Overview

 Highlights


  • Walk part of the Larapinta Trail, one of the Great Walks of Australia
  • Visit highlights along the trail including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm
  • Marvel at the spectacular views of Kings Canyon
  • Enjoy a sunrise base walk of Uluru and visit Kata Tjuta
  • Learn about the Indigenous history on the Karrke Cultural tour

Discover the Red Centre's dramatic and untamed landscapes on this week long tour packed with highlights. Over seven days you will enjoy our favourite sections of the Larapinta Trail, explore the wonders of Kings Canyon, before finishing with the sacred site of Uluru. On this fully supported trek you walk with just a day pack to explore the best regions of the Red Centre. The trip starts with a gentle introduction to desert walking, following ridge lines and deep, sheltered gorges of the Larapinta, you'll find yourself immersed in one of the world's most evocative and ancient landscapes, then returning to our exclusive eco-comfort camps to relax and unwind. Then we drive to the spectacular Kings Canyon, where we'll venture along the Kings Canyon rim walk - a must do walk for any visit to the Red Centre. We finish the trip at the largest monolith in the world, the sacred site of Uluru. One of Australia's top attractions, a visit to central Australia would certainly not be complete without a visit. If you are short on time, this is a perfect way to see the highlights of Central Australia.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Alice Springs

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   


We pick you up from your accommodation between 7-7.30am. 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). En route to the beginning of our main walk we make a short visit to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. The historic stone buildings here date back to 1872 and housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. After a short introduction we get back on the bus to transfer to the beginning of our walk. This morning we walk from the Ghan Railway to Wallaby Gap, which weaves into the heart of the West Macdonnell National Park, giving us a taste for trekking toward the desert ranges. After our main walk for the day a short transfer brings us to Simpsons Gap, one of the most important waterholes of this region and a likely place to spot the rare Black-footed Rock-Wallaby. In the afternoon we visit Standley Chasm, a private reserve still run by the Traditional Owners. In the late afternoon we transfer to our exclusive set-up nestled in bushland near Honeymoon Gap. Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  L,D

This morning, after a delicious breakfast at camp, we board the bus and transfer to our walk for the day; Ormiston Pound. On the way we stop off at the Ochre Pits, an original ochre quarry and a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. From here it is a short drive to the best side-walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and wildlife. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest raptor. We overnight at another one of our exclusive eco campsites. Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning (2-3am) for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch and surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness. 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 landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. We descend to Redbank Gorge and then enjoy a great brunch back at camp. If time permits in the afternoon, we may visit the Glen Helen Gorge. Our camp for the night is nestled in the foothills overlooking today's accomplishment, Mt Sonder. Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we depart our exclusive Larapinta eco campsites for the last time and head to our final walk on the iconic trail. Redbank Gorge 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. After our morning swim we continue heading west, away from the trail we’ve been exploring the past few days and towards our next stop, Kings Canyon. On the way we stop off at Gosses Bluff, the remnant of an impact crater. This area is of great cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, as well as a site of international scientific interest. We will arrive in Kings Canyon in the afternoon and refresh ourselves in our secluded permanent campsite before dinner. Overnight: Kings Creek Station Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will spend the morning exploring the wonders of Kings Canyon on the famous rim walk. With around 500 stone steps starting us off, the hardest part of our walk is done first while we’re feeling fresh. We’ll have a refreshing and well-earned break on top as we soak in some of the spectacular views. Through our morning walk we’ll visit Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert, where you’ll get many spectacular views of the canyon as well as the unique sandstone domes known as the Lost City due to its resemblance of an ancient city. This area is often dubbed a mini Bungle Bungles (an iconic area in the WA Purnululu National Park). You’ll have the chance to visit the beautiful Garden of Eden, a hidden garden gem with a sacred waterhole. This is a must do walk for any visit to the Red Centre. In the afternoon we have our own private tour with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours to talk and learn about indigenous culture. Overnight: Kings Creek Station Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After another delicious breakfast we board the bus for our transfer to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. In the early afternoon we will head off and complete the Valley of the Winds walk. We will come across very few people after the first lookout, making the Valley of the Winds the perfect place for some quiet contemplation and reflection on our explorations over the past few days. The track can be moderately difficult in sections but as we’ve learnt, the views from the lookout are absolutely worth it. Once we have completed our circuit walk, we will load onto the bus for a short transfer to the perfect spot to watch the last rays of sun set over Kata Tjuta and enjoy some well-earned pre dinner nibbles. We transfer to our private campground for our final night as a group. Overnight: Voyages at Uluru Walking Time: 4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

We have an early rise to make the most of our final morning and to beat the crowds. We watch our final magical Central Australian sunrise while walking around the famous and iconic Uluru on the base walk. We start on the eastern side of the rock to maximise our morning views. Finishing this walk you’ll be proud of all that you have achieved over the past week as you have explored the highlight regions that Central Australia has to offer. At the end of the tour you have the option to fly out of Uluru where you will be dropped at the airport by 11am (in time for the first flights), or drive back to Alice Springs and be dropped at your accommodation between 5-6pm.

Meals:  B,L


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek 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
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • 3 nights at our Larapinta exclusive eco-comfort camps
  • 2 nights camping at Kings Canyon Resort permanent campsite, 1 night permanent camping at Uluru
  • Professional wilderness guide & support staff
  • Camping equipment including tents, swags & stretcher beds
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • National Park fees
  • All transport during the tour
  • Emergency communications & 24 hour back-up
  • Comprehensive group first aid kit

  • Accommodation in Alice Springs before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Backpack and sleeping bag (if you would like to hire a sleeping bag this must be booked at least 14 days prior to your trip)
  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation


Trail Surface


Grading

Introductory to Moderate

This walking trip 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. The summit of Mt Sonder will be done pre-dawn, walking in the dark with a headtorch so that we can watch the sunrise. The summit is at 1380m, and the ascent plus descent will take between 6-8 hours. 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.


Why travel with us

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.

Larapinta, Kings Canyon and Uluru in Comfort Testimonials


Larapinta, Kings Canyon and Uluru in Comfort Videos

Larapinta Trail: World Expeditions Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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