Autopia Tours Trek The Larapinta Trail - Private Single Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs)

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A five-day guided trek on the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs, one of Australia's most popular wilderness walks, covering up to 16 km of trail a day, with four nights at a private bush camp in your own single safari tent.

Days

5 days, 4 nights

Age

Adults 18 and over

Group size

Small group, 6 to 15

Start / finish

Alice Springs / Alice Springs

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

4 nights at a private bush campsite in a single safari tent (or a swag)
Alice Springs hotel before and after not included

Transport

Air-conditioned 4WD mini-coach with two driver-guides, Alice Springs hotel pick-up

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners, plus trek snacks

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Trek The Larapinta Trail - Private Single Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs)

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Included experiences

Larapinta Trail — guided walking, about 70 km in all
Euro Ridge — section one views
Counts Point lookout — section eight, 1,140 m
Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek — waterhole swims
Mount Sonder — sunrise climb
Bush camp — campfire bush food tasting

Autopia Tours Trek The Larapinta Trail - Private Single Eco Tent Adventure (from Alice Springs)

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Itinerary

Map

THE AFTERNOON BEFORE: ALICE SPRINGS

Your trek starts the afternoon before departure at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden in Alice Springs, set aside in 1956 at the urging of Olive Pink, an artist and campaigner for Aboriginal rights. Here you meet your two guides and the rest of your small group and talk through the days ahead. Then it's back to your own accommodation for an early night. If you arrive in town earlier, it's a good afternoon to browse the Aboriginal art galleries on Todd Mall and pick up anything you still need for the trail.

DAY 1: SECTION 1, ALICE SPRINGS TO WALLABY GAP

An early pick-up, and you're walking from the edge of town. The Larapinta Trail runs 223 km in 12 sections along the West MacDonnell Ranges, from the old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. Today's 14 km climbs to Euro Ridge, named after the stocky euro, a hill kangaroo you may well see, with views back over the town and out across the ranges. The support vehicle meets you at Wallaby Gap, a gap in the range with a waterhole, and if time allows there's a swim before the drive to camp. Before dinner you try a platter of bush foods from the Central Desert. The order of the walking days can change with the weather and roads.

Overnight: West MacDonnell Ranges (private campsite on traditional land, single safari tent)

DAY 2: SECTION 8, SERPENTINE GORGE TO SERPENTINE CHALET DAM

Today is one of the hardest: 13.4 km along a high ridgeline, graded for fit, experienced walkers. The reward is Counts Point, a lookout 1,140 metres up with one of the trail's great views, west along the ranges to Mount Zeil, at 1,531 metres the highest point in the Northern Territory, and on a clear day out to the domed outline of Haasts Bluff. Up here you're walking on quartzite ridges among spinifex and wind-shaped ghost gums. The day ends at the old Serpentine Chalet Dam, with a swim on the way back to camp if time allows.

Overnight: West MacDonnell Ranges (private campsite on traditional land, single safari tent)

DAY 3: SECTION 10, ORMISTON GORGE TO GLEN HELEN

An easier 11 km through lower country. From Ormiston Gorge the trail crosses open plains and climbs towards the back reaches of the Finke River, thought to be one of the oldest rivers on earth, following much the same course for hundreds of millions of years. Along the way your guides point out country tied to the Carpet Snake Dreaming at Yapulpa and to the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming, stories that map this land for the Western Arrernte. There's time for a swim at a waterhole if the day allows, then an evening around the fire back at camp.

Overnight: West MacDonnell Ranges (private campsite on traditional land, single safari tent)

DAY 4: SECTION 12, SUNRISE ON MOUNT SONDER

The big one. You set off at about 3am by head torch to climb roughly 8 km to the summit of Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme), 1,380 metres up, 16 km there and back and the trail's toughest grade. You reach the top in time to watch the sun come up over a full circle of ranges, with the trail you've been walking laid out to the east. Back at camp a cooked breakfast is waiting, and the afternoon is yours to rest or to swim in the cold waterhole at Ormiston Gorge.

Overnight: West MacDonnell Ranges (private campsite on traditional land, single safari tent)

DAY 5: ORMISTON POUND AND BACK TO ALICE SPRINGS

The last walk is the Ormiston Pound loop, often called the best short walk on the whole trail. It crosses a wide basin almost ringed by mountains, with views of the Chewings Range and Mount Giles, then returns through the gorge itself, wading or rock-hopping along the waterhole. After a picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge you break camp and drive about 156 km back to Alice Springs, arriving early in the evening. Your guide can point you to a restaurant in town if the group wants a farewell dinner together (at your own cost).

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Meet and greet on Saturday, 2 to 2:30pm, at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, Alice Springs. Arrive the day before the tour and book your own Alice Springs accommodation; pick-up from it is from 6am on day 1.
Minimum age: This single-tent fare is for adults 18 and over.
Fitness: Moderate to advanced. Daily walks of 11 to 16 km, often over steep rocky sections in direct sun and arid conditions. Participants over 75 need a doctor's certificate at least 30 days before travel.
Dietary needs: Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking — options are limited in the outback.
Accommodation note: Bush camp with no 240V power. Guests help with meal preparation and loading luggage. Bags are limited to one 15 to 20 kg bag and one 5 to 7 kg day bag.
Please note: Days may be swapped and routes changed due to weather, road conditions or cultural site closures. Avoid booking a departure flight on the last day of the tour. Evacuations from the trail can take many hours, so travel insurance is strongly recommended. Reconfirm your tour details within 7 days of departure.

What to bring

3 to 5 litre refillable water bladder
Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimwear, towels and toiletries, including wet wipes
Worn-in sturdy hiking shoes with good tread
Lightweight quick-dry clothing for all weather, plus thermal layers for cold nights
15 to 20 kg soft bag and a small day pack
Rechargeable head torch — essential for the Mount Sonder hike
Extra snacks such as energy bars
Tropical-strength insect repellent and a fly net in summer
Personal first aid kit and medications
Power bank and camera

What is included

Courtesy hotel pick-up and drop-off in Alice Springs
Air-conditioned 4WD off-road mini-coach
2 accredited outback driver-guides and an onboard host
Guided bushwalking, grade 2 to 5
4 nights at a private remote campsite in a single safari tent, with hot bush showers, eco toilet and solar charging
Camping equipment, including linen, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and a basic swag
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners and trek snacks
Drinking water and hot and cold drinks
Bush food tasting platter and outback meat tasting platter (subject to availability)
Walking trail fees, traditional owner and camping fees
Remote first aid kit and satellite phone

Not included

Alice Springs accommodation before and after the tour
Transfer to the farewell dinner on day 5
Airport transfers
Alcohol — BYO, cold storage provided
Meals not listed
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.