Expressions of Interest – Larapinta Trail, End-to-End - Bucket-List Adventure

Expressions of Interest – Larapinta Trail, End-to-End - Bucket-List Adventure
~223 km | 16 days | West MacDonnell Ranges, NT

Planned for August-Sept (exact dates to be confirmed)

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great long-distance hikes — a true bucket-list walk through the heart of the country. Traversing the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges on land traditionally cared for by the Arrernte people, this trail delivers dramatic ridgelines, deep gorges, desert swimming holes, and a powerful sense of remoteness.

This is an end-to-end crossing, walked east to west, finishing with the iconic summit of Mount Sonder. The itinerary is deliberately designed to be challenging but achievable, with three well-placed rest days at locations that offer swimming, vehicle access, and food resupply options.

What to expect (fitness & experience)
This is a serious multi-day hike, but one planned with care and realism.

Participants should be:
* experienced hikers
* comfortable carrying a full backpack
* capable of hiking up to ~30 km in a day on rocky, uneven terrain

Some days are long and demanding; others are shorter and more relaxed. The rest days are there to manage fatigue, recover properly, and keep the overall experience enjoyable.

If you’ve completed hikes like the Great Ocean Walk or the Overland Track, this is a natural — and exciting — next step.

Daily highlights and sample itinerary - subject to refinement.
(with possible swimming spots marked 🌊)

Distances, elevation change, and hiking times are indicative only and may vary depending on conditions, group pace, pack weight, weather, and rest breaks.

Day 1 – Telegraph Saddle → Simpsons Gap
~23 km | ~7–8 hours | Grade: Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~900 m
Terrain: Rocky, hilly ridgelines
A big and memorable opening day with sweeping views back over Alice Springs. The ridgeline walking is classic Larapinta — exposed, expansive, and deeply satisfying. It immediately sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰

Day 2 – Simpsons Gap → Jay Creek
~25 km | ~8–9 hours | Grade: Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~700 m
Terrain: Rocky, undulating
A long and rugged day through increasingly remote desert terrain. Wide horizons and steady ridge undulations create a strong sense of leaving town life well behind. By camp, the group rhythm usually starts to form.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰

Day 3 – Jay Creek → Standley Chasm
~16 km | ~5–6 hours | Grade: Moderate
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~450 m
Terrain: Rocky, undulating
A shorter but scenic day leading into the dramatic walls of Standley Chasm. First food drop location and a good point to refresh supplies.
Swim: ⚠️ seasonal
Water: 🚰

Day 4 – Standley Chasm → Brinkley Bluff
~18 km | ~7–8 hours | Grade: Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~1,000 m
Terrain: Steep rocky climbs, exposed ridgelines
One of the most iconic and physically demanding sections. The climb to Brinkley Bluff is sustained and demanding, with unforgettable views from camp.
Swim: ❌
Water: ❌

Day 5 – Brinkley Bluff → Birthday Waterhole
~13 km | ~5–6 hours | Grade: Moderate–Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~350 m (significant descent overall)
Terrain: Rocky descent
A shorter descent day after the Brinkley climb. A smart pacing stage that still delivers classic Larapinta terrain.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰 (nearby)

Day 6 – Birthday Waterhole → Hugh Gorge
~17 km | ~6–7 hours | Grade: Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~500 m
Terrain: Rocky, undulating
A demanding but rewarding section finishing at Hugh Gorge. A dramatic camp location surrounded by red rock walls.
Swim: 🌊 possible
Water: 🚰

Day 7 – Hugh Gorge → Rocky Gully
~15–17 km | ~5–6 hours | Grade: Moderate–Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~450 m
Terrain: Rocky ridgelines
Expansive ridge walking with strong wilderness character. Rocky Gully offers a more remote-feeling camp experience.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰

Day 8 – Rocky Gully → Ellery Creek South
~14–16 km | ~4–5 hours | Grade: Moderate
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~250 m (long descent overall)
Terrain: Descending ridgelines
A shorter scenic descent toward Ellery Creek. Second food drop location and transition into a more serviced campsite area.
Swim: 🌊 nearby
Water: 🚰

🍃 Day 9 – Rest Day: Ellery Creek
Rest / recovery day
A genuine recovery day beside the stunning Ellery Creek Big Hole. Swim, wash clothes, refuel properly and allow the body to absorb the first half of the journey.
Swim: 🌊
Water: 🚰

Day 10 – Ellery Creek South → Serpentine Gorge
~13 km | ~4–5 hours | Grade: Moderate
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~300 m
Terrain: Undulating
A gentle reintroduction after the rest day, easing back into rhythm through open valleys and rocky ridges.
Swim: 🌊 possible
Water: 🚰

Day 11 – Serpentine Gorge → Serpentine Chalet Dam
~14 km | ~5–6 hours | Grade: Moderate
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~350 m
Terrain: Undulating
Classic West MacDonnell scenery with steady walking and long views across the ranges.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰

Day 12 – Serpentine Chalet Dam → Mount Giles Lookout
~16–18 km | ~6–7 hours | Grade: Moderate–Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~500 m
Terrain: Rocky ridgelines
A scenic ridge day with elevated views and a strong sense of moving westward. A remote and exposed camp.
Swim: ❌
Water: ❌

Day 13 – Mount Giles Lookout → Ormiston Gorge
~12–14 km | ~4–5 hours | Grade: Moderate
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~300 m
Terrain: Rocky descent
A shorter descent into Ormiston Gorge — one of the most comfortable and scenic camps on the trail.
Swim: 🌊
Water: 🚰

🍃 Day 14 – Rest Day: Ormiston Gorge
Rest / recovery day
A strategic recovery before the final stages toward Mount Sonder. Time to reset and prepare mentally for the closing stretch.
Swim: 🌊
Water: 🚰

Day 15 – Ormiston Gorge → Hilltop Lookout
~15–17 km | ~6–7 hours | Grade: Moderate–Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~500 m
Terrain: Rocky, hilly
Climbing back into elevated terrain with renewed focus. The landscape opens westward and Mount Sonder feels closer.
Swim: ❌
Water: ❌

Day 16 – Hilltop Lookout → Ridgetop Campground
~14–16 km | ~5–6 hours | Grade: Moderate–Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~400 m
Terrain: Rocky ridgeline walking
A strong penultimate ridge day with Mount Sonder dominating the skyline. Anticipation builds within the group.
Swim: ❌
Water: 🚰

Day 17 – Ridgetop Campground → Mount Sonder Summit
~16 km | ~7–8 hours (including summit climb) | Grade: Hard
Elevation (cumulative ascent): ~600 m
Terrain: Steep rocky climb
The grand finale. A challenging ascent and unforgettable summit moment before descending toward Redbank Gorge facilities.
Swim: 🌊 optional at Redbank Gorge
Water: 🚰 (Redbank Gorge facilities)

Costs
Indicative per-person costs related to permits and logistics:

• NT Parks Larapinta walking permit: $125
• Camping fees: approx $10 per night (Category B campgrounds)
• Lockable food-storage key hire: approx $10–$20 per key (often shared)
• Support company for organising food drops, collecting rubbish, satellite phone hire, transfer from Mt Sonder back to Alice Springs, Emergency Pickups. To Be Advised – Requesting Quote.

Transport to the trail start, food, fuel, personal gear, and emergencies are additional.

Safety essentials
Ambulance cover is mandatory for all participants.
Victorian Ambulance Membership does cover emergency ambulance services Australia-wide, including the Northern Territory. Though it does not guarantee non-emergency transfers or automatic return to Victoria.

Is this hike right for you?
This hike is a great fit if you:
* enjoy long, immersive outdoor adventures
* have solid multi-day hiking experience
* can hike up to 30 km in a day with a pack
* value preparation, teamwork, and shared challenge

This hike may not be right for you if:
* this would be your first multi-day hike
* you prefer short days or frequent town access
* you’re uncomfortable with remote, physically demanding environments

Pre-requisite Training
This hike will be limited to a small group of around 10 people to help create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Some lead-up training and preparation will be part of the journey, especially for those we haven’t had the chance to hike with before. The Larapinta Trail is a significant undertaking, and for the safety and enjoyment of the whole group the organisers will be mindful and selective when confirming participants.