LARAPINTA, NORTHERN TERRITORY

1 - 6 JULY, 2023

Trek for sick kids - 2023

Step out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and support the Children's Hospital Foundation's programs and initiatives that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

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Fast Facts

DATES

1 - 6 July 2023

6 day trip, 4 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$5,000

Accommodation

Twin-share in 4-star hotel and basic camping

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

The average mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youths are two to three times higher than those of non-Indigenous children in Australia. Through support from donors, the Children’s Hospital Foundation is making significant inroads into closing the gap in the health and life expectancy for these children.

Join the Children’s Hospital Foundation Trek For Sick Kids Larapinta 2023 and raise funds for a number of programs and initiatives aimed to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous families.

For four extraordinary days, you’ll take part in a hiking adventure that explores some of the most spectacular parts of the Australian outback. In fact, some hikers say the 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail, which follows the West MacDonnell Ranges, is one of the finest multi-day walking adventures anywhere in the world. At night, you’ll rest your head beneath a sky filled with stars.

Are you ready to lace up your boots and improve healthcare outcomes for Indigenous kids? This is an adventure you’ll never forget and the chance to give back to the community.

Testimonials

"A very special experience with so many wonderful people who inspired with their brave and kind hearts."

— Anna, Larapinta Adventure 2018

"Fantastic experience with a great group of people on a sensational trek."

— Clyde, Tasmania adventure 2019

"One of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

— James, Tasmania adventure 2018

The Difference You'll Make

You’ll raise $5,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, funds that will go towards programs and initiatives aimed to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children and their families. These could include:

The CHQ Footprints Program, which funds cadetships so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can become healthcare workers. This contributes to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by creating a culturally appropriate workforce.
Supplying Indigenous Welcome Packs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families who arrive at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Expanding Indigenous-focused research projects working to close the gap on health outcomes for First Nations people.

Pricing & Itinerary

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE TREK!
Sign up now and pay only $325* when you register before 31st March 2023.

*Non-refundable, usually $475.
Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

$3,121

Travel package†

Your travel package is paid in instalments. To register, pay just $325* upfront. For further details, see our FAQs.

*Non refundable, usually $475.

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Includes: All transfers as per itinerary in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle/s • Twin-share accommodation in 4-star hotel and at comfortable campsite • Accredited First Aid-trained Outback Tour Guides • Camping equipment,including swags with mattress, sheets, sleeping bag and pillow • All meals as per itinerary and water on trekking days • All National Park entrance and trekking fees

Does not include: • Domestic airfares • Airport transfers • Personal expenses, such as laundry and alcoholic drinks • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Tips and gratuities

Day 1: Saturday 1 July 2023

Arrive in Alice Springs

The adventure of a lifetime begins! Upon arrival in Alice Springs, make your way to the hotel in the heart of Central Australia. In the early evening, meet in the hotel lobby where you will meet your guides for a briefing of the coming days. The rest of the evening is free at your leisure to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia.

Meals: None

Day 2: Sunday 2 July 2023

Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap

After breakfast and packing up lunch, we’ll have a short transfer to the start of our trek. We begin our Larapinta Trail adventure walking Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap, where we will witness some vast and beautiful stretches of Australian land. On our walk, we allow ourselves to be immersed in the wonder of the region and get a taste of what’s coming in the next few days. Afterwards, we’ll drive out to our remote campsite within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The true experience begins as we settle into rest in a region synonymous in the dreamtime of Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Trekking distance: 12km

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Monday 3 July 2023

Finke River - Ormiston Gorge - Ochre Pits

This morning we will weave our way from the Finke River to Ormiston Gorge through rolling limestone hills filled with unique plant life. The Finke is one of the oldest river systems in the world, and the local Arrernte name for this waterway gives the whole trail its name – Lhere Pinte, which means ‘salty river’. Today’s hike finishes at the beautiful Ormiston Gorge, home to the most impressive gorge in the whole West MacDonnell region. There’s a near-permanent waterhole shaded by ghost gums and towering red rock walls that is more than welcoming to any walker for a chance for a dip and freshen up. Later in the day, we’ll explore the Ochre Pits before returning to camp in the late afternoon and enjoying another dinner in the wilderness.

Trekking distance: 13–14km

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Tuesday 4 July 2023

Redbank Gorge - Mount Sonder

This morning we rise before the sun and transfer from our campsite to Redbank Gorge at the base of Mount Sonder, where we start our ascent to the peak. The mountain is known traditionally as Rwetyepme – in local Arrernte culture she's portrayed as a pregnant woman forever doomed to lay on her back and watch the sky. The climb to the summit is arduous along a rocky and loose path that occasionally disappears into brush. We are rewarded with a sunrise and incredible 360° views of the ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes below. Here, we will take time to catch our breath and bask in the grandeur of the desert landscape - and the incredible summit achievement. After descending, we transfer back to our campsite where we enjoy our last evening under the stars of the Milky Way.

Trekking distance: 15-16km

Meals: B L D

Day 5: Wednesday 5 July 2023

Standley Chasm to Reveal Saddle

For our last day of trekking, we will transfer to Standley Chasm and trek to Reveal Saddle. Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “Gap of Water”, Standley Chasm is an icon of great cultural cultural relevance, nestled amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges. After exploring the area, we’ll transfer back to Alice Springs, arriving in the early evening. Tonight, we’ll join for a final celebration meal and reflect on our achievements of the past few days.

Trekking distance: 8km

Meals: B L D

Day 6: Thursday 6 July 2023

Our Climate Commitment

When you travel with us, $10 goes towards carbon offsetting projects in Western Australia. You'll be supporting Carbon Neutral as they replant native plant species to create a green corridor for native wildlife, assisting in the recovery of entire ecosystems. For more on how we're bettering the planet, read our Climate Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a comprehensive list of FAQs, download the information pack by filling in the form.

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Larapinta trek is a physical challenge, and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

Who will I be travelling with?

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.

The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.

Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.

How do I train for this adventure?

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete full-day hikes and ideally a hike over several days. You should aim to be able to walk for 6–8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures – to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

We have prepared a detailed COVID-19 Safety Management Plan to account for the wide variety of scenarios that may impact your departure. In the instance that the adventure is unable to proceed due to COVID-19, alternative departure arrangements will be provided where possible.

Inspired Adventures requires that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as described in government guidelines and ground operator requirements.

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 hub.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for this adventure?

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to participate in this adventure is: $3,141

In addition, you are also committing to raising $5,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

In order to secure your place, you will need to pay half of your travel deposit ($475) upfront, and the second half four weeks after registration. This is non-refundable.

A second instalment of your balance is due 6 months prior to departure, and the final balance is due 3 months before travel. If you are registering with less than 7 months to departure, you will most likely be invoiced in fewer instalments based on the date of registration.

Your travel payments are invoiced in instalments to provide ample time to pay your balance. We can build a personalised payment plan that suits your schedule if our standard timeline does not suit.