Hike the Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, exploring Tjoritja (or the West MacDonnell Ranges) in Central Australia. Take it on with this six-day trekking trip, where you’ll hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains, spending each night in a private campsite on Aboriginal land. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area with your Aboriginal guides and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder. Witness the vast red desert and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.

You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20 km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven terrain with loose rocks with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. There are quite a few sections where you have to take big steps, so ensuring you are well trained is key. You may also want to consider bringing walking poles. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60 km. We walk different sections of the Larapinta Trail each day, rather than the entire trail from start to finish., On this trip, you will be camping under the stars. Tents at our private campsite on Aboriginal land are set up for you already. All you need to bring is your own sleeping bag., Remember that between June and August, night-time temperatures can drop below zero, so you must bring a sleeping bag, suitable to the conditions. Please familiarise yourself with the weather conditions that are to be expected at the time of your trip. You can also hire a sleeping bag from us at an additional cost. This must be requested with your booking agent no later than 14 days prior to departure., It is very important that you advise us of any dietary requirements and allergies at least 2 weeks prior to departure. We need this information well ahead of time to be able organise catering for the trip. This trip’s remote location means that some food items will not be available on short notice, and once the trip has commenced changes to dietary requirements are not possible. Please also advise us of any medical conditions at the time of booking and bring along any personal medication. Please note that if you require urgent medical attention during the trip, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility.