Fast Facts

DATES

8–14 May 2023

7 day trip, 5 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$5,000

Accommodation

Twin-share in 4-star hotel and at comfortable campsites

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

In May 2023, you’re invited to journey through the heart of Australia, along one of the world’s premier walking tracks – the Larapinta Trail.

Immersed in the rich history of Australia’s First Peoples, as part of the Lighthouse Larapinta Trek, you’ll follow well-worn, red dirt tracks along the slopes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, beside ancient winding riverbanks, across open plains, over towering mountains and into shaded gorges. At night, you’ll camp under black skies filled with silver stars, and fall asleep to the nocturnal sounds of the desert.

Best of all, with every step you take, you’ll raise vital funds to help the Lighthouse Foundation open a new therapeutic home for kids impacted by neglect, abuse and homelessness, giving them a place to belong and the support they need to heal and thrive.

Testimonials

“An amazing, life-changing and humbling experience!”

— Amy, Larapinta 2018

“A fantastic experience with a great team of people on a sensational trek.”

— Clyde Campbell, Larapinta 2019

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

— Anna Morris, Larapinta 2018

The Difference You'll Make

Youth homelessness is a growing problem in Australia. In fact, over 44,000 kids and young people under 25 experience homelessness every night. Youth homelessness rarely occurs in isolation; it’s the result of ongoing patterns of violence. Without intervention, the cycle continues, leading to generational disadvantage.

$30 can provide a warm meal for a resident at a Lighthouse home
$48 can provide a welcome backpack for a new young person moving into care, including toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear and a teddy bear
With $110, the Lighthouse Foundation can provide educational resources to at-risk kids
$170 covers the cost of bedding and furniture for a new young person moving into care
$600 can provide counselling and group therapy to help young people process the trauma of homelessness
$1,000 helps cover the cost of running Lighthouse homes

With your support, the Lighthouse Foundation can continue to provide therapeutic homes and create caring communities where kids can feel safe, form meaningful relationships and begin to heal.

Join Us With Confidence

We understand the dilemma of making travel plans when the world feels unpredictable right now. You can still register for an Inspired Adventure in complete confidence, because we promise to look after you should COVID-19 travel bans affect your plans.

If COVID-19 travel bans mean your Inspired Adventure cannot go ahead as scheduled, we will endeavour to reschedule the departure to a later date to allow you still to travel as planned. For more information visit our COVID-19 hub or read our full Terms & Conditions.

Pricing & Itinerary

Save $100 on your registration fee when you sign up before 28 August! Secure your place for only $290.

$390

Registration fee*

$3,099

Travel package†

*non-refundable †excludes airfares

Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

Day 1: Monday, 8 May 2023

Arrive in Alice Springs

The adventure-of-a-lifetime begins! Upon arrival in Alice Springs, please make your way to our hotel in the heart of Central Australia. In the early afternoon, we meet our local guide for our first team briefing. After a short break to freshen up, we then walk to the nearby Olive Pink Botanic Garden to hear about the history of the area from an Arrernte Elder. In the evening, we are free at leisure to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia before turning in ahead of our first day of trekking.

Meals: None

Day 2: Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap

This morning, we bid goodbye to the city and say hello to the wilderness! The majestic West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture; they’re considered to be the best in Australia. Our first walk is a 14 kilometre, full-day trek, beginning on the outskirts of Alice Springs. Here, we witness some vast and beautiful stretches of Australian land. The view is particularly inspiring at Euro Ridge. On our walk, we allow ourselves to be immersed in the wonder of the region and get a taste of what’s coming over the next four days. We’ll try to spot some of the local wildlife before transferring to our remote campsite within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. On arrival, we’ll enjoy some bush tucker prepared by Kungkas Can Cook, an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond. The true experience begins tonight, as we rest in a region synonymous with the Dreamtime of the Western Arrernte people.

Trekking Distance: 14km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the western section of the Larapinta Trail. Today’s trek is more challenging; however, we are continuously rewarded with spectacular views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mount Zeil, the highest point in the Northern Territory. Tonight, we return to our campsite for dinner and rest.

Trekking Distance: 13–14km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Thursday, 11 May 2023

Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge

Today we traverse the low-lying regions surrounding Ormiston Gorge, gradually winding upwards through rolling limestone hills towards the back reaches of the Finke River – one of the world’s oldest river systems. As we trek, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Sonder (also known as Rwetyepme – “the Pregnant Lady” in the local language) in the distance. Tonight, we return to our campsite shadowed by Mount Sonder and watch as the sun sinks behind red sands and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Trekking Distance: 11km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Friday, 12 May 2023

Mount Sonder ascent

This morning, we rise early and transfer to Redbank Gorge at the base of Mount Sonder (1,380m). The climb to the summit is arduous, along a rocky and loose path that occasionally disappears into brush. However, once again, our efforts are rewarded with incredible 360° views of the ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes below. Here, we‘ll take time to catch our breath and bask in the grandeur of the desert landscape. What an achievement! After descending, we transfer back to our campsite where we enjoy our last evening under the stars of the Milky Way.

Trekking Distance: 16km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Saturday, 13 May 2023

Ormiston Pound Circuit to Alice Springs

Today we transfer to Ormiston Gorge to trek the Ormiston Pound circuit. Punctuating the West MacDonnell Ranges, this circuit is regarded as one of the best small walks of the Larapinta Trail and offers sensational views of the Chewings Range and Mount Giles. Although relatively short, the trek is quite challenging and takes approximately four hours to complete. Setting off, the trail winds around low peaks before descending into the ‘pound’ – a flat area enclosed by a ring of mountains. With our trek complete, we enjoy a packed lunch together before transferring back to Alice Springs. Tonight, we gather at a local restaurant for our last group dinner to celebrate our successful adventure.

Trekking Distance: 9km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Sunday, 14 May 2023

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • accommodation in 4-star hotel and comfortable camping • meals as per itinerary • local guide • entrance fees as per itinerary

Doesn't include: Airfares • airport transfers • travel insurance (highly recommended) • soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • personal expenses • tips and gratuities (optional)

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 Trail is a physical challenge, and the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.

You’ll 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 take part in this adventure is: $3,489

Registration fee + travel cost = $390 + $3,099 per person

Fundraising target = $5,000 per person

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.

For participants registering more than 7 months to departure, a travel deposit (non-refundable) is due 6 weeks after registration, a second instalment 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.

LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION LARAPINTA 2023

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

Join Us With Confidence

Pricing & Itinerary

Save $100 on your registration fee when you sign up before 28 August! Secure your place for only $290.

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions