4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 7 days walking
Accommodation
  • 3 nights exclusive eco-comfort camp
  • 3 nights camping
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days$4995AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More
Trip Code: LUC

Larapinta, Kings Canyon and Uluru in Comfort Trip 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

Why Book With Us

  • You'll love the extra amenities at our exclusive eco-comfort camps, which are big on comfort yet small on environmental impact
  • Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trek
  • Unrivalled experience, first on the trail in 1995

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.

Activities:

Itinerary

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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 *You will need to arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:30pm pre-trip briefing.

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 campground 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 hotel in Yulara for our final night as a group. Overnight: Voyages Ayers Rock Resort 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. Walking time: 4 - 5 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • 3 nights at our Larapinta exclusive eco-comfort camps
  • 2 nights camping at Kings Creek Station, 1 night hotel accommodation 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
  • Mandatory pre-trip briefing held the day before the trip starts

  • 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

Multi Award-Winning Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

Stay at our exclusive, multi award-winning eco-comfort camps, they have be awarded the prestigious Northern Territory Tourism Brolga Award for Ecotourism in 2016, 2017 & 2019. Our exclusive eco-comfort camps are the best on the Larapinta Trail and all of our trips are 100% carbon offset.

More comforts, but still feels like camping

During the trip we stay at our exclusive multi award-winning semi-permanent wilderness eco-comfort camps. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. These camps, which are exclusive to our travellers, offer so many more comforts to traditional camping but still allow the camping experience. They are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. Each site has a large covered area in which to relax at the end of a day of walking, with lounges, dining table and kitchen. Beside this shady communal space is our campfire, the perfect place to gather as the sun sets.

Sleep in comfort

The safari-style tents offer plenty of room for two people and gear. Luggage should be kept in the tent at all times, preventing dingoes from taking shoes and other items. You sleep on a stretcher bed in a swag. The stretcher beds raise you 40cm off the ground and offer a firm, flat base for the comfy swag mattress. The swag is 5cm thick foam mattress inside a canvas cover. We provide a cotton fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase, which you keep for the three nights at our eco-camps. You can take your swag outside the tent and sleep under the stars if you are looking for that real outback experience.

Kings Canyon permanent campsites

In Kings Canyon we stay in permanent bush tents which include a proper bed, linen, towels, light, air-conditioning and power (with shared facilities) at Kings Creek Station. We will spend two nights here.

Comfortable bed

All bush tents at your permanent campsite at Kings Creek station are configured with twin beds.

Desert Gardens Hotel at Yulara

The last night of the trip is spent at Desert Gardens at Yulara, located close to Uluru. Here you will have your own room with ensuite facilities.

Trail Surface

Larapinta Trail

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.

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.

The trail up Mt Sonder is the same as the rest of the trail, well-marked and rocky in places. However you will be walking this in the dark for the dawn ascent so a good head torch is required.

You will encounter a lot of steps and some very rocky sections on the descent, which is long and gradual.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

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.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season supplement applies from 15 May to 15 August, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.
DN2
For single travellers, we can provide a single tent free of charge for the first 3 nights spent at our exclusive campsites. On the remaining 3 nights, tents/rooms are limited - if you are opting to pay for a single supplement, we can provide up to 4 single tents/rooms per departure (subject to availability - you will need to advise our office in advance).

Priceper person from

$4995AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sleeping Bag HireAUD$30
  • Single Private Tent/Room - Subject to Availability (limited)AUD$700
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

At our exclusive eco-campsites you can charge devices through USB ports in the lounge area. Ports are very limited and shared between participants. Charging is via solar panels so can take longer than usual. We suggest bringing portable power chargers or fully charged spare batteries as back-up for your devices. Kings Canyon and Yulara both have power points available in your tent/room.

In the Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct, and temperatures are more extreme than in most other parts of Australia. Trekking in winter (May to August) is generally pleasant with light winds, and daytime temperatures averaging 15-25C or 60-80F. However, winter nights often plummet below freezing and there are frequent frosts; please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks.

The shoulder seasons of April and September tend to bring higher daytime temperatures with daytime temperatures averaging 25-35C or 75-95F. Nights are typically mild hovering around 10-15C or 50-60F. Higher daytime temperatures can occasionally occur necessitating adjustments to itineraries. This may entail a reduction in walking activities and an increase in more leisurely pursuits such as swimming.

While rainfall is infrequent along the Larapinta Trail, it remains essential to be equipped for any weather scenario. The region is susceptible to unpredictable spells of hot or cold weather at random intervals. Rest assured, our facilities are well-equipped to accommodate both extremes, ensuring an enjoyable experience amidst the diverse conditions of Outback Australia. However, in light of this variability, we hope to stress to you the importance of following our suggested packing list, checking local weather updates prior to departure and packing appropriately for a more informed and enjoyable journey.

A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is hard, rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

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.

You will need a good level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 5-7 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing in the afternoon on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

If you need to use a CPAP machine during the trip please speak with our staff about this. There are charging points at our Larapinta camps, but not in your tent. You will need to bring spare batteries that can be charged by USB port during the day while the group are not at camp and/or bring a small solar panel to charge the batteries. Kings Canyon and Yulara both have power points available in your tent/room.

Larapinta, Kings Canyon and Uluru in Comfort Trip reviews

Larapinta, Kings Canyon and Uluru in Comfort Videos

Larapinta Trail: World Expeditions Exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.