Trek the Larapinta Trail with Can Too to help raise much needed funds for cancer research.
Challenge Highlights
- Join Can Too Ambassador Heather Hawkins and raising vital funds for cancer research
- Trek one of the "Great Walks of Australia"
- Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonell Ranges
- Summit Mount Sonder for a spectular sunrise
- Relax in the evenings around a campfire as the guides prepare delicous 3-course meals
- View specatular and abdundant bird-life along the whole trail
Read More About Heather Hawkins Here
Overview
The Larapinita Trail is one of the seven Great Walks of Australia and is now noted as one of the top 10 walks in the world. On this fully supported fundraising challenge, we explore the high ridgelines and deep gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges and gain a rare perspective of the vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land.
At the end of each day we relax in comfort at our architect designed camps as our guides prepare a gourmet course meal around the campfire. Our exclusive camps combined with passionate guides, spectacular food, and an unsurpassed itinerary make this trek the ultimate Larapinta experience.
This trip is not to be missed. We hope you can join us.
Challenge Grade
The Classic Larapinta Trek is graded introductory to moderate.
For our full day bushwalking experiences, participants require a good level of fitness and must be willing and able to walk over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents.
In order to complete this walk you should already have a good level of fitness and ideally, undertake regular exercise three or fours times a week. Experience hill walking with a day pack is recommended.
Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.
On your day walks you will need to carry a daypack with your personal supplies for the day including water.
Larapinta Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Alice Springs
On arrival into Alice Springs airport, transfer to the Mercure Alice Springs for accommodation on a twin share basis with breakfast.
This afternoon place make your way to the Lone Dingo Camping and Outdoor Store for the 3:30pm pre-trek briefing with your guide.
Day 2: Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (14km)
We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Please ensure you’ve had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to pre-purchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am).
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 passage of Wallaby Gap.
After a stop for refreshments you take a quick transfer by bus to Nick’s 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.
Day 3: Nick's Camp to Simpons Gap (7km) then to Standley Chasm (2km)
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. All departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation. 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.
Day 4: Serpentine Gorge to Charlie's Camp (16.5km)
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, 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.
Day 5: Charlie's Camp to Ochre Pits (8km)
After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route. 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.
This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge, afterwards we transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps.
Day 6: Early morning sunrise walk up to Mount Sonder (16km)
Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 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 back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River.
Day 7: Orminston Pound Walk (8km) then transfer to Alice Springs
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 is the perfect walk to complete our journey.
We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest raptor.
This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist.
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. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last six days! We will drop you to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice’s great eateries.
