Australia's Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort

On this day, you will be picked up from your accommodation between 7:00 and 7:30 am and transferred to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Breakfast should be eaten beforehand, as most cafes are closed before 7:00 am, and pre-purchased food may be necessary. The trail begins by heading west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. From there, the walk climbs over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, offering expansive views of Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the passage of Wallaby Gap.

After a stop for refreshments, take a quick transfer by bus to Nick’s Camp. Nick’s Camp is one of the exclusive award-winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following the introduction to the camp, you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown.

Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.70 Miles)
Walking Time: 5-8 Hours

PRE-TRIP BRIEFING NOTE: All participants must arrive in Alice Springs the day before Day 1, in time to attend the 3:30pm pre-trip briefing.

From Nick’s Camp, continue west through magnificent, shady bloodwoods and tall ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. There may be a chance to spot a Black-footed Rock Wallaby as the group approaches one of the region’s most important waterholes, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer to the stunning Standley Chasm, where they enjoy a talk on Indigenous culture. All departures include a journey into Arrernte's country for a cultural conversation. After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the Chasm, a private reserve is still managed by its traditional owners. After the day's activity, transfer back to camp.

Hiking Distance: Nick’s Camp to Simpsons Gap (7 km / 4.34 miles), then to Standley Chasm (2 km / 2.24 miles)
Walking Time: 3-5 Hours
 

Today's highlight is a 5 km (3.10 miles) walk along the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From this vantage, enjoy sweeping views across Central Australia's western horizon, including Mt. Zeil (1,531 m / 5,022 feet), the Northern Territory’s highest peak—and Mt. Sonder, the trail’s endpoint. The massive comet crater of Gosse Bluff is also visible, a striking landmark that will remain in view over the coming days. The walk then descends from the ridgetop through quiet, mysterious stands of mulga trees.

At the base of the ridge, a dolomite limestone track leads toward camp—fossil stromatolites, some of the Earth’s earliest life forms, may be spotted underfoot. Leaving the main trail, the walk continues along a private track to Charlie’s Camp, named in honor of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point, the camp offers a peaceful setting to unwind. In the evening, relax by the campfire while the guides prepare a delicious dinner.

Hiking Distance: Serpentine Gorge to Charlie’s Camp (16.5km / 10.25 miles)
Walking Time: 5-6.5 Hours

After another delicious breakfast, set out on foot toward the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, stopping to visit Serpentine Chalet along the way. Time is spent in the magnificent pass, soaking in the tranquility and admiring the ancient cycad palms nestled within the rocky gorge. From there, the trek continues southwest to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The vibrant rainbow of colors on the wave-like ochre wall offers a striking photo opportunity. The day concludes with a relaxed picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for the next day’s big adventure.

This afternoon, enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. Then, transfer west to one of the exclusive camps. Sonder Camp, which is named after the magnificent Mt. Sonder, or Fearless, which is named after the trekking instructor Sue Fear. Both camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder.

Hiking Distance: Charlie’s Camp to Ochre pits (8 km / 4.97 miles)
Walking Time: 3-7 hours

On this day, wake up early in the morning, around 2–3am, for a pre-dawn ascent of Mount Sonder. Guided by the soft glow of head torches, make your way through the stillness and darkness toward the 1,380 m summit. Reaching the top in time to witness the sunrise is a truly unforgettable experience. As the highest point and official end of the Larapinta Trail, Mount Sonder offers panoramic views across the sweeping landscape explored over the previous days—a powerful and fitting finale to the journey.

After descending to Redbank Gorge, return to camp for a delicious brunch. This afternoon's options include swimming at Finke River or relaxing at camp.

Hiking Distance: Mount Sonder 1,380 m / 4,527 feet (16 km / 9.94 miles)
Walking Time: 7-8 hours

This morning, enjoy the best sidewalk 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. 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: spinifex pigeon, budgerigar, and mistletoe bird. 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 1 m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20 m across, and your guides will be there to assist.

After lunch, board the bus for the return transfer to Alice Springs. As the familiar desert landscape drifts past the window, many trekkers feel a deep sense of awe and accomplishment from the journey. Guests are dropped off at their accommodation around 4–5pm. That evening, the group may choose to celebrate their achievements with a shared dinner at one of Alice Springs’ excellent local eateries.

Hiking Distance: Ormiston Pound Walk (8 km / 4.97 miles)
Walking Time: 3-4 hours