Larapinta Trail Walking Tour | 7 Day Group Guided Trek

Larapinta Trail – 7 Days

GROUP-GUIDED

GROUP-GUIDED
7 DAYS
Moderate

PRICE FROM $ 2,150 per person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $ 430 per person

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OVERVIEW

THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AS GLEN HELEN LODGE IS TEMPORARY CLOSED WITH REOPEN DATE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN; WE HOPE IT WILL BE IN 2026.

Trek the amazing Larapinta Trail through the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ormiston and Serpentine Gorges and hike Mount Sonder at sunrise. Be amazed by the dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Glen Helen Gorge and Standley Chasm. This is one of the most spectacular outback experiences in Australia.

This is a way of experiencing the splendid isolation and remoteness of the most spectacular parts of the Larapinta Trail, with quality dining and relaxed, comfortable accommodation with ensuites.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Ormiston, Glen Helen & Serpentine Gorge, Finke River, Counts Point & Standley Chasm
Views from Mount Sonder at dawn
With two experienced Larapinta guides, we can offer a more leisurely daily walk for those who want it.
Authentic Australian farm homestead accommodation in air-conditioned ensuite rooms
All meals, including chef-prepared meals in the evening
These Larapinta trail walks take us through land sacred to the Arrernte Aboriginal people since the Dreamtime.

ITINERARY

DAY one

ALICE SPRINGS TO ORMISTON GORGE, POUND WALK AND ELLERY BIG HOLE

After meeting in Alice Springs, we will drive west along Larapinta Drive and then Namatjira Drive through the West MacDonnell National Park towards Ormiston Gorge, our first stop on the Larapinta Trail. We will stop at Ellery Creek Big hole for a short leg stretch and trip briefing. The Ormiston Pound circuit walk is on a moderate track and takes around 4 hrs. Leaving Ormiston gorge, the walk heads into low hills surrounding Ormiston Pound, stopping first at a serene lookout and then heading down into the pound itself and meeting the ancient Ormiston Creek River. We then follow the Ormiston Creek into an incredible lunch spot in the Ormiston Gorge, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs. Following lunch, we rock hop down the gorge and gradually climb up to the iconic Ghost Gum Lookout overtop the main waterhole before descending back to our starting spot. From here, there will be time to laze by the Ormiston Gorge waterhole with an ice cream or coffee and have a refreshing swim.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge
Meals: Walkers lunch and two-course dinner at the lodge restaurant
Walking: Easy / 10 km / 4 hrs

DAY two

SERPENTINE GORGE TO NAMATJIRA DRIVE VIA COUNTS POINT

Today we visit Counts Point, one of the iconic and unbeatable viewpoints in Central Australia and of the Larapinta Trail. The first few kilometres of this walk are quite easy and level until we reach the base of the Heavitree Range. We then climb up to the crest of the ridge at Eagles Landing and are rewarded by uninterrupted views stretching to the horizon on all sides. Towards the end of the ridge, we reach Counts Point and stop for a well-earned lunch break with outstanding views. After leaving the lookout, we then descend off the ridge via a spectacular spur. We drop into the lovely shaded Lomandra Gully for a rest on our descent. The last few kilometres of the walk are along an easy, flat bush track.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course dinner at the lodge restaurant
Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 7 hrs / shorter option available

DAY three

OLD SERPENTINE CHALET TO OCHRE PITS VIA INARLUNGA PASS

We commence the walk near the old Serpentine Chalet. Turning west, we walk for two kilometres in the low foothills to the start of the Inarlunga Pass. We then rock hop up into the pass where we have lunch, surrounded by cycads and fascinating red quartzite cliffs.

Following lunch, we may head out into the Hidden Valley beyond Inarlunga depending on time and inclination. Retracing our steps down the gorge, we then continue west and walk to the nearby Ochre Pits and learn about the cultural significance of this place to the Aranda people.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course dinner at the lodge restaurant
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15 km / 6 hrs / easier option available

DAY four

MOUNT SONDER LOOKOUT TO ORMISTON GORGE

For today’s walk, we will start at the nearby Ormiston Gorge following the low foothills and plains overlooking the Davenport and Finke rivers. Stop along the way at a spectacular lookout and rest while we enjoy the amazing views on all sides. We then drop down to meet the Finke River where we rest in the shade of magnificent River Red gums for lunch. After lunch, we follow the riverbed down for another 1.5 km to where we reach the Two Mile Campground where there is a lovely swimming hole. A place to relax for a while before heading home.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course dinner at the lodge restaurant
Walking: Moderate / 12.5 km / 5 hrs / shorter option available

DAY five

MOUNT SONDER AT SUNRISE

Today we will leave very early to avoid the heat and take advantage of the sunrise and the best light of the day. After 500m of easy walking, we reach the start of the climb onto the ridge leading up to Mt Sonder. This will be the steepest part of the climb today. Taking short, regular breaks, we will reach the main ridge and head to the 3km mark lookout where we will see the magnificent dawn spreading across the landscape below.

From here, the next few kilometres are a gradual climb until we reach a short, sharp descent where we will stop for snacks and then start climbing again towards the summit. The final stretch of the climb is much easier. Here we have brunch and a cuppa to celebrate. As we return, we enjoy the views below us on the descent. Once back near the trailhead we will have a picnic lunch in the river bed and take a well-earned rest in the shade.

Accommodation: Glen Helen Lodge
Meals: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course dinner at the lodge restaurant
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 16 km / 8 hrs / easier option available

DAY six

SERPENTINE GORGE LOOKOUT, ELLERY BIG HOLE & STANDLEY CHASM

At Serpentine Gorge, we commence our easy, flat, one-hour return walk into the beautiful Serpentine Gorge, where we rest in the shade and enjoy the reflections on the ancient rock whilst spotting birds coming to drink at the waterhole. The next stage of the walk is a short climb up to the lookout peering down into the ancient and spectacular upper reaches of the gorge. This is also a great chance to search for Black Footed Rock wallabies which call the cliffs of the gorge home. Returning the same way, we hop in the bus and head to Standley Chasm nestled in the Chewings Range. Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye to the Aranda people, is located in a private nature reserve owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust and is operated by Aboriginal family members of the local Traditional Owners.

Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs
Meals: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant, walkers lunch and a two-course dinner at the hotel restaurant
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 6 km / 3 hrs

DAY seven

ALICE SPRINGS

This Larapinta Trail tour ends with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Meals: Cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All-inclusive pack free walking holiday
All meals including breakfasts, two-course dinners most nights and walkers lunches
All transport from Alice Springs, plus all luggage transport
National park admission
Champagne sunset
2 expert guides and Stroll guide pack including notes
6 nights accommodation

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

Every night we stay in good quality rooms with ensuites. We get to enjoy hot showers, chef-prepared dinners and breakfasts, and most importantly enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep every night.

We stay five nights at Glen Helen Lodge, the only accommodation located within the Tjoritja – West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, 130km west of Alice Springs. This extraordinary landscape is 800 million years old and has been home to the Western Aranda Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. We get to enjoy the comfort provided by the lodge with Glen Helen Gorge and the national park right at your doorstep. Importantly, the lodge is owned and now also run by the traditional owners with some assistance, which means by staying here we are supporting the local people.

The lodge, partly an old homestead, reflects the region’s character and is in an amazing location, offering up great views including sunsets like no other over the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The Mercure Hotel is our accommodation in Alice Springs and is in an excellent location, where you can relax either by the pool, in the garden or in the many other facilities that it offers.

All of the two-course dinners are prepared by the in-house chefs. There’s an emphasis on Australian game meat, top end fish, tropical fruit and bushtucker.

The breakfasts each morning and the packed lunches/picnics complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always satisfied. In fact, you can look forward to having lunch at some of the most incredible locations on the Larapinta Trail. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin of some kind, plus a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

WEST MACDONNELL RANGES

You will be staying at Glen Helen Lodge on the first 5 nights of your walk. The property is located in the 800 million-year-old home of the Western Aranda Aboriginal people. Apart from their numerous motel rooms, they have a restaurant that’s quite popular to locals as well as a bar/bistro, a swimming pool and a general store.

Their modest, clean rooms have ensuite bathrooms, laundry facilities and a barbie.

Mercure Alice Springs Resort is located on the Todd River, right in the heart of the town centre. You will be walking distance to many shops, cafes and attractions in Alice Springs.

NIGHT 6

ALICE SPRINGS

Mercure Alice Springs Resort is located on the Todd River, right in the heart of the town centre. You will be walking distance to many shops, cafes and attractions in Alice Springs.

GENERAL INFO

The Larapinta Trail tracks are dry and firm but often rocky underfoot. Most of the walks are easy to moderate. The easier walks are great for first-timers. However, the walk often involves challenging walking of between 4 to 9 hours each day, across rocky terrain and ridgelines with steep inclines, so the experienced hikers won’t be disappointed. Please be advised that it may be warm this time of year and that you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you each day.

This trip operates with two experienced and knowledgeable guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way.

Pre and post-tour accommodation: we pick up and drop off at the Mercure, Alice Springs. The tour starts at the Mercure at 8.30 am and includes the final night at the Mercure on return.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

This environment is only suitable to walk from May to August as it is too hot at other times. Nights are generally significantly cooler than day time temperatures. Please ensure you bring warm clothing for the evenings. The climate is marked by very low humidity. Please ensure you have at least 2L capacity for water on the walk, as this will be necessary.

See the Bureau of Meteorology information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Larapinta climate graph

Source; BOM

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, or email us at info@stroll.com

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Overview

THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AS GLEN HELEN LODGE IS TEMPORARY CLOSED WITH REOPEN DATE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN; WE HOPE IT WILL BE IN 2026.

This is a way of experiencing the splendid isolation and remoteness of the most spectacular parts of the Larapinta Trail, with quality dining and relaxed, comfortable accommodation with ensuites.