LARAPINTA, NORTHERN TERRITORY

23-28 AUGUST, 2023

Starlight Children's foundation - Larapinta 2023

Journey into the heart of the rugged Australian Outback to help Starlight support the health and wellbeing of kids in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

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Fast Facts

DATES

23-28 August 2023

6 day trip, 4 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$3,500

Accommodation

Twin-share in 4-star hotel and comfortable camping

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

Join Starlight Children's Foundation on the Larapinta Trail and, with every step you take, you’ll raise funds for Starlight’s Healthier Futures Initiative, supporting the health and wellbeing of kids in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Immersed in the rich history of Australia’s First Peoples, as part of Starlight Outback Trek 2023, 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.

Best of all, with every step you take, you’ll raise vital funds to build trust and lasting relationships between health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and their communities through song, dance and storytelling.

Testimonials

"It was a challenging, humbling and breathtaking trip. I made friendships with an insightful, generous and determined group of wonderful people that will survive well beyond this journey."

– Sergio Floyd, Starlight Larapinta 2022

"I find it very hard to put my experience into words as it was a spiritual and uplifting experience. It was amazing."

– Katrina Barnett, Starlight Larapinta 2022

“Amazing! Bloody hard but totally worth it."

– Lisiane Klein Viera, Starlight CEO Challenge Larapinta 2019

The Difference You'll Make

The funds you raise as part of Starlight’s Outback Trek 2023 will support Starlight’s Healthier Futures Initiative.

As part of this initiative, Captain Starlight travels to regional and remote areas across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland, visiting almost 1,400 children every month. Captain Starlight builds trust and sparks lasting relationships between health professionals, kids and the community, easing stress and pressure on healthcare clinics.

Starlight believes fun fights fear and wins every time. By engaging with kids through song, dance and storytelling, Starlight has helped boost health clinic attendance and increased community confidence in the healthcare system.

$2,500 helps fly Captain Starlight to a remote health clinic
$250 will pack a suitcase of fun for Captain Starlight to take to kids in remote communities
$30 will deliver an arts and craft pack to a child in a remote community

Did you know, 96 per cent of health professionals who collaborate with Starlight in the Northern Territory through the Healthier Futures Initiative program rate the impact of Starlight’s programs on children as significant?

All children deserve to feel safe and supported when accessing health care. And, as part of this incredible adventure, you can help make this happen.

Pricing & Itinerary

$3,121

Travel package

Your travel package is paid in instalments. Take advantage of our April sale and, pay just $325 upfront. For further details, see our FAQs.

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

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Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Twin-share 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

Day 1: Wednesday, 23 August 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 evening, we meet in the hotel lobby for our first team briefing. The rest of the evening is free at leisure to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia.

Meals: None

Day 2: Thursday, 24 August 2023

Geoff Moss Bridge – Wallaby Gap

After breakfast, we take a short transfer to the start of our first trek from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. With incredible views over vast stretches of inland Australia, today’s trek is the perfect introduction to the wild wonder of the region and what’s ahead. In the afternoon, we transfer to our remote campsite in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. Here, the true experience begins as we relax in a region synonymous with the Dreamtime of Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Trekking distance: 12km

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Friday, 25 August 2023

Finke River – Ormiston Gorge – Ochre Pits

his morning, we 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 – Lhere Pinte, meaning “salty river” – gives the whole trail its name. Today’s trek finishes at Ormiston Gorge, home to the most impressive gorge in the West MacDonnell region. A near-permanent waterhole shaded by ghost gums and towering red rock walls awaits us after a challenging trek, and we’ll take time here to rest and freshen up with a quick dip. Later in the day, we’ll explore the Ochre Pits before returning to our camp for another night under the stars.

Trekking distance: 13.6km

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Saturday, 26 August 2023

Redbank Gorge – Mount Sonder

This morning, we rise before the sun and transfer to Redbank Gorge at the base of Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme or the “pregnant lady” in the local language). From here, we make a slow, steady ascent to the summit. The journey is arduous along a rocky and loose path that occasionally disappears into brush, but we’re constantly rewarded with incredible 360° views of the ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes below. Reaching the summit at sunrise, we take time to catch our breath and bask in the grandeur of the desert landscape – and our incredible achievement. After descending slowly, we transfer back to our campsite for our last night camping in the Australian Outback.

Trekking distance: 15.5km

Meals: B L D

Day 5: Sunday, 27 August 2023

Standley Chasm – Reveal Saddle

On our last day of trekking, we transfer to Standley Chasm and make our way to Reveal Saddle. Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “gap of water”, Standley Chasm is an icon of great cultural relevance to the Western Arrernte people. After ample time to explore, we transfer back to Alice Springs, arriving in the early evening. Tonight, we gather for a final dinner together to reflect on our individual and team achievements.

Trekking distance: 18km

Meals: B L D

Day 6: Monday, 28 August 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. Trekking the Larapinta Trail 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: $3,121.

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,500 (per person) for Starlight Children’s 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.