Walk the Larapinta Trail, NT
The Larapinta Trail is an extended walking track in Australia's Northern Territory. Its total length covers 223 kilometres from east to west, with the eastern end at Alice Springs and the western end at Mount Sonder, one of the territory's highest mountains. It follows the West MacDonnell Ranges, sometimes along the ridge line, other times on the plain below, in the West MacDonnell National Park.
Described by Australian Geographic as ���one of the world���s best long- distance arid-zone walks���, the Larapinta trail weaves through the spectacular backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This vast and spectacular section of the Ranges is an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic extremes. High exposed ridgelines with exhilarating views, lush gorges, dry river valleys and secluded waterholes provide endless scenic pleasure.
Epicurious Travel's classic 6 day Larapinta trail tour is one of the best and safest ways possible to experience the trail. Walk an ancient landscape of rugged beauty then sleep under the stars in ultimate comfort with fully enclosed swags and comfortable touring tents. Enjoy the finest gastronomical fare from our outback kitchen and cooked on the open fire, accompanied by great hand picked Australian wines. Discover hidden gorges and swim in cool waterholes, take a��hot bush shower at the end of a day on then trail��relax with a beer or gin and tonic as the sun goes down, conquer Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Their private campsite, located within the National Park is the perfect base from which to walk and explore this awe-inspiring country. They provide luxury fully enclosed swags with mattresses, woollen underlays, cotton sheets and pillowcases and touring tents offering privacy and standing room.�� Their solar heated bush shower, eco friendly toiletries and composting toilet are welcome comfort in this remote area. Walk carrying only a daypack with expert guides who can interpret and explain to you with their passion the history, geology, rare plants and stunning wildlife of the desert.
Groups of eight or more friends have the option to walk the trail with an itinerary and activities designed to specifically meet the desires of your group. This could include some unique days doing off trail sightseeing or visiting the indigenous community and art centres at Papunya or Hermannsburg. Or a family tour can be organised with the program designed with kids in mind.
Trip length: 6 days / 5 nights. Tours conducted between May and August each year.
The Guides
Tour guides not only have many years experience, they are adept at wearing many hats. They are your hosts, interpreters of the landscape, cooks, carers of blisters and friends for the journey. They may be environmental scientists, chefs or outdoor ed specialists. Above all they���re fun - the kind of fun that makes you want to sit around the fire and chat with them or share a beer with at the end of a day on the trail. They are passionate about their work and the environment.��
Environment-Friendly
For those concerned about the impact of the tour on the environment, the operators genuinely love and care for the environment in which they are fortunate enough to work in and make sure they recycle our bottles and cans, return all vegetable and fruit scraps to hungry little chooks in Alice each week. All human waste is removed from the site. At the end of the season they leave no trace of their presence.