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

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

Day 3 Early morning sunrise walk up Mount Sonder 1380m (16km)

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

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

Day 5 Kings Canyon Rim Walk, afternoon Karrke cultural tour (7km)

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

Day 6 Transfer to Uluru, Valley of the Winds walk (7.5km)

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

Day 7 Uluru base walk, return Alice Springs (10.5km)

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.

Inclusions

Images courtesy of World Expeditions – Sunrise over Ularu, Paul McCallum

WEX – LUC