The Larapinta Essentials
Our 7-day experience
Traditional owners share their country and culture
As Aboriginal tour guides, we create authentic experiences that are culturally related to land and the natural environment, incorporating cultural interactions with traditional owners and traditional homelands and providing clients with a deeper, richer experience of Central Australia and Indigenous culture.
Itineraries can be tailor-made to meet the needs of different events and groups.
- 1 night at an Alice Springs hotel or motel
- 5 nights camped under the stars in stunning remote locations
- Return to Alice Springs
- Access to traditional lands and meeting with genuine custodians
- Cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning and afternoon tea, fruit and snacks on the track every day.
We create an authentic experience
Experience Larapinta Culture
All tour itineraries and particulars are subject to change due to weather conditions, cultural considerations, operational issues or unforeseen circumstances. As such, Larapinta Culture reserves the right to alter/cancel any or all of an itinerary. Every effort will be made to keep to the itinerary and timetable but no guarantees are made.
Day 1 – Arrive in Alice Springs. Your trip starts in the heart of Central Australia – pick up and transfer to first night’s accommodation at base camp. Outstation Angkerle Arrenge.
Day 2 – Starting our adventure this morning from Wallaby Gap to Simpsons Gap, our first day walking will be approx. 14km. Once arriving at Simpsons Gap, transfer back to base camp. B / L / D
Day 3 – Early rise this morning. Following breakfast, we’ll transfer to our next location to begin Section 7 of the Larapinta Trail – Ellery Big Hole to Serpentine Gorge (approx. 14km).
Transfer to camp on traditional Aboriginal land. B /L /D
Day 4 – Early rise, Section 10. Ormiston to Finke (12km). B /L /D
Day 5 – Breakfast, then prepare for today’s walk. Ormiston Pound walk. B /L /D
Day 6 – Early rise, breakfast, walk section to Ochre Pitts (7km). B /L /D
Day 7 – Early rise, break up camp and head back to Alice Springs and hotel accommodation.
What's included in the price?
Our nights under the stars will be a highlight of the trip. While the facilities are basic, there will be a pit toilet and washing facilities.
- Licensed guided Larapinta walk with lead Aboriginal guide, support vehicle and camp manager.
- 1 night’s accommodation at an Alice Springs hotel/motel. Airport transfer.
- All cooked meals, morning and afternoon teas, lunches, dinners, fruit and snacks on the track.
- Aboriginal interactions subject to cultural considerations.
- 6-night desert camp under the stars (all camping equipment at camp provided).
- Invitation to stay on Aboriginal land.
- All coach or 4WD transport, transfers.
- First aid, satellite phones, all National Park fees, etc.
- Full linen, swags and tents.
- Small groups, for better interaction.
The Mac Donnell Ranges terrain is uneven, with frequent ascents. Each day on the track involves between five and nine hours’ walking. The trek is graded ‘Moderate’, requiring a good level of aerobic fitness.
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below).
Payment may be made by direct deposit or credit card (a credit card surcharge of 2% applies).
Bookings are not confirmed until a deposit of 25% per person has been received, with final payment due 30 days prior to departure. For Reservations made 30 days or less from departure date, full payment is due at time of booking.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. We will endeavour to ensure that single travellers will share with the same gender; however this cannot be guaranteed as it will be determined by the makeup of the group. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of 75% of full fee will apply. This needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
Pricing
Prices are quoted on a seasonal basis. The season runs from 1st April to the 1st October each year. June to August inclusive is considered the peak season and is generally priced accordingly.
Please refer to our booking form for current prices.
Pricing includes Alice Springs Airport pick up and return from designated collection and return point; transport to our operations base; twin share accommodation during walk; all food; national park passes; overland track fee and qualified guides for duration of walk. We Do not promote alcohol on our experiences as you will be on Aboriginal land and if staying on aboriginal outstations or Communities Under the Federal Intervention Laws Alcohol is not permitted.
Cancellation by Guest
If the cancellation is made 60-40 days prior to trip departure, 50% Less than 30 Days prior to departure 100%. No refund will be paid if you voluntarily leave your walk after it has commenced. No refund will be paid if you need to leave the walk for reasons of bereavement, injury or illness. Travel insurance and medical insurance are therefore strongly recommended.
Larapinta Culture walks take place in very special wilderness settings. We are at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. We will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, Flooding) we may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. If we need to cancel for any reason, we will provide a replacement walk at a later date convenient to both parties. Any other costs associated with travel to Alice Springs, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by us and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition is required to disclose it on their booking form and may be required to supply a doctor’s certificate or complete a confidential medical questionnaire. Walkers 69 years of age or older must supply a doctor’s certificate stating that they are in good physical condition and that there are no known ailments or pre-existing medical conditions likely to prevent them from completing the walk.
This step assists us ensure an enjoyable and trouble-free walk for all involved.
Larapinta Culture experience is largely operated within a national park. Therefore, environmental responsibilities are taken very seriously. Prior to departure, you will be briefed about such responsibilities.
You acknowledge that you will be walking in a wilderness area of a national park is potentially a dangerous undertaking and you are undertaking such an activity at your own risk.
You acknowledge and agree that you will undertake the walk freely, voluntarily and absolutely at your own risk and with a full appreciation of the nature and extent of all risks involved in the walk.
We recommend Travel Insurance in the strongest possible terms. When selecting a Travel Insurance product, please ensure that it provides cover against personal accidents or injury, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, cancellation for any reason including bereavement, delayed flights, lost luggage and personal effects.