Overview
Experience the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s most popular wilderness walks. Covering up to 16 km of the graded trail daily, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. Be swept away by the Dreamtime of this ancient environment and discover the magic and mysteries hidden within.
Traditionally, people expect the region to be a featureless plain of winding red sand hills with a few grasses and bushes. Get ready for the shock of a lifetime – Central Australia is home to the tallest peaks in the Northern Territory, the oldest dramatic landscape in Australia, full of ravines, escarpments and sensational waterholes, life forms that will excite the curious. A truly excellent wilderness experience will immerse you in the peace and tranquillity of the landscape.
Arrival and Meet and Greet (pre tour start)
Arrive at the airport and make your own way to your accommodation in Alice Springs (not included, please book directly). We meet on Saturday afternoon between 2.00-2:30pm in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, where you will meet the rest of your group members to discuss the coming days with your guide. Afterwards, head back to your Alice Springs accommodation, retiring early for the night in preparation for the big journey ahead. 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 the articles needed for your Larapinta Trail adventure.
Untamed Moments
- Discover the Red Centre’s Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s top wilderness trails
- Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of West MacDonnell National Park (Tjoritja) on beautiful Arrernte country
- Be impressed by dramatic views of the ancient landscape from Euro Ridge (Section one) and Counts point lookout (Section 8, 1140 m altitude)
- Take a dip in some of the West MacDonnell ranges most impressive waterholes including Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek
- Enjoy our exclusive private campsite on traditional land, complete with permanent safari tents, or choose to sleep in an Aussie Swag and watch the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation
- Taste ethically sourced, organic bush foods straight from the Central Desert around the campfire
- Explore ravines and escarpments, where life forms that will excite the curious mind
- Watch the sunrise and stunning 360-degree view from Mount Sonder, one of the territory’s highest mountains
Inclusions
- 4 Nights’ Private and remote campsite on traditional land complete with safari tents with twin bedding (bush setting including hot bush showers, eco toilet and solar charging, no 240v electricity)
- All camping equipment such as linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and basic swag
- Includes: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, trek snacks (guest participation)
- Fresh drinking water, hot and cold drinks, excluding alcoholic beverages (BYO alcohol, cold storage will be provided, let your guide know at the meet and greet)
- Guided bushwalking (~14km, grade 2-5)
- Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach travel
- Courtesy hotel pick-up/drop-off in Alice Springs
- Walking Trail Fee 5 Days, traditional owners and camping fees
- 2 Professionally trained & accredited outback driver-guides & onboard host
- An outback meat tasting platter including buffalo, kangaroo and camel (based on availability)
- An ethically sourced, organic bush food tasting platter straight from the Central Desert
- Extensive remote first aid kit, satellite phone.
Itinerary
Day 1: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap
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 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. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Creation time (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Base Camp:Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Meals: L | D | S
Driving Distance: approx. 146km
Hike Distance: 14 km, Grade 4 – moderate to difficult
Day 2: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam
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 fitness level. 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). If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim after a long day of walking.
Base Camp:Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Meals: B | L | D | S
Driving Distance: approx. 67km
Hike Distance: 13.4km, Grade 4 – moderate to difficult
Day 3: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge
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 and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Tonight, relax at our beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.
Base Camp:Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags
Meals Included: B | L | D | S
Driving Distance: approx. 27km
Hike Distance: 11km, Grade 3 – moderate
Day 4: Mount Sonder Climb
An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) 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. Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote campsite.
Base Camp:Private and remote West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite; Safari Tents, or Bush Swags.
Meals Included: B | L | D | S
Driving Distance: approx. 64km
Hiking Distance: 16km, Grade 5 – difficult
Day 5: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs
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 grand 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 dumbfounded. After a last picnic lunch at Ormiston gorge, heading back to pack and break camp, we’ll reluctantly bid farewell to this wilderness haven and take the first steps back toward everyday life, carrying the magic of the trail with us.
Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, make your own way to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants (your guide will confirm the time and location), where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.
Accommodation: Potshot Hotel Resort Private Rooms (with ensuite) or Backpackers Shared Accommodation (with shared bathroom) or similar alternative.
Meals Included: B | L | D
Base Camp: N/A
Driving Distance: approx. 156km
Hike Distance: 9km, Grade 3 – moderate, trail includes a small swim through
portion today that is unavoidable in certain times of the season
Know Before You Go
Weather
The weather in the Northern Territory can fluctuate and be extreme. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 50+ degrees Celsius in the dry season and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically.Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing. In the event of rain or inclement weather, your experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider.
General Information
- Mandatory Details: Passenger details are required at the time of booking, including date of birth, food allergies, and a contact phone number.
- Dietary Requirements: While we strive to accommodate most dietary needs, passengers must inform their booking agent of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. As we travel to remote areas, we have limited options once the tour departs, so prior notice is essential.
- Fitness Level: A moderate to advanced fitness level is necessary to complete daily walks, which range from 11 km to 16 km each day, often over steep rocky sections and in direct sunlight and in arid conditions. An approximate up to 70km walk is included in this tour. Embarking on walks will be at the guide’s discretion to ensure safety of guests. A doctor’s certificate is required for participants over 75 years old, submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Age Restrictions: Children aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian at all times. The tour is not suitable for infants or children aged 7 and under due to safety requirements and the physical demands of the walks.
- Medical Conditions: Please notify the tour operator of any known medical conditions when booking. This tour is physically demanding and requires a moderate to advanced level of fitness and mobility.
- Baggage Limitations: Limited storage space is available on our vehicle. Each traveller may bring 1 x 15-20 kg travel bag and 1 x 5-7 kg day bag. Larger suitcases should be stored at your hotel during the tour.
- Itinerary Variations: Itineraries may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally sites in the parks close for cultural reasons or restricted swimming hole access. We prioritise safety and plan accordingly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
- Guest Participation: Guests are encouraged to participate in meal preparation, unpacking, and loading luggage into the vehicles. This collaborative effort promotes a relaxed atmosphere, fostering connections among travellers after a day of touring.
- Before you book: Please read the information below and our Booking Terms & Conditions to ensure this experience is right for you.
Travel Considerations
Flights Arriving – Alice Springs (Airport Code ASP)
- Given our tour departs early from Alice Springs from 6:00am, guests must arrive the day prior to the tour and stay 1-night for a welcome meet & greet for 2:30pm. Once you have booked your Alice Springs accommodation, we will arrange a pickup on the day of the tour. We do not provide airport-to accommodation transfer services pre/post tours.
Unexpected Disruptions
- To avoid potential travel disruptions, we strongly recommend against customers booking departure flights on the final day of the tour. While we strive to adhere to our itinerary, unexpected delays can occur. Please note that the tour operator is not responsible for any costs incurred due to such delays. For added peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Acceptance of Risk
- The Larapinta Trail is a wilderness experience defined by remoteness, mountain ranges and extreme temperatures. In case of injury, evacuations can take anywhere from a couple of hours to more than twelve hours, depending on location and whether the rescue attempt extends into the night. All passengers participating in our tours do so at their own risk. Passengers are responsible for any additional costs involved should such instances occur. All passengers will be required to sign a liability waiver before departure. All passengers must wear shoes at all times, use sunblock, wear a wide brimmed hat when outdoors and consume the appropriate amount of hydration. Passengers should note that adventure travel and the Larapinta Trail, in particular, involves a higher-than-normal risk; we highly recommend taking out appropriate travel insurance.
Safe Travel Measures
- The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State and Territory) entry restrictions and vaccination guidelines or testing requirements for entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services. We strongly recommend vaccinated and unvaccinated guests travelling on Short Break / Extended Tours bring a couple of RAT tests in the unlikely event that a guest falls ill on tour. Guests are responsible for all COVID-related relocation expenses should they need to leave the trip midway and refunds will not be provided. All expenses will need to be claimed through travel insurance.
What to bring
- 3-5L refillable water bladder for hiking
- Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Swimwear, swimming towel, shower towel & toiletries (wet wipes)
- Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes (good tread, closed toe shoes, for walking & climbing that have been worn in prior)
- All-weather lightweight, quick-dry clothing (extreme conditions inc wind, heat, cold, day/night)
- Thermal layers for extreme cold during the night, dusk and dawn
- 15-20kg soft bag & approx. 5-8 kg small day pack
- Head torch that is rechargeable or with spare batteries (essential for the Mt Sonder hike and around camp at night)
- Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (we provide dry fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies and some cakes)
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Mosquito or fly net (summer months)
- Money for snack and meals
- Personal first aid kit and medications. Chilled space can be provided if necessary.
- Bring your own sleeping bag & pillow (optional – if you prefer your own)
- Recharge power bank (limited access to solar power charging facilities)
- Camera
- Please contact us to have a comprehensive packing list, sent to you prior to travel.
Exclusions
- Any meals not indicated within the itinerary, excluding alcohol (BYO) storage provided. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you discuss this with us more in detail as options are limited in the outback.
- Alice Springs Hotel on Day 0 and Day 5 of the itinerary
- Day 5: Transfer to the farewell dinner, please make your own way
- Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenses
What our customers say
Untamed Escapes
135 Waymouth St, Adelaide
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I traveled from Adelaide to Melbourne with Girls Guide to the World. What a fabulous experience! Hannah was such a delight! She was absolutely one of the best tour guides AND bus drivers! She was very knowledgeable about the history … More of each town we came through. She was easy going and very flexible when plans had to change. She definitely made the long bus rides special. I highly recommend Untamed Escapes with Hannah!
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Had a brilliant 3 days, 2 nights swag camping on kangaroo island with Chris our guide! We managed to see so much of the island including spotting wild koalas, going to some beautiful beaches for swim stops such as Emu bay, Stokes bay and … More Hanson bay. The swag camping was so fun and we could star gaze and seen the wallaby’s s at the campsite. The food was always good and had plenty of options. Such a great group and a really fun trip! Zoe was also a great addition and help to the tour!!
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Had an amazing time on the 3 day Kangaroo Island tour! Chris was our guide, and he was phenomenal! We saw so many wild kangaroos, koalas, and seals. Also so many amazing views. We saw all the island’s highlights and more. Accommodations … More were great with the swag camping. No complaints about the food either. Thank you Chris for going above and beyond for us to see the much anticipated wildlife and views!
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What an absolutely amazing 3 day Kangaroo Island tour, couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my 69th birthday!
Brilliant company, loads of laughs, stunning views and wildlife!
Not forgetting Steve the tour guide who made everything … More so enjoyable 👌 -
My husband and I did a 3 day kangaroo island tour. It was very fun. We experienced sleeping in a tent, do some of a bit stuffs for making lunch and clean up. We saw a lot of wildlife in KI. Too bad we missed the hike as we are doing the … More dolphin swim. But our guide Hannah did a great job of explaining and showing us what KI is all about. It was a short 3 days and would love to experience more of KI when we have the time to go back again.
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My husband and I just returned back to Qld after experiencing the 6 Day Eyre Peninsula & Flinders Ranges Adventure Tour. We had a fabulous time with Steve the tour guide and the great people we met who travelled with us. You get to … More see and experience so much in a small amount of time. We had no idea South Australia is so beautiful and has many beautiful walks, views, food and wine. It really has it all. It's definitely a trip we will remember forever.
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The 10 days of Adelaide to Perth will remain an unforgettable experience to me.
This had everything - swag camping , star studded night skies, beautiful beaches, scenic drives, spectacular hikes, picnic lunches & a lot of wildlife … More ( yes, Kangaroos wake you up in the morning - I am not kidding !! ).
The selected camping parks and the facilities available were impressive, can't complain. Enough time to explore and enjoy places.
Have to mention - Brendon and Jackson - they were the best guides , really appreciate their hard work, effort and patience to give all of us a wonderful tour experience. The food was delicious, in-plenty and always on-time, never felt disappointed 🙂 .
The group was a bunch of wonderful humans who were very friendly and full of energy, there was never a boring moment !!
Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a tour across Nullarbor !!
Thanks for the experience, and looking forward to the next adventure with Untamed Escapes!! -
The incredible Adelaide to Perth 10 Day camping trip.
A review simply cannot sum up how amazing this trip was! If you are contemplating booking it, just do it! Home grown Aussie like myself, an expat or tourist, it's really an amazing … More experience for everyone.
The places you visit showcase some of the incredible beauty Australia has to offer and camping in a swag really lets you get in touch with nature. We really are a very lucky country!
Our guides Brendan and Jackson went above and beyond to make this trip over NYE extra special and memorable and we will all be forever grateful. Our eclectic group of people made for such real, heartwarming, genuine fun and laughs that will forever bring a smile to my face 😁😊
I cannot recommend this trip enough and look forward to planning my next adventure with UnTammed Escapes!
