Larapinta Trail 5 Day Walking Tour Package
5-Day Guided Larapinta Trail Walk – Pack-Free Adventure in Comfort by Life’s An Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, one of our most popular walking experiences. Drawing upon years of expertise in organizing Pack-Free walks, we’ve crafted an exceptional 5-day itinerary that our guests absolutely love. This adventure seamlessly combines the thrill of exploration with the comforts of a well-organized experience.
Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy the convenience of four nights at our centrally located campsite nestled beside the breathtaking Ormiston Gorge. This idyllic setting allows you to take leisurely strolls to the waterhole, where you can indulge in rejuvenating swims at the end of each day, refreshing your spirit in the heart of nature. Our campsite features walk-in tents that are ready for your arrival, complete with off-ground beds, camping mattresses, and pillows. This blend of comfort and adventure ensures a delightful experience as you immerse yourself in the stunning landscape.
The Larapinta Trail has garnered international acclaim, earning a spot among the top 20 trekking adventures worldwide as recognized by National Geographic. As you traverse this ancient landscape, you’ll encounter an abundance of natural beauty, including magnificent gorges, lofty ridges with breathtaking views, and tranquil waterholes that invite exploration and relaxation.
The walk showcases over 600 plant species, teeming with diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species, offering ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the world’s longest unbroken cultural heritage—the Arrente People, who have inhabited this region for an astonishing 50,000 years. Our knowledgeable guides will share stories and perspectives on the cultural significance of the land, deepening your connection to this extraordinary environment.
Every day on the Larapinta Trail presents new vistas and experiences, ensuring that no two days are the same. With our Pack-Free approach, you’ll carry only a light day pack with essentials, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without the burden of heavy gear.
The 5-Day Guided Larapinta Trail Walk is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to explore one of Australia's most iconic landscapes. Join us for this incredible journey where adventure meets comfort, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Australian outback!
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 (1.5 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 camping mattress and pillow. There are toilet and hot 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 native lemongrass barramundi and bush tucker dukkah. We are committed to supporting local businesses. Despite the isolated location and limited options, we always prioritize purchasing from local suppliers whenever possible.
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 your expectations. Our chief guides in the Larapinta have a fun-loving and caring nature as well as being passionate and knowledgeable. 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.
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.
SUGGESTED PRE NIGHT ACCOMMODATION: We suggest the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Alice Springs where we meet on day one.
DEPARTURE TIME: 7.30am
TRAIL NOTES: TRAIL NOTES: Walk: Approximately 9kms. 4-5 hours walking with breaks. Medium grade. Ascent 312m. Decent 306m. Elevation difference 120m.
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 into the Pound, there are dry sandy riverbed crossings leading to 2km of light scrambling over boulders and rocks along 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 Doubletree Hilton Hotel, 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.
As we are fortunate enough to have a campsite at the beautiful Ormiston Gorge, today we will walk directly into our campsite, with your overnight bags already safety stowed in one of our luxurious stand-up touring tents. 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 15kms. 7 – 8 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Hard grade.Ascet (and decent: 862m). Elevation difference 673m.
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 its 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 day by day we alternate difficulty. We start the day early so we can enjoy a glorious walk to Mt Sonder.
Europeans 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 trees 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 Visitors Book. The trip to the peak of Mount Sonder comprises a 7.5km 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 Australian wines.
TRAIL NOTES: Walk: 12kms exactly. 5 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Medium grade. Ascent: 196m. Descent 223m. Elevation difference: 89m.
TERRAIN: A 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.
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 is known as Larapinta (“salty water”) to the Western Arrernte people and 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 15.6 kms. 8 hours walking with breaks. Walk: Hard grade. Ascent: 647m. Descent: 590m. Elevation difference: 406m
TERRAIN: A gradual climb over rocky terrain followed by a steep climb on well-constructed rock steps to the top of the ridge. Once on the ridge, the exposed track continues with a slight incline over open rocky terrain all the way to Counts Point. Descending off the ridge involves steep switchbacks and rocky steps before entering until mulga scrub. Once on the valley floor there is a smoother track which crosses through many dry creeks before we walk a small section of 4WD track to finish.
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. An easy 3km return trip takes you into the sheltered Gorge and waterhole. 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 begin the walk with a steady climb up to Eagles Landing, so named after a Dreaming story about an Eagle Ancestor who soared along the range between Ochre Pits and 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.The straight quartz ridge lines drawing the eye into a spectacular view of Mt Sonder. To the right, in the distance, sits the highest peak in the Northern Territory – Mt Zeil.This vantage point offers a wonderful opportunity to see the overall geology of the ranges and, in our opinion, the best view along the entire Larapinta 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 8km from the Ochre pits to Serpentine Chalet Dam with a spectacular morning tea stop at Inarlanga Pass (one not to be missed).
WALK ITINERARY:
Today we hike an easy 4km along the Arrernte Walk from Ochre pits to Inarlanga Pass, where we then connect up to the Larapinta Track for the remaining 4km. The Ochre Pits remain an important cultural practice for the Western Arrernte and the Arrernte Walk follows along Songlines used for thousands of years. The track follows high ground to some of the best views of the whole Larapinta trail.
As we enter into Inarlanga Pass, the smoky green fronds of the Macdonnell Ranges Cycads stand out against glowing red walls that formed about 300 million years ago. It’s easy to see why this magnificent area has been an important place of ceremony and water for the Western Arrernte people for thousands of years.
Afterwards, we head back to the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Alice Springs arriving at approximately 2.40pm in the afternoon, ending this fantastic journey.
Life’s An Adventure respectfully acknowledges and appreciates the traditional owners and custodians of this land – the Western Arrernte people and their elders, past, present and emerging – who have cared for this land for over 50,000 years. We recognise that it is a privilege to walk this ancient country and we endevour to tread lightly and consciously – the Western Arrernte people.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Availability
& On Sale Prices…
- 2027 DEPARTURES – Super Earlybird Savings
Book for 2027 departures and Super Earlybirds SAVE $500 per person for guests who have travelled with us before and SAVE $400 per person for new guests. See pricing below.
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: $145
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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: $279 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.
Know Before You Go
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 I have access to power at Ormiston Gorge campsite?
No. We encourage guests to bring a portable charging device during their stay at Ormiston Gorge.
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 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.
How do I check availability?
Click on the ‘Departure Dates’ tab, to see all available dates. To request a new date for a group 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/?SEO_id=GMB-APAC-DI-ASPDADI
Are there toilets and showers?
Shower and toilet facilities are provided at the campground.
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 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.
What time does this adventure start and finish?
We meet in Alice Springs at 7.30am at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Alice Springs on day 1. On the final day, you will return to the same hotel at approximately 3 – 4 pm.
