Days
7 Days
Tour Type
Walking
From
$3,735 Per Person
- Start
-
Alice Springs
- Finish
-
Alice Springs
- Physical Rating
- moderate - rocky and uneven underfoot
- Tour Distance
- Approx. 60km
- Group size
- Min 4, Max 12
- Code
- LARPIN
Overview
Arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, the Larapinta Trail is a walker's delight. Experience the rugged beauty of the famous West MacDonnell Ranges - where vast desert vistas, stunning gorges, and cool waterholes are framed by weeping ghost gums. On this journey, we'll guide you to some of the most memorable highlights along this iconic 223 km trail.
Highlights of this walk
- Walk alongside First Nations guides from 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure, hearing Dreaming stories, learn about native bush foods, and experience the land through the eyes of its Traditional Custodians.
- Discover the rugged beauty of the West Macdonnell ranges on this unforgettable adventure tour. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape as you explore the majestic Ormiston and Serpentine Gorge, two of the most impressive chasms in the region.
- Hike through the iconic Larapinta Trail and marvel at the breathtaking scenery, culminating in a triumphant climb to the summit of Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West Macdonnell ranges.
- Explore the Ormiston Pound Walk, which has been voted one of the best walks in the Northern Territory. This popular trail is a favourite among visitors to the region, offering breathtaking views of the Ormiston Gorge and surrounding mountains.
- Experience the unique flora and fauna of the region and be awed by the vast expanses of the Australian Outback.
- Support local communities, with your journey directly contributing to employment and training opportunities for First Nations guides and camp hosts.
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Itinerary
Rise with the Outback sun and meet your First Nations walking guides, crew, and drivers—the team who will be by your side throughout this incredible journey. After introductions, it's time to leave town and head west towards Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), where the vast desert landscape stretches endlessly before you.
Your adventure begins at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the starting point of the Larapinta Trail. Here, you'll glimpse the "Alice Spring" itself—a waterhole that was mistaken for a spring but holds deep significance to the land's Traditional Custodians. From here, set out on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail, a 14 km hike to Wallaby Gap. As you walk, soak in the striking contrasts of the landscape—rocky ridgelines, ancient riverbeds, and the deep red hues of the Outback.
Upon reaching Wallaby Gap, rest beneath the shade of towering ghost gums before continuing to your private campsite on First Nations land—your home for the next four nights. As the stars begin to scatter across the sky, enjoy a hearty dinner with your group around the campfire, sharing stories and settling into the rhythm of the land.
Please note breakfast is not included this morning. There is a kiosk at Desert Palms that sells breakfast items or otherwise there is the Bean Tree Cafe at the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens a short walk from the Desert Palms.
Accommodation: 100% Finke Campground
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After a nourishing breakfast, lace up your boots for one of the most breathtaking sections of the Larapinta Trail—Serpentine Ridge (Section 8). Setting off from the base of Serpentine Gorge, the trail climbs steadily, winding through landscapes dotted with Mountain Hakea, its pink, spiky blossoms adding a splash of colour to the rugged Outback terrain.
Reaching the top of the ridge, you'll be rewarded with uninterrupted views over the red desert landscape, stretching all the way to Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil—the highest peak in the Northern Territory. This vantage point is one of the most spectacular on the entire trail, making it the perfect spot to pause, soak it all in, and enjoy a well-earned snack.
As you take in the sweeping vistas, your First Nations guides will share the Dreaming stories of the Irbanga (fish) ancestors, who travelled through this country, as well as the significance of the Eritja (eagle) and Takuia (mouse) Dreaming. These stories bring the land to life, revealing the deep spiritual connection between Country and its people.
Before descending towards Serpentine Chalet Dam, take a moment at Counts Point, a picture-perfect spot where the dramatic ridgelines seem to stretch on forever. Back at camp, gather around the fire as your hosts share stories of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges), its cultural history, and the enduring connection of the Arrernte people to this sacred land.
Accommodation: 100% Finke Campground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, set out on the Ormiston Pound Walk, a spectacular trail that showcases the breathtaking beauty of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges). As you journey through the rugged landscapes, your First Nations guides will share the Dreaming stories of the Argutja Unthippa (Dancing Ladies), the ancestral figures who shaped this land and its deep connection to Rodna Country.
At the end of the walk, the towering red cliffs of Ormiston Gorge reveal a hidden oasis—a cool, shaded waterhole that invites you in for a refreshing swim. Take your time here, soaking in the tranquillity of this sacred place before continuing your journey.
In the afternoon, visit the Ochre Pits, a site of immense cultural significance for the Western Arrernte people. A Traditional Owner will share stories of this ancient place, explaining how the richly coloured ochre has been used for generations in ceremonies, trade, and storytelling. You'll also hear the tale of the Eritja (eagle) and its journey through this Country.
As the sun sets, return to camp for another evening by the fire, enjoying a well-earned meal beneath a clear sky filled with stars.
Accommodation: 100% Finke Campground (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise before dawn and set off in the darkness towards Redbank Gorge, where today's challenge awaits—the summit of Mt Sonder (Rutjupma), the highest point on the Larapinta Trail (Section 12). Rug up in warm layers, strap on your head torch, and prepare for a rewarding ascent. The climb begins with steep sections leading to the saddle, where the trail gradually levels out, making the final push to the peak more manageable.
Reaching the summit just as the sun begins to rise, you'll be greeted with unrivalled 360-degree views over the vast desert landscape. Watch as the first golden light spills over the horizon, transforming the West MacDonnell Ranges into a sea of deep reds, oranges, and purples. Your First Nations guides will point out important landmarks and share the Dreaming stories of this sacred place—including how the Argutja Unthippa (Dancing Ladies) shaped the ranges and how the Kulaia (Rainbow Serpent) once lived atop Mt Sonder before moving to Redbank Gorge.
This vantage point also offers a view of the landscapes made famous by Albert Namatjira, the celebrated Arrernte artist whose paintings captured the essence of this Country. After taking it all in, begin your descent back down the saddle, where a well-earned breakfast will be waiting in the valley below.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy—choose to take on an extra walk or simply relax and reflect on the journey so far. As night falls, gather with your group for one final campfire dinner, celebrating the unforgettable experiences shared on Country.
Accommodation: 100% Finke Campground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your final day on the Larapinta Trail is here, so take in every last detail of this incredible landscape as you set out for your morning walk. Today's journey takes you to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), an important cultural site for the Western Arrernte people. You'll follow the Reveal Saddle Walk (Section 4 of the Larapinta Trail), a stunning route that showcases the West MacDonnell Ranges in all their glory.
The trail begins along a dry riverbed, weaving past native plants like cassias, sennas, and towering red river gums. As you ascend through the valley, the terrain shifts, revealing striking rock formations that have been tilted and exposed over millions of years. The views from Reveal Saddle are breathtaking, offering one last sweeping perspective of this ancient landscape.
Upon completing the walk, you'll have the opportunity to visit Standley Chasm, a sacred women's site, or relax with a coffee at the Visitor Centre, reflecting on the journey you've just completed.
In the afternoon, return to Alice Springs with your group, where you'll check into your hotel and gather for one final dinner—a well-earned celebration of the incredible adventure you've shared on Country.
Accommodation: Desert Palms Alice Springs (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inclusions
Meals
-
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
-
All transport: private bus to and from Alice Springs; as well as transport to and from the track each day
Accommodation
-
Due to the remoteness of the trail we will be staying in a mixture of motel accommodation, while in Alice Springs and camping when we are out in the West MacDonnell Ranges completing walks on the Larapinta Trail.
- Aurora, Alice Springs, 2 nights (night 1 and 6)
- Glen Helen Campground, 4 nights, (night 2,3,4, and 5)
The motel style accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same gender. Limited single supplements are available for an additional $150.
On our first and last nights of tour we will be staying at Aurora in Alice Springs. The rooms are standard 4 star hotel rooms and we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and breakfast at the hotel dinning room.
We will be staying at Glen Helen Campsite which is an oasis in the desert. There are toilets and showers at the campground as well as an onsite bar/ restaurant. We provide a comfortable tent for each guest, with a stretcher and mattress
Included activities
-
Guided walks with First Nations leaders from 100% Finke River Culture & Adventure, sharing Dreaming stories, bush knowledge, and cultural insights.
-
Fantastic moderate-challenging walks including Ormiston Gorge, Mt Sonder, Serpentine Gorge.
-
7 day tour starting and finishing in Alice Springs
-
Professional guiding and support each day
-
Small group size
-
Emergency support: fully trained guides carry satellite phones and first aid kits
-
Excellent itinerary and planning drawn from many years of experience
Dates & Availability
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
3 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
2 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
Contact us to arrange a different departure or join the waitlist
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
2 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,735 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $210 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
Important Notes
- So that we maximise your time outside of the bus exploring, rather than commuting back to Alice Springs each night, this tour is a mixture of comfortable camping and hotel accommodation. Comfortable camping (nights 2,3,4,5) and hotel accommodation (nights 1 and 6)
- Campsite information: (As we like to say it’s a camping tour for non campers!) Each person will have the use of their own tent, comfy camping bed and pillow. Even if you are travelling with a friend or a significant other you will have access to your own tent or you are more than welcome to share. You can bring your own sleeping bag or hire one from us for $45 (to cover dry cleaning at the end of the tour).
- Warm clothes / layers / thermals / beanie / gloves or mitts are needed to stay warm on tour and proper closed toe footwear with ankle support / hiking boots are strongly recommended.
- Please note: Ormiston Pound Walk is not part of the Larapinta Trail however we include in our tours as it was voted one of the best walks of the Northern Territory.
- In the event of unforeseeable circumstances that require a modification to the itinerary or accommodation, we will make every effort to provide a suitable alternative.
- Start & End Times: This trip starts at 6pm with a welcome meeting on day 1 at your hotel and finishes back in Alice Springs after breakfast on day 7. Please take this into consideration when booking arrival and onward travel.
FAQs
Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs
How hard are the walks on this tour?
The walks on the Larapinta Trail are quite challenging, whereas the walks around Kings Canyon and Uluru and Kata Tjuta are not too difficult. Please be aware that all walks will be on quite rocky and uneven surfaces. The itinerary however is built in way so we can take our time and don’t have to rush to complete the walks.
On some of the longer and more strenuous walks there is an option to shorten the walk and you may choose how far you would like to go.
The more training on rocky and uneven surfaces you do the more fun the tour will be.
Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs
What will the weather be like in June, July and early August?
The average temperatures in June, July hover around the 20°C mark during the day and the nights around the 5°C mark. Although the weather is cooler at this time of the year, it is a popular time to visit Central Australia as the summer +30°C sun makes it quite uncomfortable to stand in, let alone embark on a walk! Come prepared with layers so you can stay warm or cool throughout the day. The chance of getting rain in this period is very small, but still always come prepared.
Humidity is usually quite low in Central Australia (the average relative humidity in Alice Springs is 24%), which makes drinking enough water very important to feeling well. Make sure to bring enough water bottles with at least 3l capacity.
Another thing to look out for is the UV index or UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs
Can I buy snacks and alcohol once we leave Alice Springs?
Glen Helen Station has a small convenience store with a limited range of snacks. It is best to get any snacks and some alcohol you may need for our 5 days in the National Park prior to departing Alice Springs (please note that the bottle shops in Alice Springs do not open until midday). You can buy alcohol at Glen Helen restaurant but it must be consumed within the establishment.
Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs
Do I have to share a room or tent with other people?
No, if you decide to camp you will be provided with your own tent.
If you decide not to camp you don’t have to share either as there are single supplements available at an extra cost. There is a limited amount of single supplements available though. If you decide to share your motel room, it is on a twin-share basis and we will team you up with somebody of the same gender. If you are interested in a single supplement give us a call or send us an email for further information.
Posted in: Larapinta Trail Tour FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
(a) 84 days or more prior to departure, we will refund your deposit minus $50 administration fee;(b) 30 and 84 days prior to departure, loss of deposit
(c) between 24 and 29 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost;
(d) between 15 and 23 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost;
(e) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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