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Help Open Support choose where to trek next in 2024 - choose between Larapinta or Three Capes Tasmania for your next adventure of a lifetime.

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The Difference You'll Make

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Open Support have been committed to caring for individuals and families deeply affected by challenging issues for more than 30 years, and yet are critically undersupported. 

Their programs offer assistance and relief to domestic and family violence survivors, to individuals facing social disconnection, and to people in regional NSW who need improved access to healthcare.

Stand with Open Support to help ensure their programs carry on helping those most in need. By taking part in an adventure for Open Support, you’ll be empowering them to reach and care for more people in the community.

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How it works

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FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS

Pay upfront or in flexible instalments.
Cancel more than 90 days before departure to receive refund options (excluding deposit).
For more details, see our FAQs.
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Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to worthwhile causes.

You'll be supported by our team of fundraising experts to reach and exceed your fundraising goals.

Teamwork

Be part of a team

Join like-minded travellers, and representatives from the charity, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.

LARAPINTA Trip notes

Day 1: Arrive in Alice Springs

PLEASE NOTE: We recommend arriving into Alice Springs Airport no later than 4pm on the first day to ensure you will make it in time to attend the welcome briefing in the afternoon. 

Day 1: Arrive in Alice Springs

Upon arrival in Alice Springs, make your own way to the hotel. 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 the articles needed for your Larapinta Trail walk.

We meet at 4.30 pm in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden to discuss the coming days with our guide. After the briefing, we will be greeted by Traditional Owners and ‘Welcomed to the Country’ in an authentic, conversational way. Afterwards, head back to your Alice Springs accommodation, retiring early for the night in preparation for the big journey ahead.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel 

Meals: None

Day 2: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap

Day 2: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap 

We gather with our guides and team bright and early this morning before heading off into the wilderness where the West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture. Our first walk is a casual 14km stroll, commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs where we can see some beautiful views, particularly at Euro Ridge. 

Once we reach Wallaby Gap, we will be transferred to our remote campsite in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. The true experience really begins as we rest in a region synonymous with the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people as we enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. 

Accommodation: Camping

Trekking time: 14km

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge

Day 3: Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge 

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, and the Emu and Kangaroo Man Dreaming. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim. Tonight, relax at our beautiful campsite as the sun sets and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Accommodation: Camping

Trekking distance: 11km

Meals: B L D

 

Day 4: Mount Sonder Climb

Day 4: Mount Sonder Climb

We'll wake up early this morning to begin trekking at 3am as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. It's an experience you'll never forget! The vision of the sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless – it is a truly unforgettable achievement. Afterward, we'll enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. We can spend the afternoon at our own leisure at camp or by taking a dip at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying the evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote campsite.

Accommodation: Camping

Trekking distance: 16km (hours)

Meals: B L D

 

Day 5: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs

Day 5: Ormiston Pound Walk to Alice Springs

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 grand 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 us dumbfounded. After our last picnic lunch at Ormiston Gorge, we will pack and break camp for regrettably the last time and begin our journey back to normality - hot showers and life as you know it awaits! 

Tonight, after a well-deserved shower, we will have a celebratory dinner at one of Alice’s Outback Restaurants, where we can reminisce about the last days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel

Trekking distance: 9km

Meals: B L D

 

Day 6: Depart Alice Springs

Day 6: Depart Alice Springs

This morning, we bid farewell to Alice Springs, the Red Centre, and our Larapinta adventure. You will be filled with the memories and moments that have made this adventure one you will never forget. Please make your own way to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: B 

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • 4-star hotel twin-share & comfortable campingMeals as per itinerary • Professional guideEntrance fees as per itinerary

Excludes: AirfaresAirport transfersTravel insurance (highly recommended)Soft drinks and alcoholic beveragesPersonal expensesTips and gratuities

THREE CAPES Trip notes

Day 1: Crescent Bay and Mount Brown 

Day 1: Crescent Bay and Mount Brown 

It’s time for the adventure of a lifetime! This morning, meet our guides at 7:45am at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart before we make our way to the Remarkable Caves to begin our walk for the day. The first part of the hike crosses a series of sand dunes covered in coastal heath vegetation, offering westerly views back towards Cape Raoul. The track then opens out into a gaping cavity known as Maingon Blowhole, then heads inland onto the lower knolls of Mount Brown where a series of cairns will direct our ascent. The walk up to the summit is moderately steep, with views over Cape Pillar, Tasman Island, Arthurs Peak and further south to Cape Raoul and Bruny Island. 

Once back on the main track we reach Crescent Bay, an incredibly beautiful and often sparsely populated beach. After the day’s walk, we head back to our accommodation for a rest and then dinner. 

Accommodation: Cabins, twin-share

Trekking distance: 9km

Meals: L D

Day 2: Cape Raoul

Day 2: Cape Raoul

We begin our walk today out to Cape Raoul. Offering some of the most spectacular coastal lookouts in Tasmania, Cape Raoul is an excellent return day walk within the Tasman National Park. With only a few steep sections, this is a comfortable walk allowing ample time to relax and enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding Tasman Peninsula and further south to Bruny Island. 

We start walking through heathland and after a short gradual climb we cross a bridge above a small gully. The bushland then opens up with spectacular views of the incredible cliffs where Cape Raoul is just beyond the lower plateau to the east. A short distance to our right is another open section of the cliff top showing a stunning view down to Shipstern Bluff, beyond to Bruny Island and Tasmania’s southern coast. The trail heads east from here along the cliff tops, descending the steepest part of the trail first onto the Cape Raoul plateau. Once on the plateau, the landscape changes to stunning coastal banksia scrub and soon we see our first glimpses of the northern coastline including Mt Brown, Arthurs Peak and Mt Fortescue. Situated a little further east, are the impressive 300-metre-high cliffs of Cape Pillar.

Accommodation: Cabins, twin-share

Trekking distance: 14km 

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy

Day 3: Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy

We depart from the Lodge this morning and head off for the day’s walk to Cape Hauy. The walk starts at a beautiful cove and there are some steep sections with stairs. There is a steep climb at the start and end of the walk, but once at the top of the first saddle, extensive panoramic views stretch far north past the Forester coast to Maria Island and south, detailing the ridges of Cape Pillar. Towards the end, the track follows the cliff's edge, providing spectacular views. The final segment of the trail, before reaching a large plateau, is quite steep and narrow but we are able to clearly view the exceptional rock formations of the Candlestick and Totem Pole, large columns of dolerite rocking out of the ocean. 

We then return via the same route, via numerous stairs. We have some free time in the afternoon to explore the area before dinner. 

Accommodation: Cabins, twin-share

Trekking distance: 8km

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Wilderness Cruise

Day 4: Wilderness Cruise

Today we head out for our final day on a 3-hour award winning Wilderness Cruise with Pennicott Journeys. Make sure to dress warmly - warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended. Waterproofs are supplied by the cruise company. The boat passes close by the spectacular rock formations along the coastline where we have walked over the past three days and stops regularly for easy viewing and photography. See seals, albatross, white bellied sea eagles and enjoy an exhilarating ride on this fantastic cruise. We will return back to Hobart, arriving at around 4:30pm, to say our goodbyes to our guides and teammates after a memorable 4 days together. If you are leaving tonight, please book return flights home departing after 6pm. 

Meals: B L

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Accommodation based on twin share • Meals as per itinerary • Water on trekking days • Professional guide • Parks entry fees as per itinerary • 3 hour wilderness cruise

Excludes: Airfares • Airport Transfers • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities

Testimonial

"It was a challenging, humbling and breathtaking 5 day trip. I was reminded of both the majesty and vulnerability of this great land and our responsibility to live with it, rather than simply on it. I made friendships with an insightful, generous and determined group of wonderful people that will survive well beyond this journey."

– Sergio,  Starlight Larapinta Trek 2022

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