Hiking the Larapinta Trail

When: from April to the end of October

Length: One day up to a week

Fee Charged: One day Walk - $120 Australian. Overnight walk - $190. Two day one night walk - $290. Longer walks are costed at the "additional day and night" rate of $175, with a discount for 4 or more people.

Languages: English, a little French, and a bit of Arrernte and Pitjantjatjara

The Larapinta Trail provides walkers with an unequalled opportunity to experience the ancient landscape and take in their special wild and remote places. The Trail crosses a variety of terrain - from high exposed ridgelines with spectacular views, to sheltered gorges, home to many of the arid zone’s rare plants. It also joins the Ranges' established and better known visitor attractions, using these as access points where walkers may start or end their adventure

Tailor your walk to suit your personal requirements, up to seven days, or choose from one of several standard packages. Distances are around 15 km. per day and you can walk for one day only, or camp overnight in a swag (stockman's bedroll) or continue to walk for two days, or as many days as you like. You only carry lunch and a water bottle, we bring the overnight camp to you.

On our one-day walk we pick you up from your accommodation 7.30 am, transfer you to trail, lunch provided, return approx. 4.30 pm. Bring - day pack, camera, jacket, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, wide brimmed hat.

On the overnight walk you spend the night in a swag under the stars with dinner and breakfast. We bring the camp and your small overnight kit, and return you to your hotel approx 8.30 am.

On the two-day, one night walk, we do the above plus an extra day's walk.

Additional night and day - $175. Walks of 3 days or more are costed at $175 additional night and day.

Mt. Sonder Special - $390 (3 days 2 nights) Climb the highest peak at the end of the trail, with panoramic views and rare flora and fauna. Depart Alice 2.00 pm and drive 160km through the West Macdonnell Ranges to Redbank Gorge. Camp overnight and with an early start climb Mt. Sonder, a strenuous walk, 16km return with an ascent of 700 m. (class C) Relax around the camp fire the second night, sleep in after the walk, and return to Alice approx 12 noon.

CLIMATE. - Central Australia is a great walking destination in the cooler months. The climate in these months is near-perfect for walking.

INFORMATION FOR WALKERS:
I supply the swags, pillows, sleeping bags, linen, and all camping gear, all food, drinks, lunches and snacks. The usual menu includes plenty of fruit and veges, and some meat, but generally not large servings of meat. Dinner is usually a stir-fry, or curry, or camp stew or a pasta dish. Breakfast is fruit, muesli or cereal, toast, tea/coffee. Lunch is packed, wholemeal rolls with cold meat, tomato, cheese etc with fruit, juice, and snacks. Included in the price is a cold beer or soft drink after the day's walk, and a glass of wine with dinner.

We normally sleep in swags, in the 5,000 star hotel, and they are very warm and comfortable, but I do carry tents as well, in case of rain. You need warm clothes for the evenings a tracksuit or similar, jumper, gloves and beanie. Some warm comfortable shoes to change into after the days walk is a good idea (I use a pair of Ugg boots) All the personal overnight gear and warm clothes etc. goes in the trailer, and does not have to be carried. However, it will be good if you only bring along what you need in a small, preferably soft, bag, as space is limited. Surplus gear (good clothes for the plane trip etc) can be left in Alice. Bring - day pack, (or I can supply one) camera, binoculars, wide brimmed hat. Good comfortable boots are the most important thing for the walks, as well as a light parker or jacket in case of cold wind or rain (unlikely but possible). More likely is quite warm conditions, and sunburn. A light, long sleeved shirt with a collar is good for sun protection.

I walk in shorts, and supply some cloth gaiters to cover the socks and boot tops. If you have a small torch for personal use that is good. A head torch (miners light type) is excellent. I carry a bird and plant book, first aid kit, insect repellent, sun screen, toilet paper etc.