4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights exclusive semi-permanent campsites
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days$4295AUD

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THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: WLA8

Women's Larapinta Walking Trip highlights

  • Stay in exclusive semi-permanent campsites with hot showers and comfortable safari-style sleeping tents
  • Spend 5 days walking along the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail
  • Private bush tucker cooking experience and cultural understanding talk
  • Watch the sunrise from Mount Sonder, one of the Northern Territory's highest peaks
  • Uncover the history of Australia's Traditional Owners
  • Swim in the pristine waters of Glen Helen Gorge
  • Form new friendships with like-minded women

Why Book With Us

  • Stay at our multi award-winning, exclusive eco-comfort camps
  • Unrivalled experience, first on the trail in 1995
  • Join a dedicated female only adventure crafted in collaboration with the leaders in women’s trek & fitness training programs, Wild Women on Top
  • Receive a free Trek Training program by Wild Women On Top tailored for this walking adventure
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of other like minded females looking for adventure in the outdoors

Winner of the 2016 and 2017 Ecotourism award in the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards. Since 1995, when we offered the first commercial trek in this outstanding walking destination, we have led the way on the Larapinta trail - and our award-winning semi-permanent campsites continue to set the standard. On this fully supported trek, you'll walk with just a day pack on well graded trails between eight and sixteen kilometres each day. At the end of each day, you'll appreciate the facilities of our architect-designed exclusive permanent campsites, including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter, as our guides prepare what are best described as delicious meals "with a gourmet twist". Our three stylish campsites are located at intervals that minimize your transfer time, so there's more time to take in the highlights of the trail. We have selected walks for their spectacular scenery and their variety. On the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, you'll gain a rare perspective of the vast flood plains - truly big sky country - that form this ancient land. You'll be dwarfed by the immensity of Ormiston and Serpentine gorges and soothed by their idyllic waterholes. You'll be amazed by dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm and the dawn ascent of Mt Sonder (1,380m) provides the perfect vantage point to take in the length of the entire West MacDonnell Ranges.

Activities:

Itinerary

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On arrival in Alice Springs you will need to make your own way to the group hotel, Double Tree By Hilton (or similar). This afternoon you may wish to explore town or take a dip in the pool before our group briefing at 3pm.

Meals:  Nil

We pick you up from your accommodation at around 7am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments you take a quick transfer by bus to Nicks Camp. Nick's Camp is one of our exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. Walking Time: 5-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture. Sunday and Wednesday departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation; Friday departures will have a cultural conversation on night one. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm – a private reserve still run by the traditional owners – we transfer to back to our campsite. Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie's Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow. Your guides will offer numerous afternoon activities such as: visit Finke River (estimated to be the oldest river in the world) or relaxing at camp. We transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps. Fearless – named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp - named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Both Camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder. Walking Time: 3-7 hour

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch on the Finke River. A short transfer returns us to camp looking back up toward Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and wildlife and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. We will drop you back to Double Tree by Hilton (or similar) at approximately 4-5pm. This evening we enjoy a final celebratory dinner together at Hanuman restaurant. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning your trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 2 nights Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs
  • 5 nights exclusive, comfortable semi-permanent campsite twin share
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Off-road transport from Alice Springs to the Larapinta Trail (return)
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & stretcher beds

  • Return airfares to Alice Springs
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bag hire (if you would like to hire a sleeping bag you must book this at at least 14 days prior to your trip)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Head torches and other personal equipment
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

About Your Leader

World Expeditions has a long held philosophy of training and empowering female guides and we certainly have an amazing line up of extraordinary women in the field!

Hailing from all walks of life, our female guide team are excited to welcome you on this adventure. With a deep love for the outdoors and a wealth of experience and knowledge, the expertise and enthusiasm that they bring to each and every trip is what makes it unique and memorable.

Their gentle encouragement and the careful attention they pay to every individual will ensure you are kept safe, well fed & inspired. These are the type of women who will offer support, pick your mood up after a hard day on the trail, encourage you to try new things and push your limits and of course have fun along the way!

Each of our guides has a unique story and they are looking forward to sharing their stories and hearing yours, while helping you connect to the place and the people you meet along the way.

Accommodation

Semi-permanent eco-campsites

During the trip we stay at our exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. Our exclusive campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. Each site has a large covered area in which to relax at the end of a day of walking, with lounges, dining table and kitchen. Beside this shady communal space is our campfire, the perfect place to gather as the sun sets.

Semi-permanent eco-campsites

The safari-style tents offer plenty of room for two people and gear. Luggage should be kept in the tent at all times, preventing dingoes from taking shoes and other items. You sleep on a stretcher bed in a swag, and you can take your swag outside the tent and sleep under the stars if you are looking for that real outback experience.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

The Women's Classic Larapinta Trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves walking 5-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections. Suggested preparation: We recommend regular strenuous exercise 3 or 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) in the months leading up to your trip. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.

Departure dates


Priceper person from

$4295AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Women's Adventures - Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections.

You will need a good level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

The Women's Classic Larapinta Trek is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day and when on top of Mt Sonder.

Our Larapinta Trail trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

In the Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct, and temperatures are more extreme than in most other parts of Australia. Trekking in winter (May to August) is generally pleasant with light winds, and daytime temperatures averaging 15-25C or 60-80F. However, winter nights often plummet below freezing and there are frequent frosts; please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks.

The shoulder seasons of April and September tend to bring higher daytime temperatures with daytime temperatures averaging 25-35C or 75-95F. Nights are typically mild hovering around 10-15C or 50-60F. Higher daytime temperatures can occasionally occur necessitating adjustments to itineraries. This may entail a reduction in walking activities and an increase in more leisurely pursuits such as swimming.

While rainfall is infrequent along the Larapinta Trail, it remains essential to be equipped for any weather scenario. The region is susceptible to unpredictable spells of hot or cold weather at random intervals. Rest assured, our facilities are well-equipped to accommodate both extremes, ensuring an enjoyable experience amidst the diverse conditions of Outback Australia. However, in light of this variability, we hope to stress to you the importance of following our suggested packing list, checking local weather updates prior to departure and packing appropriately for a more informed and enjoyable journey.

Women's Larapinta Walking Trip reviews

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.