The Ultimate Larapinta Trail Walk – 6-Day Guided Pack-Free Adventure with Wow-Mazing Inclusions by Life’s An Adventure
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Larapinta Trail on our Ultimate 6-Day Guided Pack-Free Walk in the Northern Territory. Renowned as one of our most popular adventures, this meticulously crafted itinerary combines years of expertise with unforgettable experiences that our guests absolutely love.
Your journey begins in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, where the stunning landscapes offer a variety of trails to explore. Walking is just one part of this incredible adventure. One of the standout highlights is our wow-mazing scenic helicopter flight over the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges. From a bird’s-eye view, you'll appreciate the vastness of the desert landscape, rich red canyons, and the intricate patterns carved by nature over millions of years.
In addition to the scenic flight, indulge in a unique star-gazing dining experience that will leave you in awe of the night sky. Surrounded by the tranquility of the outback, you'll enjoy a delicious meal while gazing at the stars, learning about the constellations and the cultural significance they hold in Aboriginal traditions.
A special aspect of this walk is our two-night stay at stunning Ormiston Gorge. We are one of the few companies privileged to camp at this unique location, allowing you to unwind by the picturesque waterhole that offers a refreshing escape after a day of hiking. The combination of breathtaking scenery and the sound of nature surrounding you creates a magical atmosphere for relaxation.
Throughout your adventure, you will enjoy two nights in comfortable boutique accommodations, ensuring that you have a restful place to rejuvenate after each day's explorations. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared, featuring local produce and wines that enhance your culinary experience in this stunning setting.
Walking with only a day-pack allows you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape without the burden of heavy gear. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will guide you across the stunning desert terrain, showcasing horizon-to-horizon hilltop views, sand-fringed oasis waterholes, vibrant wildflowers, diverse wildlife, and significant Aboriginal sites. Their knowledge and passion for the area will enrich your journey, providing insights into the unique ecology and culture of the region.
To ensure everyone enjoys their experience, we offer flexible walking options each day. Whether you wish to take it easy with shorter walks or enjoy a day of relaxation, your adventure can be tailored to your preferences.
The Ultimate Larapinta Trail Walk promises an unforgettable experience, where every step unveils the natural wonders of the Australian outback. Join us for this incredible journey that combines stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and exceptional hospitality, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Carry as little as your water and lunch
Our speciality is providing Pack Free walking holidays so you can focus on enjoying the amazing landscapes, not the burden of carrying a heavy pack. Our guests won’t be asked to carry their clothes or overnight bags for the entire walk. With Life’s An Adventure, you will carry as little as your water bottle, camera and lunch each day!
Spectacular Helicopter Flight over Section 1 of the Larapinta trail
Nocturnal experience Alice Springs Desert Park
With thousands of visible stars, Central Australia offers some of the best night skies in the world. Immerse yourself in a stunning observatory situated on an ancient sand dune 15 minutes south of Alice Springs. Here you’ll explore the Southern night sky with an experienced sky guide, laser pointer, and telescope.
2 nights deluxe camping
We feel our walks have the perfect combination of camping and accommodation. Life’s An Adventure is one of the very lucky few to be able to camp at beautiful Ormiston Gorge (2 hours drive from Alice Springs). With a short walk to the swimming hole this is not only a beautiful location but central to most of our walks, minimising our transfer times each day – with our guests walking directly into camp on day 2. Each afternoon after your walk, you can stroll down to the waterhole for a refreshing swim. For the first two nights you will enjoy all the fun of a camping adventure, but with the little extras. You’ll arrive at camp to find your walk-in touring tent set up for your arrival including an off the ground bed with a deluxe camping mattress and pillow. There are toilet and shower facilities provided in the campground.
2 night stay
Nestled in the heart of the Alice Springs the DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers a welcoming retreat after a day of exploring Australia’s iconic outback. Set against a backdrop of the stunning MacDonnell Ranges, this modern hotel blends comfort and convenience with the charm of the desert landscape. Indulge in a dip in the outdoor pool, and enjoy sensational meals at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants. Enjoy an arrival night and your last 2 nights of tour at this fabulous hotel.
PLEASE NOTE: Glen Helen will be temporarily closed due to concerns with water supply and associated facilities, they are unable to give a firm reopening date. We have therefore amended our itinerary to walk section 1 of the Larapinta Trail close to Alice Springs to minimise transfer times and spend 2 nights at the Doubletree Hilton enjoying restaurant meals and a special Nocturnal experience at the Desert Springs Park. See the itinerary page for details.
Please note we have two Larapinta itineraries. We are also offering a Larapinta walk with a 4 night camping experience at Ormiston Gorge – please click here for details on this tour.
Choose what suits you
We understand when you are travelling with friends and family that your fitness level and abilities may differ from each other. That’s why we offer a flexible walking itinerary offering shorter and more challenging days to suit different levels. With two guides on our walks of 8 or more people, we have the freedom to cater for a range of needs. You also have the option to sit out any day’s walking and enjoy the facilities at camp or the homestead. You design a schedule that’s right for you!
Served with Australian wines
At the campsite, sit back to wonderful meals prepared by our guides. You can expect to enjoy delicious meals with a local twist including lemon myrtle barramundi and bush tomato lamb. We support local businesses and purchase the majority of our food from a local providore in Alice Springs. When you arrive at Glen Helen Historic Homestead, your meals will be enjoyed in the homestead’s charming Namatjira Gallery restaurant, featuring pub-style fare served with Australian wine. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
Chief Experience Officers
We call our guides CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your walking tour lives up to to your expectations. Our chief guides in the Larapinta have a fun-loving and caring nature as well as being passionate and knowledgable. Both have a wonderful can-do attitude and will go above and beyond to ensure your tour is every bit as memorable as you hoped.
All tours are genuinely inclusive. From restaurant meals at the Homestead perfectly matched with Australian wines, to helicopter flight, park fees and guest speakers. When you book our walks there will be nothing extra to pay.
Make new friends on the trail
Our tours are designed to be personal and intimate. We love the clients we attract on a Life’s An Adventure walking experience. Happy, down to earth people, who are passionate about walking and simply excited to be on holidays. We find our guests often form lifelong friendships on tour as they are travelling with wonderful like-minded people.
including Australia's best Adventure Tourism Company
Life’s an Adventure have won 21 Tourism Awards of Excellence including the Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Australia’s Best Adventure Company. Awards are great, but our biggest accolade which we value even more, is that our clients come back and travel with us time and time again.
Cancel for any reason option
FlexiWalk is a new optional Add-On that allows passengers to cancel their tour last minute and not be penalised. Exclusively designed by Life’s An Adventure, this product gives our guests certainty in a time of uncertainty. Click here to find out more details
Trek the Larapinta with Life’s an Adventure and enjoy a Pack Free walk with your overnight bags transported for you, leaving you free to walk with as little as water and a camera.
Please note: the only equipment you will need to bring is a sleeping bag which can be hired from us for a fee of $40. Our bags are dry cleaned after every use.
Today is an arrival day. Book your own flight to arrive anytime in Alice Springs and make your own way to the Doubletree Hilton Alice Springs Resort – your accommodation has been booked for the night.
Tonight, enjoy a free evening to explore one of the many restaurants in Alice Springs, alternatively dine in the hotel’s restaurant (own expense).
DEPARTURE TIME: 7.15am
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 10kms. 6 hours walking with breaks. Medium grade. Climb 110 metres and descent 110 metres.
TERRAIN: This circuit track begins with a steady climb to the top of the pass. The trail is firm underfoot with loose rocks. After descending down into the Pound there is some dry sandy riverbed crossings with the last 2km of the track leading through a dry river bed which has a mix of boulders and rocks where some light rock scrambling will be required. The terrain is rocky hard surfaces requiring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: After enjoying the Standley Chasm walk we travel to Ormiston Gorge, for those that don’t want to do the Ormiston Pound walk today, enjoy the flexibility to relax at camp where you can swim at Ormiston Gorge waterhole whilst the rest of the group is walking.
WALK ITINERARY: The adventure commences in the heart of Alice Springs, at the welcoming Doubletree Hilton Alice Springs. Here, you will rendezvous with your knowledgeable guides. From there, you’ll venture towards the awe-inspiring Standley Chasm, known by its indigenous name Angkerle Atwatye. Prepare to embark on a captivating walk through this natural wonder, as towering rock formations and breathtaking scenery envelop you in a spectacle of nature’s grandeur. Afterwards we travel to Ormiston Gorge which is one of the main highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Enjoy a beautiful and spectacular walk up to a high escarpment overlooking the pound and then we descend into the pound, and across the gorge. The walk takes you through a spinifex covered landscape. You will be amazed at the extensive population of wildlife surrounding the many waterholes along the way. Upstream as you walk through the gorge rising spectacularly on either side are cliff faces that look like Red Lego blocks. You will see ancient pines, river red gums and you may even see the famous Sturt Desert rose. Towards the end of today’s walk is a refreshing water crossing so you may want to pack your swimmers.
We are very lucky to be able to take advantage of a campsite at beautiful Ormiston Gorge. Today we walk directly into our campsite to find our stand-up touring tents with off-the-ground beds and camping mattresses and pillows erected and your overnight bags waiting in your tent. Take a dip in the refreshing waterhole before dinner, a great way to refresh after your day’s walk. Enjoy a hot shower and then relax as a delicious dinner served with Australian wine is prepared for your enjoyment.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 16kms. 6 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Hard grade.
TERRAIN: Expect a good physical workout even during the descent off the mountain. The trail is rocky, rugged, hard-surfaced and dry. The trail occasionally disappears although there are markers to follow. Terrain is rocky hard surfaces requiring sturdy hiking boots.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: For those that do not want to walk to the top of Mount Sonder we offer an alternative shorter walk to suit your fitness today. Our second guide will tailor-make the walk to the needs of those choosing this option with several walking options available including a Redbank Gorge walk showcasing it’s pretty chasm and gorge or a shorter version of Mt Sonder.
WALK ITINERARY: We have carefully planned your journey so that the most challenging day to Mt Sonder (the highest point of the trail) is at the start of the tour when you are fresh and more energetic, then we gradually make each day easier as the tour comes to an end. We start the day early so we can enjoy a glorious walk to Mt Sonder.
European’s were first acquainted with the mountain in the watercolour painting of the famous Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. This section’s walk to the summit showcases the stunning colours of the range and amazing views for hundreds of miles into the distance. Initially, we climb through bushland, then the tree’s gradually become more stunted as the track rises on open spinifex covered slopes. At the top, we will enjoy sweeping views of where we have been and record our achievement in the Visitor’s book. The trip to the peak of Mount Sonder comprises an 8km walk from the gorge over rocky and steep terrain suited to fit bushwalkers.
We return to our campsite with time to have a relaxing swim in the waterhole before dinner. Tonight enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring local produce and Australia wine.
PLEASE NOTE: From Glen Helen is temporarily closed due to concerns with water supply and associated facilities, they are unable to give a firm reopening date. If facilities remain closed in 2025 during our season we will run with the following itinerary over the next 3 days.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 8kms. 4 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Medium grade.
TERRAIN: The Trail leads up from the Ochre pits with a rise up and over a small ridge, firm underfoot with lots of loose rocky sections. Once at Inarlanga Pass there is a short section of boulders to navigate over. Following this, the track is rocky and undulating with some smoother sections.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Today’s walk is an easy 6.2km from the Ochre pits to Serpentine Chalet with a spectacular morning tea stop at Inarlanga Gorge (one not to be missed) however if you want an alternative option you can enjoy the Ochre pits with the group and then travel with the second guide around to Serpentine Chalet carpark where you will wait for the group to finish their hike
WALK ITINERARY: We enjoy breakfast at camp before and making our way to the start of our walk. Today we hike an easy 4 km track along the Song Line of the Arrente track from Ochre pits which connect to Inarlanga Pass. The traditional landowners, Arrente people, still use the Ochre pits. The track follows high ground to some of the best views of the whole Larapinta trail.
We enter into the Inarlanga Gorge the smoking green fronds of the McDonald ranges Cycads stand out against the glowing red walls of the gorge formed 300 million years ago. The gorge has been a ceremonial place and an important watering point for the Western Arrente people for thousands of years. We walk the descent back through spinifex foothills over a low saddle through mulga back to our starting point. From here we travel to the Doubletree Hilton Alice Springs for our next 2 nights. Enjoy an early dinner at the hotel in the charming Saltbush restaurant, featuring contemporary Australian-style produce in an innovative menu, served with wonderful Australian wine. After dinner, embark on the Nocturnal Tour at Alice Springs Desert Park, where you’ll experience the desert’s vibrant night life and encounter its fascinating nocturnal creatures under the stars.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 15kms. 8 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Hard grade.
TERRAIN: A gradual climb over rocky terrain before beginning a steep climb up to the top of the ridge, the climb is supported with well-constructed rock steps. Once up on the ridge this exposed track leads over a rugged rocky clearing with a slight incline all the way to the Counts Point lookout. Coming down off the ridge there is some steep switchbacks and steps. Once off the ridge, you’ll enter a mulga scrub where there are more rocky steps leading down to the valley floor where there is smoother single track, crossing through rocky creeks.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: For those that don’t want to do the Counts Point walk today, we offer an alternative easier walk to suit your fitness. Our second guide will take you on a shorter walk to Serpentine Gorge & Serpentine Gorge lookout. An easy 3km return trip takes you into the sheltered Gorge and waterhole and then onto a short sharp climb to the lookout that enables you to see up the gorge and also over the surrounding parks of the range country.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant before we head out. Today we walk section 8 of the Larapinta Trail. We climb to Eagles landing which in the Aboriginal Dreamtime tells the story of an Eagle ancestor who patrolled the range from Ochre pits to Serpentine Gorge. After a morning tea stop at Eagles Landing, we then continue to Counts Point. This vantage point offers a wonderful opportunity to see the overall geology of the ranges. Views along this straight Quartz ridge lines give a spectacular view of Mt Sonder. To the right in the distance is the highest peak in the Northern Territory Mt Zeil. In our opinion the best view along the whole length of the trail. After lunch, we descend the range into the plains to the end of our walk at Serpentine Gorge chalet. We then transfer back to the Doubletree Hilton Alice Springs. Enjoy dinner in the award-winning Hanuman restaurant featuring delicious Thai and Indian-inspired menu and Australian wine.
TRAIL NOTES: 11kms. Elevation 501m. 5 hours. Moderate walk
TERRAIN: Flat sections until Hat Hill Saddle.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Optional itinerary available for those not wishing to do the full walk today.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant. Our way today is on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail close to Alice Springs. Setting off from Wallaby Gap, the trail unveils its charms as it traverses the Scorpion Pool, a serene oasis nestled amidst the rugged terrain. The path then leads you to the enchanting Hat Hill Saddle, where sweeping vistas await, rewarding your ascent with panoramic views that stretch across the vast expanse. The undulating trail meanders through this picturesque setting until we reach Simpsons Gap, a breathtaking natural wonder adorned with towering red rock walls that frame a narrow gorge and a serene waterhole nestled within the gap. Eucalyptus trees and native vegetation cling to the rocky outcrops, adding touches of green to the striking red and orange palette. Afterwards, we finish our journey with an afternoon scenic helicopter flight from Alice Springs. We take to the air and follow the Todd River to the Telegraph Station and get a bird’s eye view of Mt Gillen and Heavitree Gap before making our way to marvel at the breathtaking Simpsons Gap From the air, you will also see stunning views of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, parallel ridges spanning out 644kms into the distance from Alice Springs. This flight is a truly remarkable way to finish our Larapinta experience.
A truly inspiring experience. Afterwards, we drop our guests off at the Doubletree Hilton, the end of a fantastic journey.
FINISH TIME: Approximately 5.30pm
Life’s an Adventure would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the land – The Arrente people.
Prices in AUD (Australian Dollars)
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
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SOLO TRAVELLERS & EXTRAS:
SOLO TRAVELLERS WILLING TO SHARE
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 8 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost. Subject to availability at time of booking.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
WANTING THEIR OWN ROOM
For those wanting to guarantee their own room, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking. Subject to availability.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $570
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FLEXI-WALK ADD-ON
Cancel for Any Reason:
Purchase a FlexiWalk Add-On for normal price tickets and cancel 96 hours prior to departure for any reason. See conditions below for full details.
Price: $349 per person.
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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SALE TICKET CONDITIONS:
* Super Earlybird, Earlybird and Spot Special Sale Tickets: Must be paid in full at time of booking. Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Sale Tickets however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them Click here. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
* Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
* A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
* Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
* Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
* Credit Card fees apply or contact us for bank transfer payment options. The following fees apply. Australian Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 1% +$0.20 per transaction, International Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction (payments in AUD).
* Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
* We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Click here
* Credit for cancelled activities. If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future tour with us. Click here.
* FlexiWalk Option – Cancel for any Reason Click here for full conditions on our FlexiWalk Option.
The entire Larapinta trail runs from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder a total of 223kms, to walk it in its entirety would take around 16 days, though most people experiencing the trail opt to choose to walk sections of the best areas only. Life’s An Adventure have handpicked a number of sections of the trail to create a fantastic 5-day walking itinerary, encompassing the main highlights that you won’t want to miss.
You will need to have a good-to-excellent level of fitness to complete this walk. Clients do have the option to opt out of any day’s walking and relax at the campground or homestead. On day 2 we also give walkers the option to do an alternative easier walk for those not wanting to walk to Mount Sonder.
No. All our guests will have their overnight bags transported to the campsite and accommodation each night.
This is a Pack-Free walk. All our guests will just need to carry a small day pack with water, camera and any small personal items you want access to during the day.
All your camping gear and equipment including stand up touring tents, off the ground beds with deluxe mattresses, pillows, all your eating utensils, the campsite’s cooking equipment. Pretty much all you’ll need to bring is your clothes, a torch/flashlight and your personal items packed in an overnight bag. Please ask your hotel to store any large suitcases. Once final payments are received you will be emailed a Clothing and Gear checklist in your Pre-Departure Information. You’ll need to provide your own sleeping bag or hire one from us.
No. We encourage guests to bring a portable charging device during their stay at Ormiston Gorge.
Yes, we can provide for any special dietary requirements. When booking please specify your special dietary requirements with as many details as possible.
The premium time to do this walk is between May and August when the daytime temperatures are in the low to mid 20 degrees Celsius and skies are generally blue and clear. Night time temperatures during this period can be extremely cold averaging between 5 and 8 degrees but can drop below zero.
Click on the ‘Departure Dates’ tab, click on the Select a date field and select your preferred date from the calendar. If no dates appear, click the ‘To next available tour’ button, and the next available date will appear. To request a new date please email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
As our departures from the Mercure Alice Springs Resort for convenience, we recommend this hotel of choice for your pre-tour accommodation. This is the only drop off point at the end of the walk as well. The hotel is located in the centre of town and has fantastic facilities. To book accommodation please call the hotel directly: https://www.mercurealicesprings.com.au/
Shower and toilet facilities are provided at the campground. At the homestead, each room has its own ensuite with flushing toilets and hot showers.
A maximum of 2 people are in each 4 man tent.
Exclusive departures may be able to be organised on other dates for groups of 10 people or more. Please email us with your requirements.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a tent, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 8 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost.
For those wanting to guarantee their own tent, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking. Subject to availability. Enquire for details.
We meet in Alice Springs at 7.15am at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort on day 2. On the final day, you will return to the same hotel at approximately 5.30pm – 6 pm.