Overview

 Highlights


  • This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions as its ongoing commitment to responsible travel
  • Walk sections of the Larapinta Trail to experience the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Explore iconic sites including the Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge & Standley Chasm
  • Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary
  • Learn about indigenous art, culture and food.
  • In 2019 World Expeditions Travel Group was the WINNER of the Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year at the The Australian Travel Awards and WINNER of the Northern Territory Tourism Awards for Ecotourism.

This unique itinerary is designed to give an insight into indigenous Australia through immersion and activity combined with several iconic treks of the region. The Classic Larapinta Trek is one of the seven Great Walks of Australia and is now noted as one of the top 10 walks in the world. We will explore the gaps and gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges as we gain a rare perspective of vast plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. Our journey is complete with an indigenous cultural program with local community members and land owners covering bush tucker, local arts, ancient sites and traditional methods and ceremonies. The students will gain a deep and rich understanding of the natural environment, Australia and indigenous culture.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   

Addressing:


On arrival in Alice Springs you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Here we have a trip and safety briefing with your guiding staff and teachers as we make final preparations before we walk the first section of the iconic Larapinta Trail. Our walk commences from the eastern terminal of the trail next to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. We trek the 5km to Geoff Moss Bridge and transfer to World Expeditions Nick's camp. On arrival we will be met by a local indigenous cook and have a an interactive session on bush tucker from the region and connection to country. Overnight Nick's camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we take a short walk into Standley Chasm (2km) and engage in a cultural conversation. Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye is a "must see" spectacular geological and culturally significant icon of Central Australia. Surrounded by the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, the area is located in a reserve which is 100% Aboriginal owned & operated by local community members who are direct descendants of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Later today we make our way to Ellery Creek where we will start our walk (8km) enjoying the unique landscape with a chance to go for a swim before making our way back to our campsite for the night. Overnight: Charlie's Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we visit the winding narrow Serpentine Gorge (2km) tucked away in the West McDonnell Ranges. The gorge is not only a vital source of water for many animals around the region, but a sacred site to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We then take a short drive to an original ochre quarry, another sacred Aboriginal site. The Ochre pits show layer of multi coloured rock traditionally used in ceremonies. We continue on to start our Hilltop Lookout, approximately 9.5km return. We drive to camp for a well deserved rest and to enjoy our dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Ormiston Pound where we visit the National Park Rangers who talk to us about the National Park and Conservation. In the afternoon we visit Glen Helen homestead where we can enjoy an ice cream and a swim. Back to camp for dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk on one of the best walks from the Larapinta trail to Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers some extraordinary scenery and wildlife and explores the upper reaches of the gorge. Here we will have a great opportunity to see the many rock wallabies as they scamper about the imposing cliffs. We will reach the gorge and have the chance to go for a swim. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Alice Springs and have free time to relax.

Meals:  B,L,D

We wake up early and meet our guides to get ready for our cycling day. We will have a briefing about the day ahead of us and get set up with our bicycles and helmets for a relaxing and scenic ride through the bushland to Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent gaps in the West McDonnell Ranges. We will have lunch at the gap and in the afternoon we will visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary, a sanctuary for rescued orphan kangaroos to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild or those unable to survive in the wild will be residents of the sanctuary. Overnight in Alice Springs Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will travel to Alice Springs Desert Park situated on 1,300 hectares. The park is an institutional member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). The park contains native animals and plants representative of Central Australian desert environments, and contributes to their conservation through research programs as well as through public education. It offers people the opportunity to experience the variety of the deserts of Central Australia, exploring the relationships between the plants, animals and people. The Desert Park is the gateway to the West MacDonnell Ranges. In the afternoon, we return to Nick's Camp and meet local bush food specialist, Rayleen Brown, from Kungkas Can Cook. Rayleen will join our group and give an informative and interactive session about native local bush tucker with tastings. Overnight: World Expeditions Nick's Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we spend some time exploring the Reptile Centre before heading to the airport in Alice Springs for flight home.

Meals:  B


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss


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 men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.


Inclusions

  • Flights to/from Alice Springs
  • All meals included as per itinerary
  • Teachers from your school travelling on the journey
  • Accommodation in exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites, shared campsites and hotel
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Land Owners
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Private vehicle transport through out
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit

  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Travel insurance

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


Customise your program

We can fully customise a School Travel Program to suit your students' learning objectives and budget. Whether you require a Service Learning program, physical challenge, cultural immersion or certain curriculum targets - talk to one of our educational travel experts about the elements you need in your itinerary. We pride ourselves on developing unique itineraries to meet the learning requirements for schools.

World Expeditions Schools is a division of one of the world's leading adventure travel companies, World Expeditions. We can develop itineraries in any destination that is offered by World Expeditions, which is to every continent on earth.

Use our simple Expedition Design Form to contact us with your requirements and an educational travel expert will be in touch to assist.


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.

Testimonials


Videos

What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail

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.


Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips