Your cart is currently empty
The Larapinta Trail ANZAC Day Trek - 6 Nights - 5 Day Walking Journey
There is something very special about a dawn Anzac Day service in Australia’s Red Centre. The dawn service is held at The Anzac Hill Memorial in Alice Springs and is the centre piece of the town. Which was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I.
It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.
Hundreds of locals and visitors from all over Australia congregate pre-dawn under the vista of a billion stars to pay their respects to those that served our nation and continue to serve our great Nation.
After the Anzac Day Service, we join the red centres famous 2 up rings for this famous tradition.
The rest of the day is spent exploring the town and enjoying the hospitality of this iconic town.
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre trekking sections of the Larapinta Trail, one of the most popular wilderness walks in Australia. Covering up to 18 km’s of graded trail per day, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Australian outback. Discover the magic and mysteries concealed within this ancient environment and be swept away by the dreamtime of the area. This is a challenging adventure for experienced trekkers looking to complete one of the great wilderness walks in this hauntingly beautiful part of the world.
Price Includes
Tour guide, ground support crew and all transportation. Camping equipment and bedding including swags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets. Meals and snacks as indicated on below. Hot and cold drinks excluding alcoholic beverages (note that the purchase of alcohol can be arranged with your guide at the pre-trek meeting. Cold storage will be provided), fresh drinking water.
- – Return Airport Shuttle
- – Accommodation in Alice Springs x 2 Nights
- – All meals as indicated above
- – Pre and Post dinner in Alice Springs
- – Transfer to dinner on final night (transfer home not included)
- – Groups under 15 – 1 x Walking Guide / 1 x Ground Support
- – Groups over 15 – 2 x Walking Guides / 1 x Ground Support
Price
$3,295 Per Person
Accommodation
Basic bush camp with swags (tents upon request) (4 nights)
Exclusions
Flights, airport departure taxes, arrival and departure transfers, visa, travel insurance, optional tours and activities during free time, tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature. It is recommended that any additional alcohol/refreshments be purchased prior to tour departure** in Alice Springs. Storage will be provided
“If our set departure dates are not convenient for you, you may choose Private departures by selecting your own convenient tour date. These types of departure are best suited to couples, families, charity and small groups of friends. Customised itineraries are available as per your travel need.“
“If our set departure dates are not convenient for you, you may choose Private departures by selecting your own convenient tour date. These types of departure are best suited to couples, families, charity and small groups of friends. Customised itineraries are available as per your travel need.“
Arrival
Arrival and Meet and Greet (Dinner)
Arrive at the Airport and catch your pre-booked Airport Shuttle to your accommodation location, Doubletree Hilton.We meet at 2.00pm 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.
After your meet and greet you will have time to spend in the township of Alice to buy any last minute requirements before making your way to the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens by 5pm (short walk from town and Doubletree Hilton) where you will be greeted by Traditional Owners and ‘Welcomed to the Country’ in an authentic and traditional way.
After this we head back to Doubletree Hilton where a reservation will be made for the group at 7pm. Enjoy a lovely two course dinner before retiring early for the night in preparation for the big journey ahead.
Day 1
Section 1 Alice Springs to Wallaby (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
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. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter and refreshing drink for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook are an aboriginal catering company who are passionate about bush foods and are dedicated to utilizing wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond.
Day 2
Section 8 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam (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).
Day 3
Section 10 Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge (Breakfast, 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, our campsite is shadowed by Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme, The Pregnant Lady) and the imagery of the Yeperenye Hills. Relax at the campsite on the banks of the mighty Finke River as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.
Day 4
Section 12 Mount Sonder Climb (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.
Day 5
Section 9/10 Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs (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 back to normality (hot showers and life as you know it awaits).
Tonight, your guide will collect you from your accommodation after a well-deserved shower and head to one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants where you can reminisce the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.
Day 6
(Breakfast, Dinner)
This morning we wake early for the Anzac Dawn Service.
After paying our respects we return for breakfast before joining the 2-up ring. Just make sure you check out by 10am and are at your pickup location for your already booked Airport Shuttle to meet your fight on time
Inclusions, Dates & Prices
Price Includes:
- – Return Airport Shuttle
- – Accommodation in Alice Springs x 2 Nights
- – All meals as indicated above
- – Pre and Post dinner in Alice Springs
- – Transfer to dinner on final night (transfer home not included)
- – Groups under 15 – 1 x Walking Guide / 1 x Ground Support
- – Groups over 15 – 2 x Walking Guides / 1 x Ground Support
- Price Per Person $3,295.00
What to Bring
Headlight or torch, wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, fly net, water bottles (min. recommended capacity 3-4 litres total), walking shoes/boots, warm clothing, personal items such as toiletries and medications and towel. BYO alcohol (see note under inclusions).
Please note temperature variation is great in Central Australia. You will be required to carry all clothing required for that day and should plan accordingly. Temperature variations ranging from 0 – 30 degrees Celsius can be experienced each day.
All other clothing and luggage will be transported by the ground crew. Any items not needed for the trek can be stored at your accommodation in Alice Springs.
Travelling with Children
Due to the nature of this tour, the minimum age accepted for children is 12 years. Private Charters can be arranged by request and tailored for children’s needs accordingly.
Arrival in Alice Springs
Many hotels provide courtesy buses that meet most flights. To take advantage of this, you must call the hotel at least 24 hours before your arrival and provide your flight details and arrival time. Otherwise a taxi will cost approximately AUD$30. The airport shuttle costs AUD$15 per person and meets every flight, and will also take you directly to your hotel.
Outback Camping in Style
We like to camp in style and comfort which involves sleeping in enclosed swags or in large, wilderness style tents. A mattress, pillow, -5CC rated sleeping bags, sheets, woollen blankets are provided. A hands free headlight/torch is thoroughly recommended for after dark activities. Please note you will be required to carry your own day pack on this walk. All other equipment will be handled by our ground crew.
Respecting Indigenous Culture
Please note that itineraries that include visits to Indigenous sites may change at short notice, due to the cultural and ceremonial obligations of our Indigenous hosts and guide.
**Departure dates lists refer to your arrival days into Alice Springs and your night of accommodation. It is not the first day of trek.
