The Larapinta Trail is the quintessential Australian Desert walking experience. Set in the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, the 223km long trail snakes through ancient landscapes and breathtaking scenery of the Red Centre. The Larapinta Trail offers one of the greatest desert treks on earth and is one of Australia’s most famous walking experiences. Find out more about the Larapinta Trail's geography, flora, fauna and history here.

Since 1995, we’ve led the way in this outstanding trekking destination and our four stylish semi-permanent eco-friendly campsites continue to set the standard on the Larapinta Trail including winning three Northern Territory Tourism Brolga Ecotourism Awards. 

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Larapinta Trail accommodation
Watch: What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail
When to walk the Larapinta Trail
Top walking trips on the Larapinta Trail
Our Larapinta Trail difference

Trail Accommodation: Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

In May 2013, we launched an exciting major upgrade to our semi-permanent camps and in 2015 we completed the 3rd exclusive site in Rocky Bar Gap. In 2018, the latest campsite now four along the trail was launched and named Sonder Camp positioned with Mt Sonder in the distance. For over a decade we have worked with Neeson-Murcutt Architects to design innovative, stylish and sustainable semi-permanent campsite facilities that will enhance the experience of trekkers while at the same time minimising environmental impacts. These facilities are available on our 3 Day Larapinta Experience in Comfort and 6 Day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort.

Our innovative campsites give trekkers a relaxing base to enjoy the outback solitude between walks while enjoying the pristine desert scenery. The kitchen, lounge and dining shelter is set on a raised platform out of the dust and provides a cool and shady open sided haven on warm afternoons, while also offering a warm shelter during the cool nights with gas heating.

Find out more about our semi-permanent Eco-Comfort camps on our dedicated Larapinta Trail website, which has all the information you need on Larapinta Trail info, including history and culture, trail sections, points of interest, wildlife and ecology and more!

When to walk the Larapinta Trail

The best time of year to walk the Larapinta Trail is any time in the cooler months from April to September. Peak season is the winter months, from May to August. The shoulder months of April - May and August - September can be warmer so be prepared for temperatures in the 30’s (celsius) during the day and mild conditions at night.

Central Australia is a climate of extremes; expect warm days and very cool evenings. Night temperatures can reach below freezing in June and July and it can stay chilly until late in the morning. Daytime temperatures can reach the 30°C’s, but are more regularly in the 20°C’s.

Should you walk the Larapinta Trail guided or self guided?

A guided walk along the Larapinta is a stress-free way to discover the incredible landscape and its culture as all the details of the trip have been organized for you. Led by our professional team of wilderness guides, who are what makes our treks so special, will share their passion and extensive knowledge about the flora, fauna, fascinating geology and history of the land.

The all-inclusive value of a fully supported trek means you'll have less to worry and more time to sit back and relax at our innovative campsites, enjoying the outback solitude between walks while taking in the pristine desert scenery. Plus, you'll have the chance to forge life-long friendships with like-minded travellers.

Our guided walks range from short 3-day trips that visit the top highlights of the Larapinta, to the Larapinta End-to-End, which tackles the entire 223km journey.

A self guided walk, on the other hand, is ideal for the confident and independent traveller who still want support in the background. While you won't have a guide around, we take the hassle out of transport, food and logistics, making our self guided treks flexible and convenient for solo travellers. You can choose from 12 different sections of the Trail as long as they are consecutive, with all of your food drops included. You will be carrying a full pack on our self guided walks and can choose from our 6, 9 or 12-day packages.

Whichever walking adventure you decide, you'll enjoy more inclusions at exceptional value, so that all you need to think about is being in the moment.

The most awarded walks on the Larapinta Trail

One of the Great Walks of Australia

World Expeditions and Australian Walking Holidays are a founding member of the Great Walks of Australia (GWOA). This industry led collective joins together ten of Australia's best walking holidays, characterised by exclusive, special accommodation that compliments the walk perfectly. Our very own Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort is listed as one of the Great Walks of Australia. 

Conservation is at the heart of what we do

Our Larapinta Treks have also been accredited as Ecotourism ECO IV certified. It has always been our motto that "we take only photographs and leave only footprints", and we hope that you will try to help us achieve our goal of keeping our impact to a minimum.

Principles to keep in mind when packing for your tour: