Larapinta Trail guided walks

More information on our Larapinta Trail Trek Tour

If you’re an avid hiker looking for a challenge, the Larapinta Trail in Australia might be the perfect adventure for you. With its stunning landscapes and unique terrain, this trail offers a range of difficulty levels that will push your physical and mental limits.

The Larapinta Trail is divided into 12 sections, ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 5 on the Australian Walking Track Grading System. On average, you will be trekking for 6-9 hours daily, covering between 11-16km of graded trail per day. The terrain is a combination of sandy trails, small to medium rocks, steep ascents and descents of ridgelines, hills, gorges, and some water crossings. This means you need to be in good hiking fitness to ensure the best possible experience on your adventure. You’ll need to carry a small daypack weighing around 7-10 kg, including all your trekking requirements like water, sunscreen, snacks, camera/phone, and any other personal items.

The daily trekking distances and grading levels vary across the 12 sections, with some days being more difficult than others. For example, the Mount Sonder Climb on Day 4 is a Grade 5 – difficult trail, while Day 3’s trek from Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge is a Grade 3 – moderate trail. The itinerary may be swapped on the ground due to operational reasons, so be sure to stay flexible and prepared for any changes.

The Larapinta Trail is very exposed to sun and extreme weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from close to 0 degrees Celsius in the early hours of the day to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius during the day. Most trek departures are during the winter months, providing ideal trekking conditions with clear blue skies, low-mid 20°C, and cool breezes during the day. However, you should always be prepared for any weather changes, and pack a combination of lightweight, breathable clothing that protects from the sun and heat, in addition to thermal layers and windbreakers that protect from cold temperatures and strong winds.

When temperatures are forecast to be above 36 degrees, the operations team may alter the timing and itinerary of a tour to ensure the safety of guests and drivers/guides. In case of forecasted increases in temperatures, guides have the authority to alter the tours itinerary to provide safer alternatives or timings to avoid walks in extreme heat.

Overall, the Larapinta Trail is a challenging adventure that will reward you with stunning scenery and a sense of accomplishment. The daily schedule guideline includes leisure time for campfire, star talks, and socializing with fellow passengers, so you can unwind and connect with nature after a long day of trekking. With the right fitness level, gear, and mindset, you can enjoy this adventure of a lifetime.

Packing List for Larapinta Trail Tour

Hiking Gear:

• Daypack for walking
• Sturdy, lace-up trekking boots with adequate ankle support and tread (worn in with spare laces)
• Trekking poles (optional
• 3-5 Liters water bladders or bottles (bottles not recommended)
• Head torch with spare batteries (essential for the Mt Sonder hike and around camp at night)
• Insect repellent/fly net or sunscreen with fly repellent
• Electrolyte tablets
• Additional snacks such as energy bars or similar (we provide dry fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, some muesli bars, lollies and some cakes)
• Re-usable zip lock bag for snacks (we try to protect our beautiful environment wherever possible, please think sustainable)
• Towel

Clothes:

• Soft duffle bag (max 15kg)
• Lightweight, quick-drying clothes suitable for longer hikes/walks
• Thermal/fleece warm clothes for night/sleeping/early treks (Mt Sonder)
• Windbreaker/waterproof jacket for rain
• Gloves and a beanie for very cold days
• A pair of hiking socks, ideally one per day
• A pair of lightweight shoes that can be worn with warm socks for around camp
• Extra warm clothes for the campsite
• Swimmers and towel for showers/swimming
• Pair of thongs/flip-flops or similar (good for bathroom visits)
• Main bag: soft sports bag or large backpack that will be packed and transported on the bus

Sun Protection:

• Wide-brimmed sun hat
  Sunglasses & sunscreen
  Long sleeve shirts for sun protection

Other:

• Blister bandages and tape
• Anti-bacterial gel/wet-wipes and/or toilet paper for the treks/plastic bag for rubbish collection to dispose waste according to national park rules in designated containers
• Personal items such as toiletries and medications
• Wet wipes or similar for personal hygiene
• Power bank to charge devices as there is no electricity at camp
• Camera/phone
• Lock for bags
• Instant heat packs for Mt Sonder
• Summit/hot water bottle for the campsite (optional)

Day Pack List:

• 18-30L day pack with load-bearing waist harness
• 3-5 liter water bladder and spare water bottle
• Small personal first aid kit with blister bandages and tape
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat
• Waterproof lightweight jacket
• Toilet paper, rubbish bag, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Snacks and electrolytes
• Phone/camera
• Small quick-drying towel for water crossings
• Any other personal items you might like to take

Tip: Wear trekking boots on flight and pack trekking clothes in carry-on in case of lost luggage.