Larapinta

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Alice Springs Airport, followed by a short 20-minute transfer to your accommodation at Alice on Todd. After check-in, stretch your legs and soak in panoramic views of the Red Centre with a gentle sunset walk up to Anzac Hill. Back at the lodge, we’ll gather for a comprehensive tour briefing and safety overview before sitting down to enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner together. It’s the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of the outback and connect with your fellow travellers.

We start strong with one of the most scenic out-and-back walks on the Larapinta Trail. Beginning near Standley Chasm, this route winds along a dry creek bed before climbing gradually toward Bridal Path Lookout and Reveal Saddle. The rocky ridgeline offers panoramic views and plenty of rewarding challenges. We’ll pause for morning tea and lunch along the trail, with the option for some to push further depending on the group’s energy and pace. This 20 km return hike is a demanding but deeply fulfilling start to our time on the trail.

Today’s moderate loop walk explores the spectacular Ormiston Gorge region. Starting with the scenic Ormiston Pound circuit, we pass through ridgelines, dry plains, and stunning gorges. Expect a mix of gentle trails and rocky terrain, with time to pause at lookouts and enjoy morning tea. A possible river crossing adds some extra adventure! In the afternoon, we visit the Mount Sonder Lookout and walk a short section of the Larapinta Trail to a natural rock formation — a fantastic photo opportunity. If time permits, we’ll also stop at the colourful Ochre Pits. This is a diverse and rewarding day of walking and sightseeing.

Considered one of the most challenging and rewarding days, today’s hike takes on the rugged terrain between Standley Chasm and Millers Flat, with the option to venture further toward High Pass. Starting from the dramatic chasm, we ascend steep ridges, scramble across dry riverbeds, and tackle several rocky climbs — all offering sweeping views and unique geological features. The gorge and saddle sections are both physically demanding and visually spectacular. We stop for lunch at Millers Flat, with the possibility for experienced hikers to continue further if time and conditions allow. This section delivers a true sense of wild, remote beauty.

Today starts at 2:30am! Yes, we’ll be on the trail at 3:30am to make the long ascent of Mt Sonder to watch the pre-dawn and morning sunrise. Dress warm for this hike which can get extremely cold prior to the sun coming up. We’ll then make the careful return journey back down and back to Glen Helen for lunch and maybe an afternoon nap!
16km.
Accommodation: Glen Helen (B, L, D)

We rise early for a sunrise trek along one of the Larapinta Trail’s most iconic ridgelines. Starting gently from Serpentine Gorge, the trail climbs steadily to the spectacular lookout at Counts Point. The rocky ridge walk rewards hikers with breathtaking morning views across the expansive West MacDonnell Ranges. After taking in the sunrise, we descend gradually into open plains, eventually reaching Serpentine Chalet Dam via a well-graded trail. This 16.5 km hike is a memorable highlight of the trip — a blend of peaceful sunrise solitude and rugged outback grandeur.

Our final day is all about taking it slow and soaking in the last moments of the journey. After breakfast, we’ll head out for an easy morning walk along the Todd River, crossing into the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens. This relaxed trail offers a chance to spot native flora and fauna — including black-footed rock wallabies — and to climb a short summit track for a final view over Alice Springs. Guests may choose to explore town or relax at the lodge before we regroup and transfer to the airport. A gentle close to an unforgettable week in the Red Centre.