hotels provide courtesy buses that meet most flights. To take advantage of this, you must call the hotel at least 24 hours before your arrival and provide your flight details and arrival time. Otherwise a taxi will cost approximately AUD$30. The airport shuttle costs AUD$15 per person and meets every flight, and will also take you directly to your hotel.

Outback Camping in Style

We like to camp in style and comfort which involves sleeping in enclosed swags or in large, wilderness style tents. A mattress, pillow, -5CC rated sleeping bags, sheets, woollen blankets are provided. A hands free headlight/torch is thoroughly recommended for after dark activities. Please note you will be required to carry your own day pack on this walk. All other equipment will be handled by our ground crew.

Respecting Indigenous Culture

Please note that itineraries that include visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations of our Indigenous hosts and guide.

**Departure dates lists refer to your arrival days into Alice Springs and your night of accommodation. It is not the first day of trek.