Experience the Larapinta Trail through First Nations eyes
Experience the Larapinta Trail through First Nations eyes
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Inspiration Outdoors, as part of the Intrepid Travel Group, launches a new First Nations-guided Larapinta Trail experience.
The Larapinta Trail is more than just one of Australia’s most iconic walks—it’s a journey through some of the world’s oldest landscapes, rich with culture, history, and connection. Winding through Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), this trail tells stories written into the earth over millennia.
Now guests can experience these stories from the people who know them best.
From May 2025, Inspiration Outdoors, part of the Intrepid Travel Group, is proud to offer its first-ever First Nations-guided Larapinta Trail experience. In partnership with 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure, a fully First Nations-owned and operated company, these special departures will take guests beyond the trail and into the heart of Arrernte Country.
What’s a walk with the custodians of the Larapinta?
This new experience offers travellers something truly unique: the chance to walk alongside two First Nations guides, learn from their deep connection to Country, and hear the stories passed down through generations. These Dreaming stories tell of how the ranges and riverbeds were formed, of sacred places, and of survival in a desert landscape.
The guides will share their knowledge of native bush foods and the plants that have sustained their people for tens of thousands of years. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the land is not just a place to walk through—it’s a living, breathing part of their culture and identity.
As Benjamin Kenny, Western Arrernte man and 100% Finke River Trip leader, explains:
“When I’m sharing the culture, it’s like opening doors for visitors—it’s something special.”
Why this partnership is so important
The Larapinta Trail is beautiful, but what makes this journey truly unforgettable is the opportunity to experience the land through First Nations eyes. It’s a chance to connect not only with the landscape but with its custodians—the people who have lived here for millennia and continue to care for it today.
This partnership with 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure ensures that the knowledge and stories of the Arrernte people are passed on in their own voices. More than that, it directly supports First Nations communities through employment, training, and community investment.
Travellers who choose this experience are doing more than taking a walk—they’re taking part in something meaningful, helping to ensure that these stories continue to be told for generations to come.
What makes the Larapinta Trail tour an unforgettable trek
The tour itself is an immersive blend of natural beauty, adventure, and connection. Guests will still enjoy the highlights of the 7-day Larapinta Trail journey, from the towering red cliffs of Ormiston Gorge to the sweeping desert views from the summit of Mt Sonder. Walk rugged ridgelines, cross ancient riverbeds, and discover why the Ormiston Pound Walk is considered one of the best hikes in the Northern Territory.
But the experience doesn’t end when the walking does. Each evening, you’ll return to an exclusive private campsite on First Nations land with a blazing campfire, a place where travellers rarely get to stay. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty two-course meal under a blanket of stars—sharing stories with your leaders, fellow travellers, and local hosts. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and truly feel the spirit of the outback.
Limited Departures – Be Part of Something Special
This new First Nations-guided experience is limited to just 10 departures in 2025, making it a rare opportunity to walk on Country, hear the stories, and see the Larapinta Trail through a new lens.
It’s more than a walk. It’s a connection to culture, community, and a land that holds stories older than time.
