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.

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

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