Larapinta Adventure

Larapinta Adventure

Journey into the heart of the Australian landscape

Join us as we hike two beautiful sections of the Larapinta Trail in Tjoritja, the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy stunning natural beauty, expansive desert views, beautiful gorges and pristine waterholes. We will carry all our gear in backpacks, and have a truly off-grid experience on this incredible trail. 

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Larapinta Adventure

5 days

Group Size 10

Trek Grading Challenging

Trip Dates

No upcoming dates

$1,850 per person

$600 deposit to secure your place

Overview

Accommodation

3 nights camping under the stars in tents (supplied), 1 night in a 4.5-star hotel in Alice Springs

Food

On the trail – 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 3 Breakfasts, hot drinks and snacks

We provide delicious, healthy fresh food and cater for all dietary requirements. 

Alice Springs – Celebratory restaurant banquet at Hanuman Restaurant, Hotel buffet breakfast.

Details

This 5-day Larapinta Adventure is designed to give you:

  • an incredible journey in a stunning and peaceful natural Australian landscape;
  • a restful break from the stresses of everyday life
  • a powerful fitness goal to inspire and motivate you towards better health.

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Itinerary

DAY 1 – ALICE SPRINGS TO ARENGE VIEW VIA SIMPSONS GAP (3-4 HOURS HIKING)

We’ll pick you up from Alice Springs Airport and drive one hour to the start of our trek at Simpsons Gap to begin the adventure.  We will explore spectacular Simpsons Gap, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Black-footed Rock Wallabies that live amongst the giant boulders. After this we will commence our hike towards Bond Gap, which is a narrow chasm cut through the Quartzite beside Arenge Bluff. We will then head to our campsite at Arenge View, which is set amongst River Red Gums and high cliffs.

DAY 2 – ARENGE VIEW TO JAY CREEK (6-7 HOURS HIKING)

After an early breakfast, we’ll head off from Arenge View camp towards Mulga Camp. This part of the trail follows Rocky Creek as it winds into the silent, stony hills through long stretches of mulga woodland broken up by creekbanks and crossings, with River Red Gums arching overhead. Mulga Camp will be a great place to rest and relax over a nutritious lunch in the shade of the tall mulga trees. After lunch, we’ll follow a creek on the southern side of a quartzite ridge to Spring Gap, which is a prime bird-watching spot marked by large Ghost Gums. We will then walk through a variety of rocky landscapes to a large area of mulga woodland as we head towards camp. If you are still feeling energetic when we get into camp, we can take a side trip to the Fish Hole for some exploration . The Jay Creek Campsite is in a sheltered gorge which cuts through the Chewings Range. A peaceful way to spend the evening after a great day’s hike.

I’d forgotten how amazing it is to pop all your worldly possessions into a back pack and just walk, taking in beautiful scenery and simply being in awe of our beautiful country. Reminded me to stop and get out and smell the roses as they say.
Fionn O.

Fionn O.

DAY 3 – JAY CREEK TO MILLERS FLAT (4-7 HOURS HIKING)

Today we will begin our hike following a rocky creek bed that the Arrernte people say their spirit ancestors from the Dreamtime found a passage through the ridge. After a pause in the shady pools of the Fish Hole, we will follow a historic camel path that was constructed in the early 1900’s to allow camel trains to pass through the ranges between Hermannsburg and Hamilton Downs Homestead. It is an easy walk towards Tangentyere Junction through some beautiful stands of Native Pine and Inland Tea Tree, where we will stop for a healthy lunch. After lunch, depending on the enthusiasm of the group, we will choose to take the high route over the top of the Tangentyere Ridge, or the main route through the central valley. Tall stands of Desert Bloodwoods and Fork-Leaved Corkwoods have established in the deeper soil of Millers Flat, where we will camp for the night. Before our tasty dinner, you can choose to walk to the jewelled pool of Fig Spring, where gleaming flakes of mica sparkle in the brown soil.

DAY 4 – MILLERS FLAT TO STANDLEY CHASM (3-4 HOURS HIKING)

On day 4 we will have a filling breakfast, and head out early towards the spectacular Standley Chasm. Hiking up the narrow valley of Cycad Creek, we will be rewarded with a refreshing view from the top of Gastrolobium Saddle. From the saddle, we will descend towards the head of Angkale Creek and onwards to the Junction. This is where the waters from two valleys gather together and begin funnelling into Standley Chasm. As we descend into the polished quartzite canyon of Standley Chasm, you may see some rare plants such as the Desert Flannel Flower. We will have lunch and explore the beautiful canyon and its sparkling pool. After lunch we will be picked up to head in to our luxurious hotel in Alice Springs. After some well-deserved rest and relaxation, we will meet up for a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 5 – ALICE SPRINGS AND ONWARDS

On our last day of the trip, we can arrange for you an exciting balloon ride from Alice Springs (this is an optional extra and not included in the price). What a way to see the sunrise over the desert!. You will have a chance to see some beautiful aboriginal art at one of the many galleries. We will then transport you to the airport for a lunchtime flight, or you can continue on to explore more of incredible Central Australia. What an adventure!

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I had never been out near Alice Springs before and it was on my list of things to do. I think the best thing is that you can pack so much into a week – bearing in mind that I went to Uluru for a couple of days as well. No need to be away for much longer than that. Short and sharp is definitely the way to go.
Neil R.

Neil R.

You will be guided by Helen Cooper, Director of Primal Adventures, and an assistant. Helen is trained in Wilderness First Aid, and the group will have a personal locator beacon and first aid kits.
We will be walking for up to 5-6 hours each day. On all days you will be carrying a 14-16kg pack . Moderate fitness levels required (speak to us if you want to know whether this is suitable for you). Some uneven track surfaces.

Central Australia experiences very hot days and cold nights. It is necessary to prepare for all conditions and to have good-quality outdoor clothing. Jeans and cotton clothing are not suitable for hiking.

Essential Items
  • hiking boots
  • backpack (65 litres minimum)
  • backpack liner (strong plastic bag)
  • 3-4 season sleeping bag
  • waterproof raincoat and pants (Gore-tex or similar)
  • warm fleece/wool jersey/down jacket (not cotton)
  • hiking shirt (quick dry material)
  • hiking pants
  • polypro/thermals – top & long-johns
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks
  • warm hat
  • sun hat/cap
  • sunscreen and sunglasses
  • drink bottles (4 litres, or hydration pack)
  • flashlight/head lamp
  • insect repellent
  • spare set of clothes
  • whistle

Optional items: Gaiters, travel towel, swimmers, inflatable pillow, runners or thongs (for around camp), binoculars, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

We supply: inflatable mattresses, tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps. 

We will travel between Alice Springs and the start/finish of the trek on a private mini-bus.
All the meals as indicated above are included in the price. The food is based on nutritious, healthy, wholefood recipes. We will also have a celebratory dinner at a quality Alice Springs restaurant on the final evening (drinks not included), and buffet breakfast on the final morning. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. Among the group equipment is a portable stove which we will carry on the trek.
The tour starts at Alice Springs Airport on Thursday 6th June at 12.30pm. We will return to Alice Springs airport at 12.30pm on Monday. We will make recommendations on the best flight options so that you have the option of travelling with the rest of the group.

***$1750 per person***

Includes 5-day guided adventure, 3 nights camping accommodation , 1 night 4.5-star hotel accommodation, transport by private minibus between Alice Springs and the trail heads, all meals as stated above together with healthy snacks, restaurant dinner, hotel buffet breakfast, National Parks Permits, first aid kit, safety equipment and cooking equipment.

Excludes sleeping bags, travel insurance (compulsory) and flights

A deposit of $600 per person is required to secure your place.
Full payment is required 8 weeks before the date of your trek.
More than 20 days prior to departure – 70% refund of full ticket price
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund of full ticket price
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded.
Comprehensive personal travel insurance is required for this trip. We will also ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin your training/the adventure. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.

With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Primal Adventures operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.