Larapinta (Signature Walk)

Approximately 2 hours walking

After a quick briefing in Alice Springs on the first morning, we head out towards the red ridges of  Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges to start our walking adventure at Standley Chasm. After a visit to the peaceful narrow gorges the guides will take you off the beaten track into a portion of section 3 of the Larapinta trail. This is our only opportunity to visit the rugged Chewings Range section of the trail, a less accessible part of Tjoritja / The West MacDonnell Ranges. We ascend steeply into the range, before retreating to a shady creek bed for lunch and then transfer to our private and exclusive campsite, which will be home for the next five nights.  

Approximately 5-6 hours walking

Ormiston Gorge to the Finke River offers a longer day of exploring the ranges, where you can move through the landscape at your own pace. Heading west from Ormiston Gorge we wander through the undulating foothills of the range. Views back towards Ormiston in the morning light are an absolute delight, and ahead you will see the majestic Rwetyepme / Mt Sonder. We cross tributaries of the Finke River, including Ormiston Creek. The trail takes walkers to a high point offering views to Glen Helen Gorge in the Pacoota Range, back to Mt Giles and Ormiston Pound and down to the confluence of the Davenport and Ormiston Creeks. 

After a peaceful lunch in the shade of the river red gums in the sandy riverbed, we follow the river on its western side. Settle in at our campsite for another night of good company, hospitality, a delicious dinner, beer, and wine. Our safari style dining and living tent is a comfortable place to kick back and relax.  

Approximately 6-8 hours walking

Today is one of the more challenging walks, as it offers a chance to climb up onto the range. You are rewarded with impressive views from the ridgeline across to the Chewings Range, and into a dramatic indented valley. After an initial climb the track levels out and runs along the high quartzite ridgetops that typify Tjoritja / The West MacDonnell Ranges. 

We walk along the ridge to Counts Point where panoramic views stretch across to Mt Zeil, the highest mountain in the Northern Territory. We descend through old growth Mulga forest and through Lomandra Gully - named after this unique Irongrass species endemic to the eastern creek gullies of the West Macs. We then meet for a short transfer back to camp, where it will be time to refuel with another feast prepared by your talented guides.  

Approximately 5-6 hours of walking

Today we take a relaxing walk-through Ormiston Gorge and around the beautiful escarpment of Ormiston Pound. We start the walk at the mouth of the gorge and waterhole. The walk then takes us through the rolling spinifex covered hills and rocky floral gullies to the lip of Ormiston Pound where a lookout offers wonderful views of the remarkable formation below. 

After descending into and crossing the pound, we make our way slowly through the rocky gorge. From here we gently climb the contours of the gorge wall along the aptly named Ghost Gum Walk, which offers stunning views back into the gorge. Towards the end of the gorge is a permanent pool of water that is sometimes deep enough to warrant wading through; a perfect way to refresh tired feet after a long walk. We enjoy lunch sitting under the shade of River Red Gums in the embrace of one of the Northern Territory's most natural wonders. 

Approximately 5-6 hours walking

Today is a real highlight of the track, as we climb to the peak of Rwetyepme/Mount Sonder. This morning is an early start. The first hour walking is in the pre-dawn and we watch the country waking up. We wind steadily uphill for 3km through the shadows of Eucalypt and Acacia. The early start is easily worth it as we gain a saddle to watch the sun rise.  

From the saddle the incline continues, steady yet unrelenting through the morning. The landscape continues to expand and when you reach the summit and are greeted with some of the most spectacular views in Tjoritja / The West MacDonnells. It is a truly stunning vantage of Central Australia. 

Approximately 3 hours walking

On the final day, we drive the short distance from our campsite to the Ochre Pits – the site of an Aboriginal quarry – to start our day walking. 

We approach the Larapinta trail on the Arrernte (Aranda) Walk, meandering through the foothills just above creek lines filled with river red gums. The striking colours of the landscape and surprising botanical diversity are a delightful introduction to the Red Centre, Arrernte culture, and Tjoritja / The West Macs. 

As we approach the range, a rocky pass comes into view. Named after the elusive nocturnal echidna, Inarlanga Pass is a spectacular narrow gorge through the Heavitree Range. The section of the trail through the Pass is part of section 9 of the Larapinta Trail. We explore the length of this enchanting gorge with its twisted metamorphic rocks and ancient Cycads. We return to the Ochre Pits carpark for our transfer to Ellery Creek Big Hole for a swim and lunch. After this relaxing break we head into Alice Springs and arrive around 4-5pm, we can also do a hotel drop off on the way.