Stark landscapes, lonely highways and otherworldly rock formations—the remote red heart of central Australia is a magnificent desert wilderness.

Out here you’ll find some of the continent’s most iconic images, including the sacred monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock), the striking rock domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the rugged peaks and ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Following the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is one of the world’s greatest desert walks. Hiking between dramatic rock formations, steep gorges and tranquil waterholes, we connect with ancient indigenous culture and sleep under uninterrupted star-filled skies on what is one of Australia’s most celebrated treks.

Join us as we explore Australia’s extraordinary Red Centre!

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Find your Red Centre trip

Red Centre highlights

 

Why travel with us

Multi-Award Winning

Our Larapinta walking program has consistently proven itself to be the best way to enjoy this classic Australian desert hike since we pioneered it in 1995. We have won four Tourism NT Brolga Awards, one for Best Adventure Travel Product and 3 x Best Eco-tourism Product.

Exceptional Leadership

As our client feedback will attest to, there is no better team of leaders than ours. Their expertise & knowledge is matched only by their friendly nature and their desire to share their passion and knowledge with you. In 2022, one of our senior guides was named the NT guide of the Year.

Small Groups

We think small is good; it limits the environmental impact and allows you to forge life-long friendships with like-minded travellers. Feedback from our clients attests to the appeal of the small group dynamic – our clients say it's this that makes it special.

Exceptional Value

We aim to include as much as possible in the tour price, so that all you need to think about is being in the moment. We include meals & all park fees on our Larapinta Treks. What is, and isn't, included is clearly displayed on each trip page.

Your Comfort

The best available food, warmth and shelter is standard on our active wilderness holidays, with selected character lodgings as well as quality camp craft and equipment. This ensures that you have the most rewarding and memorable experience.

Responsible travel

 

Sustainable active adventures

Sustainable trekking is at the core of everything we do, which is why have policies in place to ensure destinations retain their natural character and cultural diversity. Environmental values filter through every aspect of the company, from the minimal impact camping procedures through to the interpretation of environment. The aim is to give you big adventures while we maintain a small footprint!

Cultural Preservation

We continually seek ways to enhance cultural experiences and work with Indigenous leaders on many of our trips. The experiences our Indigenous leaders bring to our trips, such as cultural conversations, indigenous meal samplings, and welcome to countries, allow clients to gain a deeper understanding of the need to conserve the Aboriginal cultures and respect their place and lifestyle in Australia.

Environmental Sustainability

True sustainability in all aspects of our business planning and operations. Specifically our tours are managed in a way where the natural and cultural values of the host region are undiminished in the long-term, such as that with our Larapinta Trail eco-campsites. Where possible, we engage in partnerships with local environmental groups and/or land managers to actively campaign for conservation or promote environmental protection and/or rehabilitation.

Accommodation

Exclusive Eco-Comfort Campsites

Exclusive to our travellers, our semi-permanent campsites on the Larapinta Trail feature hot showers, twin share tents with raised beds, sit down toilets, a communal tent with lounges and a campfire for warmth. The only charging facilities on these trips are a USB 12v solar charger, so trekkers are encouraged to bring additional batteries and solar chargers for your cameras and electronic devices.

Wilderness Campsites

We use a comprehensive range of high quality camp gear including the best available two person tents for the environment. On classic outback expeditions we provide a swag which comprises of a thick foam mattress in a sturdy canvas, cover offering comfort whether under the stars or in your tents.

Climate

Winter is often considered the best time to explore Australia's Red Centre, with low-mid 20C temperatures, clear blue skies, cool breezes – optimal active adventure conditions. However, evening temperatures can drop close to 0C, particularly in the valleys, and the frost that covers the ground can create a snow-like appearance. While sleeping in an insulated sleeping bag counters the chill, travellers need to make sure they are adequately prepared for cold nights when camping, with insulated sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and thermal underwear.

Alternatively, Autumn and Spring also provide comfortable trekking conditions, with warm days and cool nights. Temperatures average between 12-27C in Autumn and 13-30C in Spring. Evenings aren’t quite as chilly as they are in winter, so pulling your bed out from your tent to sleep under the stars can be a much more desirable option at this time of year.

Visiting the Red Centre in Summer for an active adventure is not recommended due to the intense heat, hot winds and high UV exposure. With daily temperatures hovering in the mid 40’s, and surface temperatures sitting 5-8C higher, trekking in Summer presents an increased risk of heat stroke.

Trip reviews

Videos

Central Australia's West MacDonnell Ranges - why it's so special