Northern Territory | The Larapinta Desert Trek
Women Only Tour
With spectacular sunrises and sunsets you will find the beauty and grandeur of the Larapinta Trail truly inspirational. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Red Centre, trekking parts of the Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular walks in Australia. We will trek 12 to 18 km per day, taking in amazing scenery with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. Discover the magic and mysteries concealed within this ancient environment and be swept away by dreamtime legends of the area.
Spot black footed rock wallabies at Ormiston Gorge, wander through eerie nooks and crannies at Glen Helen Gorge, float over icy cold water at Redbank Gorge and scale the Red Centre's highest peak of Mount Sonder at sunrise.
| Duration: | 7 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW534 |
| Trip Style: | Not rated |
| Departure Dates: | 05 Aug 2012 |
| Price: | $1,680 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
Especially designed for women by women, with small group sizes in mind. Every detail of your trip is arranged, while you have an amazing adventure and make enduring friendships. In good company with like-minded women you can be yourself - enjoy the freedom to do what you want, when you want. There's no pressure or competiteness, but plenty of encouragement.
Trip Details
Day 1 - ALICE SPRINGS
Arrival times will vary today. You will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at 6pm for a Welcome Meeting at the Desert Palm Resort. If you arrive early in the day you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it behind for the outback. Browse aboriginal artworks at central Australia's best art galleries, or take in a twilight didgeridoo performance. Visit the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame at the Old Alice Springs Gaol, which is dedicated to preserving the place of women in history for their special contribution to Australia's heritage.
Hotel: Alice Springs at the Chifley Resort (twin share)
Day 2 - LARAPINTA TRAIL TO ORMOSTON GORGE
This morning you depart Alice Springs bright and early. The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best there is in Australia. Our first walk is a 21km "leg stretch" commencing from where Alice Springs all began - the Old Telegraph Station. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days.
Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Simpsons Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping.
Day 3 - GLEN HELEN GORGE
Today we traverse the low lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore with several important sites being viewed including ‘Yapulpa', which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend as well as the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming.
Tonight our camp site is shadowed by Mount Sonder (The Pregnant Lady) and the imagery of the Yeperenye Hills (Caterpillar Dreaming). Relax at the campsite on the banks of the mighty Finke River as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million star accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping.
Day 4 - REDBANK GORGE
A 23km trek awaits. This is a challenging section of the Larapinta Trail with variety the theme for today with undulating open Spinifex plains giving way to a gradual climb to the Half Way Rocky Bar Gap, through constant up and down at the base of Mount Sonder. Enter the eerie caverns in one of the Red Centre's less traversed gorges. Squeeze through narrow passageways, between polished, multi-hued walls that block out the sunlight, its cathedral atmosphere and vivid colours are well worth the effort. Enjoy the evening around the campfire with your fellow walkers for another night of friendly banter and a hearty meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping
Day 5 - MOUNT SONDER/SIMPSONS GAP
An early rise is an understatement as we challenge the 8km climb to the Peak of Mount Sonder (the complete return walk is 16km). The vision of sunrise and the 360 degree view will leave you speechless - a truly unforgettable achievement. Spend your last nightcamping under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping.
Day 6 - LARAPINTA TRAIL TO ALICE SPRINGS
Regarded by many as the best small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wildlife, flora and beautiful scenery. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, it offers sensational views of the Chewing's Range and Mount Giles, the entry into the Gorge will leave you amazed. After another healthy lunch, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and return to normality (hot shower and life as you know it awaits). Tonight we will reminisce the past 6 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink at one of Alice's finest restaurants (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Alice Springs at the Chifley Resort (twin share)
Day 7 - DEPART ALICE SPRINGS
The tour ends after breakfast. You have the day free to explore Alice Springs on your own if you have time before departing.
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
We like to camp in style and comfort which involves sleeping in enclosed swags or in large, wilderness style tents. A mattress, pillow, -5CC rated sleeping bags, sheets, woollen blankets are provided. A hands free headlight/torch is thoroughly recommended for after dark activities. Please note you will be required to carry your own day pack on this walk. All other equipment will be handled by our ground crew.
Tents, eskys (Coolers), pots and pans, camp ovens, utensils and crockery are all chosen for presentation and serviceability. While we do venture into the outback, it doesn't mean we have to rough it! Your added comfort and safety adds to your overall experience and enjoyment.
TREK GUIDES
We pride ourselves on the very high standard of our guides. They all have a sound knowledge of our local area focusing on its history, Aboriginal culture, geology and the natural environment.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Our safaris are designed to suit active people who enjoy small group dynamics. When you are on a guided walk our guides are responsible for your well being so it is important you have a reasonable fitness level and are able to stay with the group whilst on all walks.
Our safaris do require a degree of participation with the preparation of meals, loading and unloading camping equipment, collecting fire wood and the washing of dishes after meals.
No part of the trek is compulsory. Should anyone choose not to walk a section of the Trek - that is fine. You are more than welcome to stay back at the camp and read, sleep or assist with the Ground Support personnel etc etc. THERE is NO obligation to do any or all of the trekking.
Inclusions
- Hotel accommodation in Alice Springs twin share, 2 nights
- Camping at basic camps, 4 nights
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Supply of all snacks, fruit & refreshments
- Arrival airport transfer
- Expert trek guide
- Provision of ground transport including 4WD support vehicle
- Quality bedding, camping & safety equipment - we like to camp in style and comfort which involves sleeping in enclosed swags or in large, wilderness style tents. A mattress, pillow, sleeping bag, sheets, towel, soap and a torch/kerosene lamp are provided.
- Park entrance and trek fees
- Supplies of drinking water (must have your own bottle)
What's Not Included
- Departure transfer
- Tips
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
