Larapinta 14 Day Self Guided Trek

Land Tour

14 days

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Larapinta 14 Day Self Guided Trek
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 157 per day

Departure: Alice Springs, Australia

Arrival: Alice Springs, Australia

Adventure

For experienced walkers taking on the challenge of the entire 223km length of the Larapinta Trail, following the spine of the West MacDonnell range, should be high on the bucket list!
Walking self guided and at your own pace is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the immensely diverse and unique landscapes, flora and fauna of this trek. The trail takes you through narrow canyons, stunning gorges and forests of mulga and mallee, over high ridgelines and around idyllic waterholes, spending each night under the expansive star-filled Outback sky. During this complete traverse of the inspiring Larapinta you will be carrying your own full pack, up to 25kg in weight. There are challenging stages as you pass over remote ridges and canyons, walking up to 35kms on some days. The feeling of achievement that will come over you as you view your path from the top of Mount Sonder on day 14, the last section of the trail, is a memory to cherish for a lifetime.
On this 14 day self guided trek you'll be provided with the essential equipment for experiencing Outback Australia by foot. We'll set you up with comprehensive maps, quality lightweight trekking food, cooking utensils and stove as well as tent and sleeping gear, emergency communications, and invaluable advice from our experienced guides prior to your departure. World Expeditions are pioneers of this iconic trek and the first to offer self guided Larapinta trips, and we are proud to support you on your independent journey by providing the best equipment and incomparable local knowledge.
A self guided walk along the Larapinta is suited to experienced walkers comfortable with their sense of direction and map reading, ability to carry a full pack, and used to being independent in the outdoors. If you are short on time but still want a challenging trek, our 6 day Larapinta Self Guided trip takes in the best sections of the Larapinta Trail.
About
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hot drinks
Light weight trekking food supplied
Camp stove and fuel
Cooking and eating utensils
Sleeping mat, tent (twin share), hiking pack, sleeping bag
Off-road transport to/from Alice Springs to start/finish of your trek
All National Park and camping fees
Emergency communication device
Complete set of Larapinta Trail maps and route descriptions
Mandatory pre-trip briefing held the day before the trip starts
Hightlights
Trek the famous Larapinta Trail in its epic entirety!
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Tjoritja National Park
Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges at your own pace
Enjoy the complete flexibility self guiding provides
Wilderness camping in the Australian Outback
An abundance of unique wildlife and flora at every step
Summit the majestic Mt Sonder (1380m)
One of the best long-distance arid-zone walks

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Alice Springs (Telegraph Station) to Simpson’s Gap (25km)
Your walking begins at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station which is the official start of the Larapinta Trail. The historical stone buildings here date back to 1872 and housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. It's worth having a look around the Station before heading off on your walk. Initially the trail from here winds among boulders of Alice Springs Granite, the highest of which offers fine views of the town and Mt Gillen. The trail passes through Witchetty Bush and Mulga scrub, over exposed hills and shady woodlands before you arrive for lunch at Wallaby Gap. From Wallaby Gap, you follow the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. You may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as you approach Simpson's Gap and your campsite.
Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 9 hours
*You will need to arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.
Day 2 - Simpson's Gap to Jay Creek (27km)
From Simpson's Gap you walk through pleasant grassy flats and low, rocky hills bearing the scars of early cattle grazing, evidence of the fragility of this arid environment. Graceful Ghost Gums are also to be seen on this section, coated in a white powder with powerful antiseptic properties used by Aborigines. One of the most peaceful parts of the trail is Spring Gap. You can observe a wide variety of plant life and watch for birds at the waterhole. Listen for the excited babble of the Grey-crowned Babbler, a social bird that bounds through the leaf litter searching for food. From the waterhole you will walk on through ever changing countryside to your idyllic camp at Jay Creek.
Difficulty grading: Hard | Walking time: 9 hours
Day 3 - Jay Creek to Standley Chasm (15km)
On leaving Jay Creek you are on sacred ground, where the Aboriginal custodians ask that you walk only in the dry creek bed. Today's walk is nothing short of spectacular. You continue on through varied terrain dotted with Mulga and Witchetty Bush to Tangentyere Junction. Here the track diverges to follow the ridgeline above the Finke River. A good place to stop for lunch is Millers Flat. From the Flat you climb through rocky terrain before descending from the north into the deep, red rock of Standley Chasm. Your camp for the night is at Standley Chasm. There is a kiosk here and showers are available.
Difficulty grading: Hard | Walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 4 - Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole (18km)
From Standley Chasm you follow the spectacular Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. You head up to follow the ridge line over Reveal Saddle to Brinkley’s Bluff. From this high point, just over 1100m, you are rewarded with superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell Ranges. After lunch you take on a steep descent and pass Mintbush Spring, named for the native plant that grows here, a beautifully mint-scented bush related to sage and lavender. Your welcoming campsite tonight is at the peaceful Birthday Waterhole.
There is an optional extra 1km walk to Birthday Waterhole from the trail junction.
Difficulty rating: Very Hard | Walking time: 8 hours
Day 5 - Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge (16.5km)
You should rise early today for one of the most challenging and rewarding sections on the trail. The track undulates vigorously over rough, rocky terrain and you are exposed (to the elements and to the magnificent views!) atop Windy Saddle and Razorback Ridge for the first part of the day. In the afternoon you will drop down to Fringe Lily Creek, a nice stop for lunch as it offers some shade. After lunch the trail takes you on a rough spinifex journey through this semi-arid region allowing breathtaking views of Hugh Gorge, where you will camp overnight.
Difficulty rating: Very Hard | Walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 6 - Hugh Gorge to Rocky Gully Campsite (15.5km)
The walk today continues along the south side of the West MacDonnell ranges whose soaring presence dominates your views as you move through lower level woodlands and spinifex. On today's walk you could chance upon Painted Firetails and a variety of different bird species. Keep your eye out especially for the beautiful Spinifex Pigeon which relies on the tough spinifex plant for camouflage and food – you'll see them strutting amongst the plants with their tall, elegant crest bobbing along with their every step. Your overnight camp is at Rocky Gully Campsite.
Difficulty grading: Medium | Walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 7 - Rocky Gully Campsite to Ellery Creek North (13.5km)
The Larapinta Trail section between Rocky Gully Campsite and Ellery Creek North immerses hikers in the captivating beauty of Australia's Red Centre. Traversing ochre-colored terrain beneath the striking West MacDonnell Ranges, the trail unfolds a mesmerizing journey. Rocky Gully Campsite provides a peaceful pause amid eucalypt groves, while the path to Ellery Creek North reveals stunning views back to Brinkley Bluff. The interplay of light and shadow on ancient rocks adds a breathtaking dimension to this compact yet spectacular stretch of the Larapinta Trail.
Difficulty grading: Medium | Walking time: 4-5.5 hours
Day 8 - Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge (13km)
The stretch of the Larapinta Trail from Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge is a captivating odyssey through the heart of the Australian Outback. As the trail winds through the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the rugged landscape, characterised by ancient rock formations and the vibrant hues of the arid terrain. Ellery Creek North serves as a starting point, offering a glimpse of the majestic Ellery Creek Big Hole. Continuing the journey, the trail unveils the enchanting Serpentine Gorge, where sinuous watercourses cut through the rugged rocks. The contrast of the cool, shaded gorge against the sunlit expanse creates a visual spectacle, making this segment a captivating exploration of the Red Centre's natural wonders.
Difficulty grading: Medium | Walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 9 - Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet (17km)
This section of the trail offers breathtaking views as you walk along the high quartzite ridge lines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. You ascend to Counts Point where you are able to take in 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. You can even see the fascinating, huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff. You descend through mysterious old Mulga stands to camp overnight at Serpentine Chalet.
Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 7 hours
Day 10 - Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge (31km)
An early start is required to fit in all of the highlights of this section of the trail. Today takes you into the rugged heart of this ancient landscape on a track only opened to the public as recently as 1997. The trail today is again challenging as you ascend to 1088 metres. And again, as always on the Larapinta, your epic climb is rewarded with expansive views. The view opens up across the Alice Valley to the giant, bulky mass of of Mt. Giles, one of the Northern Territory's highest peaks at 1389m. On arrival at Ormiston Gorge you will find many lovely campsites, a kiosk and showers. If you go for a quiet walk at dusk you may be lucky enough to see the shy dingo that sometimes roams along the river bank near camp.
Difficulty rating: Very Hard | Walking time: 10-13 hours
Day 11 - Ormiston Gorge to Finke River (10km) or Glen Helen (13km)
This is a shorter and more gentle section of the Larapinta Trail which leads you into the head of the Finke River. The local indigenous Arrernte name for the Finke River has given the trail its name: Lhere Pinte (Larapinta) meaning salty river. If you feel like a further walk after setting up camp at the Finke River some walkers like to do a side-trip (without packs) to Glen Helen – perfect for an afternoon swim before heading back to your camp for dinner and another cosy night in your tent.
Difficulty rating: Medium | Walking time: 4 hours
Day 12 - Finke River to Rocky Bar Gap (15km)
This section has views dominated by the impressive bulk of Mount Sonder. The colours of this magnificent mountain change dramatically throughout the day. You initially head northwest through a sea of spinifex before crossing Davenport Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. Your walk climbs over a low section of the range and descends into Rocky Bar Gap and your overnight camp.
Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 13 - Rocky Bar Gap to Redbank Creek (11km)
Hikers traverse an ancient landscape characterised by rugged terrain and the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges looming in the distance. Rocky Bar Gap introduces a dramatic interplay of light and shadow on weathered rocks, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. As the trail progresses, the scenery evolves, leading to the awe-inspiring Redbank Gorge. Here, the gorge showcases towering red cliffs, framing a serene waterhole that reflects the vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape. The trail is a sensory experience, with the scent of native flora lingering in the air and the sound of wind whispering through the eucalypts. You will pass beaneath the flanks of Mount Sonder, walking through dense Mulga and Mallee woodland until you reach the beautiful Redbank Creek and your overnight camp.
Difficulty rating: Medium | Walking time: 4 hours
Day 14 - Mount Sonder (1380m), return to Alice Springs (16km)
This morning you will be up early for your sunrise ascent of Mount Sonder. By starting your walk of this section early you can complete the climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the land. Mount Sonder is one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range and the views from the top are incomparable; standing on the summit and taking in the landscape you have traversed aver the last fourteen days will be a highlight of your Larapinta Trail journey. On completion of this section you will be picked up at Redbank Gorge Carpark at 10.30am and transferred to Alice Springs where your tour will conclude. We hope you celebrate with long shower, afternoon nap, clean clothes and a delicious lunch and dinner at one of Alice Spring's great eateries... Congratulations on completing your Larapinta adventure!
Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 6 hours
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