Pancare Foundation: Larapinta Challenge

Trek the iconic Larapinta Trail to help fund vital research and support services for Australians affected by upper gastrointestinal cancers

Challenge Highlights

  • Join the Pancare Foundation crew and support pancreatic cancer research
  • Hike more of the main highlights of this iconic Australian desert walk along the West MacDonnell ranges
  • Summit Mount Sonder at sunrise, the highest point on the trail
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous culture and Traditional Arrente Owners
  • Relax around a campfire under the Milky Way as your guides prepare delicious 3 course meals
  • View spectacular and abundant bird-life along the whole trail

Overview

Experience the incredible highlights of the Larapinta Trail, including iconic spots like Standley Chasm, Serpentine Gorge, the Orchre Pits, Ormiston Pound, and the stunning Mt Sonder.

This camping-based trek immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Central Australian desert. Carrying only a day-pack, you'll hike between 8 to 16 km each day, navigating remote ridges and canyons while winding through the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges.

All your luggage and camping gear are transported by our professional support crew, freeing you to enjoy the diverse desert scenery, revel in the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and supporters of the Pancare Foundation.

Challenge Grade

This trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves walking 5-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections.

Suggested preparation: We recommend regular exercise 3 or 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) in the months leading up to your trip. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots

Itinerary

Welcome to Alice Springs! After all the fundraising and preparation, the adventure finally begins. On arrival at Alice Springs Airport, make your way to the Mercure Alice Springs, for accommodation on a twin-share basis with breakfast. An airport shuttle is available for approximately $16 each way, payable directly to the driver. This afternoon, please head to the Lone Dingo Camping and Outdoor Store, located on the corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace, for your pre-trek briefing at 3:30pm with your guide. Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs

Meals:  Nil

We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Please ensure you've had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to pre-purchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am). From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the passage of Wallaby Gap. After the walk we will drive to Standley Chasm and set up camp. There is an option walk around the Chasm this afternoon. Walking distance: 14km (+2km optional walk) Driving time: 45 minutes

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we will drive to Serpentine Gorge to start section 8 of the trail. This section offers breathtaking views as we walk along the high quartzite ridge lines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges. We ascend to Counts Point where we 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. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees to our camp at Serpentine Chalet. Walking distance: 13km Driving time: 45 minutes

Meals:  B,L,D

After another breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. After a picnic lunch we will drive to Finke River with an opportunity to stop for a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. We will camp tonight at Finke River. Walking distance: 8km Driving time: 15 minutes

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. We'll drive to Redbank Gorge to begin the walk. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Glen Helen. Walking distance: 16km Driving time: 25 minutes

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. After lunch we transfer back to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last five days! We will drop you to your accommodation at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice's great eateries. Walking distance: 8km Driving time: 25 minutes (to Ormiston Gorge) and 1.5 hours (to Alice Springs)

Meals:  B,L

What's Included

  • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Swags for sleeping (but not sleeping bags)
  • Professional wilderness guides & support staff who share stories and interp of the trail and cook epic meals
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & all cooking equipment and utensils
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • National Park fees
  • All transport during the tour which also moves your luggage from camp to camp
  • Emergency communications & 24 hour back-up plus group first aid kit

What's Not Included

  • Return airfares to Alice Springs
  • Transfers from/to Alice Springs airport
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Post trek accommodation Alice Springs

What You Carry

  • The Larapinta Trek is a fully supported trek. You will carry just a day pack containing the following items:
  • -Water for the day's walk (2-4L, amount is dependent on the day)
  • -Sunhat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • -Snacks for the day, provided by your guides
  • -Waterproof and warm layers
  • -Camera and any other personal items
  • Depending on the amount of personal items you decide to carry, your day pack will weigh approximately 5-8kg. Your luggage will be transferred by the support vehicle. Please keep luggage to one soft duffle bag per person; please do not bring hard suitcases or extra large duffles as these are hard to transport.

Australia Challenge Reviews

Travel Dates

Other Challenge Costs

Fundraising target:USD$1330 

Videos

Classic Larapinta in Comfort Trek - Everything you need to know

Fast Facts

Trip Dates: DepartReturn
Duration:6 Days
Activities:Trekking
Grade:Introductory to Moderate  Click for more information
Trip Code:LPF
Registration Fee:USD$130
Travel Cost:USD$130
Fundraising target:USD$1330