Exclusive Larapinta Trail Hosted Tour
Departs Brisbane - 21 July 2022
8 Days/7 Nights
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Day 1: Thursday 21st July 2022
Brisbane-Alice Springs
Meet at Brisbane Airport at 8:00am to join the Virgin Australia group flight departing 9:45am, arriving in Alice Springs at 12:55pm. Upon arrival in Alice Springs, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon is at your leisure and tonight we'll enjoy a group welcome dinner (included)
Day 2: Friday 22nd July 2022
Alice Springs
Today is at your leisure to explore Alice Springs and it's surrounds. You might want to visit the Desert Park and experience the unique flora and fauna to the region or take a day trip out to Simpsons Gap or Stanley Chasm.
Day 3: Saturday 23rd July 2022
Larapinta Trail
An early start with a 7am collection for our bus ride to the start of our trek.
Begin this beautiful bushwalking track today by stretching your legs on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail. We begin
our walk from the official start of the trail at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The Station was founded in
1871 and used for relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Follow the route of the old telegraph line
through the rocky, rolling country that spreads out before you, winding along a path that makes its way over creeks
and gullies. Walk along the scenic spine of the Euro Ridge and take in the excellent views of the surrounding Alice
Valley, with the gnarled peaks of the West Macs out in the distance. Follow the trail downhill to Wallaby Gap, home
to elusive black-footed rock-wallabies and a great place for birdwatching. After this, you’ll be met by your 4x4
vehicle and transferred to your campsite for the night in Ormiston Gorge, right in the heart of the Western
MacDonnell Ranges. Sleep beneath countless stars in your swag tonight.
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Walking distance today approx 14kms
Day 4: Sunday 24th July 2022
Larapinta Trail
Begin today at the beautiful Ormiston Pound, home to the most impressive gorge in the whole West MacDonnell
region. There’s a near-permanent waterhole shaded by ghost gums and towering red rock walls that is more than
welcoming to any walker. Larapinta Trail's section 10 weaves its way from Ormiston to the Finke River through
rolling limestone hills filled with unique plant life. The Finke is one of the oldest river systems in the world, and the
local Arrernte name for this waterway gives the whole trail its name – Lhere Pinte, which means a salty river. Head
to 2 Mile Campground with time to enjoy a tasty dinner and swap stories around the campfire.
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Walking distance today approx 10km
Days 5Â & 6: Monday 25th &Â Tuesday 26th July 2022
Larapinta Trail
The next two days are the most challenging but also rewarding section of your Larapinta hike. This is section 11 of
the track and its views are dominated by Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It’s an
undulating 26 kilometres across spinifex-covered hills, making your way through the foothills towards to the
hulking mountain. Cross the Davenport River then make the climb up to Hilltop Lookout, an ascent that’s rewarded
with panoramic views of the peak and its surroundings. Descend through mulga woodland and past distinctive
knobbly black rock to shady Rocky Bar Gap and along the southern flank of Mt Sonder to Redbank Creek. You’ll stay
overnight for both nights at a campsite in Redbank Gorge, in the shadow of the mountain itself.
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Walking distance approx 26km over the 2 days
Day 7: Wednesday 27th July 2022
Larapinta Trail-Alice Springs
Hopefully, you got an early night yesterday as today you’ll be up with the possums for an early start to climb to the
summit of the iconic Mt Sonder, constituting the final section (section 12) of the Larapinta Trail. The early start
allows you to climb in the cool morning air before the sun begins to beat down. The mountain is known
traditionally as Rwetyepme – in local Arrernte culture she's portrayed as a pregnant woman forever doomed to lay
on her back and watch the sky. It’s not an easy climb, but the journey to the peak is worth the sweeping views in all
directions of Central Australia, taking in the trails you’ve covered over the past few days, the Tanami Desert in the
north, meteor craters in the south, and the NT’s highest mountain in the west. It’s the perfect way to cap off the trip.
Afterward, you’ll make your return to Alice Springs for an arrival in the late afternoon, at which time the trip comes
to an end. Tonight is at your leisure depending on how you are feeling however we find most groups want to get together for dinner and recount stories from your epic adventure!
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Today’s walk is approximately 16 kilometres.
Day 8: Thursday 28th July 2022
Alice Springs-Brisbane
Today we head home!
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Our flight is not until 1:30pm which gives you plenty of time to sleep in and enjoy breakfast at your leisure before our transfer to the airport
Your Host Darren Kelly
Being active and exploring the world has been a way of life for Darren (call him DK). As a gym owner of ME Fitness for over 20 years he has shown a true passion for his clients improving their health and well being and challenging what they are capable of.
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When asked about the Larapinta Trail, DK loves the adventure in such a different and diverse region of our wonderful country!
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DK's experience from completing the Overland Track as well as his active adventures around the world such as the 1000km Camino de Santiago (Spain) and trekking to Everest Base Camp ensure you will be well coached and support in the lead up to the trek as well as during!
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DK will lead training hikes in the lead up, support you with training plans and important guidance on packing and gear so you are set up for success!
Pricing and Inclusions
Your Larapinta Trail Experience includes:
- Return Economy Flights from Brisbane to Alice Springs with Virgin Australia
- 2 Nights Pre and 1 Night Post Trail 4-Star accommodation in Alice Springs
- Fully Hosted by Darren Kelly, experienced trekker and fitness professional
- 2 x Local Guides for the 5 Day Larapinta Trail
- All meals on the Trail and Breakfasts in Alice Springs
- Group Airport Transfers in Alice Springs
- Welcome Group Dinner on the first night
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
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- Hosted Training Hikes leading up to the Track
- Gear and Packing session
Pricing Per Person
$3,699pp (twin share)
Only 15 spots available
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Single Supplement for Alice Springs Hotel available subject to availability (please enquire at time of booking for pricing)
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Initial deposit of $800 to secure your place
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If you would like to extend your stay in Alice Springs after the Trail, this is permitted, please contact us for information and costings
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Note: The Larapinta Trail requires a good amount of fitness and preparation. Please chat to us if you would like to understand if this trip is right for you