Trinity Grammar School Larapinta Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

A rewarding and challenging desert trek

Our Larapinta walks take us to the heart of the Australian desert | Peter Walton

Enjoy the remote nature of the Larapinta Trail on our self guided walk

The Larapinta Trail is an exciting destination for bird watchers | David Coorey

The Larapinta Trail offers plenty to the budding geologist | Peter Walton

Sweeping views on th Larapinta Trail | Peter Walton

native fauna on the Larapinta Trail | Peter Walton

Our Larapinta walks take us to the heart of the Australian desert | Peter Walton

Enjoy the remote nature of the Larapinta Trail on our self guided walk

The Larapinta Trail is an exciting destination for bird watchers | David Coorey

The Larapinta Trail offers plenty to the budding geologist | Peter Walton

Sweeping views on th Larapinta Trail | Peter Walton

native fauna on the Larapinta Trail | Peter Walton

Code: SOG8148

Overview

Highlights

Walking 4 consecutive days of Australia's iconic desert walk
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Tjoritja National Park
Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges
Wilderness camping under the stars of the Australian Outback
Admire the unique birds, wildlife and plants
Trek through captivating ancient landscape
View some of the best geological formations in the world
Rewarding and challenging expedition with your peers

This full pack carrying expedition program takes you through narrow canyons, stunning gorges and forests of mulga and mallee, over high ridgelines and around idyllic waterholes, spending each night under the expansive star-filled Outback sky. It is an incredible opportunity to truly appreciate the immensely diverse and unique landscapes, flora and fauna of Australia’s Red Centre. On this program you will walk 4 consecutive days, providing you with you a challenging and rewarding trek.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Sydney

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate

Itinerary

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Day 1
Fly Sydney to Alice Springs

After all the training and preparation, your departure day has arrived. Depart Sydney on QF0790 at 0915. Arrive Alice Springs at 1205. You will be met by your World Expeditions Guides at the airport. Transfer team to shop for Expedition Food. Transfer to Ormiston Gorge. Trip/safety briefing and issue World Expeditions provided gear. Overnight Camping.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Ormiston Gorge to Finke River (10km) - Section 10

Your first day on the Larapinta Trail leads you into the head of the Finke River. The local indigenous Arrernte name for the Finke River has given the trail its name: Lhere Pinte (Larapinta) meaning salty river. Difficulty rating: Medium | Walking time: 4 hours

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Finke River to Rocky Bar Gap (16km) - Section 11a

This section has views dominated by the impressive bulk of Mount Sonder. The colours of this magnificent mountain change dramatically throughout the day. You initially head northwest through a sea of spinifex before crossing Davenport Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. Your walk climbs to Hilltop look, arguable one of the best views along the whole Larapinta Trail. Once we have finished marveling at our final summit viewpoint for the day we descend into Rocky Bar Gap and our camp for the night. Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 7 hours

Meals: Nil

Day 4
Rocky Bar Gap to Redbank Gorge (12km) - Section 11b

After another delicious breakfast we continue heading west towards the final campground of the Larapinta. Our walk takes us under the flanks of Mount Sonder passing through some dense Mulga and mallee woodland until we reach the beautiful Redbank Creek. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to explore into Redbank Gorge which is a short walk through Davenport creek and holds a beautiful waterhole. Here lies some of the coldest waters in Central Australia, where you can dip your toes or if you’re feeling daring, go for a refreshing swim. We enjoy an early evening before our final walk tomorrow. Difficulty rating: Medium | Walking time: 6 hours

Meals: Nil

Day 5
Mount Sonder (1380m, 16km) - Section 12

This morning we are up early for our sunrise ascent of Mount Sonder – known as the pregnant lady by the local Aranda Aboriginal people. An early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape. To view the surrounding country from the top, knowing we have just climbed one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range, is an unforgettable moment of this trek. Return to camp and afternoon to relax around camp before a final dinner to celebrate your expedition. Difficulty rating: Hard | Walking time: 7 hours

Meals: D

Day 6
Transfer to Alice Springs. Fly to Sydney.

Optional short walk this morning (time permitting). Return to Alice Springs for your onward flights. Depart on QF0791 at 1250 and arrive into Sydney at 1600.

Meals: B,L

Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.

Inclusions

What's included

Return economy flights with Qantas Airways
Dinner on Day 5, breakfast and lunch on Day 6
Camp stove and fuel
Two person hiking tent
Off-road transport to/from Alice Springs to start/finish of your trek
Professional Wilderness Guides with First Aid Kit and Emergency Comms
All National Park and camping fees
Accompanied by Teachers from Trinity Grammar School

What's not included

Personal gear and clothing - detailed packing list supplied
Travel insurance
Sleeping mat, 70L back pack, sleeping bag
All expedition meals

Accommodation

Outback Camping

For the duration of the trip you will camp at public campsites located at the beginning of each trail section. Using our lightweight tents, sleeping bags and mats; this makes for a true Australian Outback experience! You will be able to retreat to the privacy of a tent after a day of exploration on the trail, and an evenings of stargazing. At each campsite you will find basic facilities nearby, including composting toilets and water tanks.

Trail Surface

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces

While the Larapinta Trail is a well-marked, well-defined track, walkers should still expect parts of the trail to be very rocky underfoot.

This may focus your concentration on avoiding stones, so make sure you train with some rock-hopping before you go to be comfortable with this type of terrain.

We strongly recommend investing in proper hiking boots with good support for both the foot and ankle.

The trail can be steep in some sections, which will require you to use your hands when descending or ascending, and is overgrown with spinifex in places, so gaiters or hiking pants are recommended.

There is not a lot of shade along the trail and you will be exposed to the sun for the majority of your walking hours.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate

This trek involves 4 - 8 hours walking 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. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will be carrying a full pack of around 14-17kg and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?When is the best time to walk on the Larapinta?

Our Larapinta Trail trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

?Is there phone reception on the trail?

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day and when on top of Mt Sonder. You will be provided with an EPIRB to use in an emergency.

?Will I be able to charge my devices?

It is not possible to charge your devices. We advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

?Do you recommend hiking poles?

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

?What can I do with my excess luggage?

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

?How much weight will I carry?

You will need to carry all of your gear for this trek in a 70L pack. Depending on the amount of personal gear you bring, your pack will weigh approximately 15kg – 20kg. Food drops are located at Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge for your convenience (if applicable to the sections of trek you choose to walk).

?Do I need to wear hiking boots on the Larapinta Trail?

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

?When should I arrive in Alice Springs?

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

?How fit do I need to be?

You will need an excellent level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared for long, fast paced walks. Previous experience on multi day walks is highly recommended. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

?What is the terrain like?

A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

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.

?What is the weather like?

Autumn (April and May) - Trekking conditions in autumn are pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 12-27C. Unlike the winter months when evenings become quite chilly, autumn evenings are cool and trekkers can comfortably pull their swag out from their tents and sleep outside under the blanket of stars. While the official wet season is over, you can still expect rain up until late May, as well as some cloud coverage during these months.

Winter (June to August) - During the daytime, temperatures hover at low-mid 20C with refreshingly cool breezes, however evenings temperatures can drop close to 0C, particularly in the valleys, and the frost that covers the ground can create a snow-like appearance. Many people are surprised to find out how cold it can get in the middle of winter, so trekkers need to make sure they are adequately prepared for cold nights with insulated sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and thermal underwear.

Spring (September) - Temperatures in September begin to rise leading to sporadic thunderstorms which creates the perfect environment for the landscape to come alive with wildflowers and lowline flowering shrubs. With cooler temperatures suitable for hiking, and clear skies for picture-perfect sunsets, it's no surprise that September is a popular season to trek the Larapinta Trail.

Why travel with us

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