The Larapinta Trail and Red Centre Highlights – Cams Cause Trek

We meet at 3.00pm in the foyer of the Doubletree Hilton (Barrett Drive) where you will meet the rest of the members of your group to discuss the coming days with your guide.

If you arrive earlier during the day you might like to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling heart of the Red Centre before leaving it all behind for the desolate outback. Browse Aboriginal artworks at Central Australia’s best art galleries. This is also a good time to ensure you have all articles needed for your Larapinta Trail walk.

An early start and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best there is in Australia. Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming 4 days. Our Ground Support Vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge gradually working our way upward into the back reaches of the Finke River. This area is steeped in traditional folklore with several important sites being viewed including ‘Yapulpa’, which is part of the Carpet Snake Dreaming legend as well as the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. Tonight, relax at our beautiful permanent campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section of the Larapinta Trail that is only suitable for well-prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory).

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early rise is an understatement as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. Enjoy time at camp for your last evening under the stars of the Milky Way.

Camp: West MacDonnell Ranges permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Regarded by many as the ‘primo’ small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora and a great finale to our walk. A location inspirational to Albert Namatjira, sensational viewings of the Chewing’s Range and Mount Giles – the entry into the Gorge will leave you dumb founded. After another healthy lunch, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and began our journey along the Mareenie Loop towards Kings Creek Station where we will spend the night in our remote bush camp.

Camp: Kings Creek Station permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) for a mind blowing 6km walk through the towering walls, crevices and plateaus of Watarrka. We will visit the Amphitheatre, Lost City and the tranquil ‘Garden of Eden’. Afterward we travel a short distance to our next stop to enjoy a well-earned lunch followed by the opportunity to immerse yourself in an authentic indigenous cultural experience. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk with our indigenous custodians while learning about bush tucker and the healing powers of bush medicine and gain an insight into Aboriginal dot painting. Late afternoon we start returning to Uluru for our final night in the outback, if time permits, we will watch the sun set over Uluru. Afterwards we will be settling in at our permanent campsite marvel at the clearest skies you can imagine.

Camp: Yulara permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising early, take a short walk to a lookout close to our campsite to view sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta without the hustle and bustle of the public viewing areas before heading off to Uluru to walk around the base of this iconic Red Centre sight. We will explore the cultural center and enjoy a picnic lunch here before heading off to Kata Tjuta for a walk through the “Valley of the Winds”. Afterwards settle in at our private camp, complete with our signature Endless Star dining experience before retiring to comfortable safari tent complete with beds.

Camp: Yulara permanent campsite Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Witness a stunning sunrise over Uluru before enjoying your final breakfast in the Outback. Afterwards, we will start making our way back to Alice Springs, stopping at Mount Conner (Atila), Curtin Springs and Erldunda Roadhouse along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch