Larapinta Trail Walk
A guided 5-day Pack-Free walk in comfort
Our Larapinta Trail walk in the Northern Territory is one of our most popular walks. Drawing upon our extensive years of expertise in organising Pack-Free walks along the Larapinta, we’ve crafted an exceptional 5-day itinerary that our guests just absolutely love. Throughout the journey, you’ll spend four nights at our centrally located campsite nestled by the breathtaking Ormiston Gorge, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll to the waterhole and enjoy a rejuvenating swim at the end of each day. Here, walk-in tents will be readied for your arrival, complete with off-ground beds, camping mattresses, and pillows. This, combined with the boundless knowledge of our guides, results in an ideal guided pack-free walk, seamlessly blending adventure with creature comforts.
Notably, this trail has been recognized by National Geographic, earning a spot among the top 20 trekking adventures worldwide. It’s astonishing how this ancient landscape is abundant with natural beauty including magnificent gorges, lofty ridges with breathtaking views, and tranquil waterholes. The Larapinta Trail Walk showcases a repertoire of over 600 plant species, teems with diverse wildlife, and offers glimpses into the world’s longest unbroken cultural heritage – the Arrente People, who have inhabited this region for an astonishing 50,000 years.
Pack Free Walking Experience
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!
Stay at stunning Ormiston Gorge
4 nights deluxe camping
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 1. Each afternoon after your walk, you can stroll down to the waterhole for a refreshing swim. 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.
Flexible Walking Itineraries
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!
Great meals featuring local produce
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.
Our CEO guides
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.
Genuinely all-inclusive
All tours are genuinely inclusive. From all your meals to Australian wines, and park fees. When you book our walks there will be nothing extra to pay.
NO Credit Cards Fees!
Personalised Tours
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.
21 Tourism Awards of Excellence
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.
NEW Flexiwalk Add-On
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
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why should you choose us?
Tour Itinerary
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.
- Pack-free fully supported walk with your overnight luggage transported to the campsite
- 4 nights camping at magnificent Ormiston Gorge, centrally located so you can walk directly into camp on night one and take a swim after your walk. All guests will stay in walk-in tents with off the ground beds complete with deluxe camping mattresses.
- 4 x superb dinners
- 4 x breakfasts
- 5 x packed lunches
- Australian wine will be served during dinner each night
- Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk
- Professionally guided – Our guides are passionate, entertaining, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information
- Return transfers from Alice Springs on day 1 and 5 of your trip
- National Park Pass
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.
SUGGESTED PRE NIGHT ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Mercure Alice Springs where we meet on day one.
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: We begin our day in Alice Springs at the Mercure Alice Springs. Here, you’ll meet your guides for a pre-tour briefing before heading to Standley Chasm. On this walk, you’ll venture into a landscape where the jagged formations on both sides have been sculpted over countless millions of years, resulting in a stunning and picturesque effect. As you follow the walking trail to the Chasm and its nearby areas, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a variety of inhabitants, including a diverse range of bird species, lizards, wallabies, as well as native flowering plants, and ancient cycad palms.
We then 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 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.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 12kms. 7 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Medium grade.
TERRAIN: AÂ windy and undulating walk from the Gorge to the hilltop lookout. From the lookout onwards the area flattens out a little. There are a number of creek and river crossings to complete, but these are almost always dry. The track is firm underfoot with less rocky sections.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: For those that don’t want to walk today, enjoy the flexibility to relax at camp and have a swim at the waterhole with the option to enjoy a stroll along the short but rewarding Ghost Gum walk at your own pace. The Ghost Gum trail meanders through sandy soil and ghost gums before gaining altitude via steps to reach a viewing platform. It is possible to continue along the path for a longer route along the gorge.
WALK ITINERARY: Today our walk will take us through Ormiston Gorge. Our walk starts with a magnificent Red Mallee forest, wildflowers after rains if you’re lucky and a dis-used cattle corral, which reminds us of the past pioneers of this rugged cattle country.
Mount Sonder looming in the distance and plains stretching as far as the eye can see. We descend over gently undulating terrain when we come to the junction of Ormiston and Davenport creeks which is the start of the famous Finke River. The Finke was called Larapinta by the Arentee People which means salt creek and it is one of the oldest watercourses on this planet. We cross the Finke River to the west bank and rise through a patch of river red gums to an open plain. We then make our way back to the campsite, allowing time for a swim in the waterhole before the evening meal. Tonight, enjoy a delightful dinner showcasing local ingredients accompanied by Australian wine.
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. After spending the morning here, you will be transferred back to the campsite.
WALK ITINERARY: 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 campsite. Tonight, enjoy dinner featuring Australian wine and chat about the day’s adventures.
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: Todays 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 are wanting 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: 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 Ochre pits are still used by the traditional landowners, Arrente people. 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 Macdonnell Ranges Cycads stand out against the glowing red walls of the gorge formed 300 million years ago. The gorge has been the ceremonial place 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.
Afterwards, we head back to the Mercure Alice Springs Resort in the afternoon, ending this fantastic journey.
Life’s an Adventure would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the land – The Arrente people.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Availability
We run regular weekly departures during the months of late May to August. We will also consider opening up a new departure date if we have enough demand. Email us at walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
PRIVATE GROUPS:
A date of your choice is available for groups of 10 -12 people. Subject to availability.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: groups@lifesanadventure.com.au
Tour Prices
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NEXT SEASON’S DEPARTURES Normal Price……. $2799 FIRST TIME PASSENGERS: TRAVELLED WITH Super Earlybird prices available when you book and pay in full at time of booking. Offer ends 31 October 2023. See departures dates for specific dates. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. Past passengers $100 extra savings also available on normal price fares. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement extras. See full ticket conditions below under Discount information. |
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The following extras can be purchased with your tour: FLEXI-WALK ADD-ON SOLO TRAVELLERS SOLO TRAVELLERS _____________________ TRAVEL INSURANCE |
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Private Group Prices
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PRIVATE GROUPS Departure date of your choice PRICES Departure date of your choice is subject to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Additional Past Traveller’s’ discount not available for groups. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras. |
- FlexiWalk Option – Cancel for any Reason
Click here for full conditions on our FlexiWalk Option.
Discount Information:
- PAST PASSENGER DISCOUNT: 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.
- EARLYBIRD, & SPOT SPECIALS: Refunds and cancellations are not permitted for Earlybird Deals or Spot Specials, 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. 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.
Travel Insurance
We strongly advise our clients travelling within Australia to take out Travel Insurance. 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
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.
- No Credit Cards fees.
- 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.
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 bookings. Click here.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be to do this walk?
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.
Do I need to pay extra for a portered walk?
No. All our guests will have their overnight bags transported to the campsite and accommodation each night.
So what will I need to carry?
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.
What camping gear is provided?
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.
Do you cater for different dietary requirements?
Yes, we can provide for any special dietary requirements. When booking please specify your special dietary requirements with as many details as possible.
When is the best time of the year to do this walk?
The premiere 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.
How do I check availability?
Click on the Tour Availability tab, click on the Select a date field and select your preferred date from the calendar. If no dates appear to scroll through the weeks by press the “Next Week” button until a departure appears. To request a new date please email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
Can you recommend any pre or post accommodation?
As our departures from the Doubletree Hilton 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.hilton.com/en/hotels/aspdadi-doubletree-alice-springs
Are there toilets and showers?
Shower and toilet facilities are provided at the campground. At the homestead, each room has its own ensuite with flushing toilets and hot showers.
How many people per tent?
A maximum of 2 people are in each 4 man tent.
Am I able to organise an exclusive group departure?
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 I am travelling on my own do I need to pay extra?
If you are prepared to share with another single traveller of the same gender, there is no need to pay any extra. Those requiring their own room will need to pay a single supplement which is subject to availability. Please enquire with our office for details.
What time does this adventure start and finish?
We meet in Alice Springs at 7.30am at the Doubeltree Hilton Alice Springs on day 1. On the final day, you will return to the same hotel at approximately 5.30pm – 6 pm.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
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