LARAPINTA TRAIL, NT

6-11 MAY, 2023

LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION LARAPINTA 2023

Support young people impacted by neglect, abuse and homelessness by joining a journey to the heart of the rugged Australian Outback and help raise vital funds to help Lighthouse Foundation open a new home.

charity-destination-2022-title-lockup-710x380

Fast Facts

DATES

6-11 May 2023

6 day trip, 4 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.

Pricing & Itinerary

$3,121

Travel package

Your travel package is paid in instalments.

To register, pay just $475* upfront. For further details, see our FAQs. * non-refundable

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

First name

Last name

Phone (optional)

State

Day 1: Saturday, 6 May 2023

Arrive in Alice Springs

The adventure of a lifetime begins! Upon arrival in Alice Springs, please 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, 7 May 2023

Geoff Moss Bridge - 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Monday, 8 May 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Redbank Gorge - Mt 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: 15.5km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Wednesday, 10 May 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Thursday, 11 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: $3,121

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 upon 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.