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An inspiring adventure to explore the power of connection.

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18-22 August 2023

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$3,900

Trip Cost

Registrations close 5 June!

 

 

3/5

3/5

Challenge Grade

Give Back to the Community

$6,000

Fundraising Target

The Difference You'll Make

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Join us for a profound experience on the Larapinta Trail as we connect with our land, kindred spirits, and one's self.

As you trek the beautiful landscape of the heart of Australia, you will raise vital funds in support of The Hunger Project Australia to empower women and men living in poverty to transform their lives and end their own hunger.

Immersed in the rich history of Australia’s First Peoples, you will traverse some of the most scenic sections of the spectacular Larapinta trail. Over three days, you will follow well-worn, red dirt tracks along the slopes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, beside winding riverbanks, across open plains, up towering mountains and down into shaded gorges.

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How it works

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Book with Confidence

Pay your balance in flexible instalments.

Cancel up to 60 days before travel with no penalty. For more details, see our FAQs.

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Make a difference

Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to The Hunger Project Australia.

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 Hunger Project Australia, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.

Trip notes

Day 1: 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 afternoon, we will join together where you will meet your guides for a briefing of the coming days and participate in a Welcome to Country ceremony. Afterwards, we’ll meet for dinner and the rest of the evening is free at your leisure to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia. 

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Alice Springs to Wallaby Gap

An early start, and its bye bye suburbia – hello wilderness! The majestic and serene West MacDonnell Ranges are rich in natural wonders and traditional culture and are considered the best in Australia. 

Our first walk is around a 14km ‘leg stretch’ commencing from the outskirts of Alice Springs. Some beautiful views can be seen, particularly at Euro Ridge. Our walk is taken casually, a fitting way to relax and immerse in the wonder of the region and to ponder the coming days. Our vehicle will meet us at the picturesque Wallaby Gap and transfer us to our remote camping location within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. If time permits, we will visit one of the stunning natural waterholes for a refreshing swim along the way. 

Let the true experience begin as we rest in a region synonymous in the Dreamtime (Alcheringa) of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. We will enjoy a Kungkas Can Cook Tasting Platter for pre-dinner nibbles. Kungkas Can Cook is an Aboriginal catering company passionate about bush foods and is dedicated to utilising wild harvested produce from around the Central Desert Region and beyond. 

Trekking Distance: 14km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mount Sonder Climb

An early rise is an understatement (approx. 3 am trek start) as we challenge the 8km climb to the peak of Mount Sonder. The vision of sunrise and the 360° view will leave you speechless – a truly unforgettable achievement. Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved cooked Aussie breakfast at camp. Spend the afternoon at your own leisure at camp or at Ormiston Gorge before enjoying one last evening under the stars of the Milky Way in our beautiful remote campsite.

Trekking Distance: 16km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: 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 you dumbfounded. After a 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 head to one of Alice’s restaurants, where you can reminisce about the last 5 days and share some banter over a refreshing ale or cool drink. 

Trekking Distance: 16km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: 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: Breakfast

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Twin-share accommodation in 4-star hotels and at comfortable campsites  • Camping equipment • Meals as per itinerary • Water on trekking days • Local guides • Entrance fees

Doesn’t Include: Flights • Airport transfers • Travel insurance (recommended) • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities (optional)

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FACILITATED BY KEMI NEKVAPIL

Guiding you through the journey as a connection with your inner self, nature and others, Kemi Nekvapil will be accompanying you in the lead up and on the beautiful trail itself.

Kemi is one of Australia’s leading credentialed coaches for executives and entrepreneurs, an author and a highly sought-after international speaker. Kemi has been a long-time friend and facilitator for The Hunger Project Australia. We're so excited to share her with you!

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventure.com.au) or phone (1300 905 188). We’re always here to help!

About the adventure

How challenging is this adventure?

Your 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. It is essential that you prepare for this challenge. We recommend that in the months leading up to your trip, you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise.

Who will I be travelling with? 

Our average group size at Inspired Adventures ranges from 10 to 15 people. 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 leader with expert knowledge of the region. 

A charity representative will also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work. 

Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?

Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.

Fitness and training

How do I train for this adventure?

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

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek. As part of your training, we recommend making use of your weekends to complete a full day hike and if possible, an overnight hike. You should aim to walk in hilly terrain for 6-8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably. Conventional exercise routines which build strength, fitness and stamina, such as aerobics and light weight training can be beneficial, particularly if your fitness level is less than ideal.

In addition to your physical training, it’s important to be mentally prepared for the challenge. You might encounter setbacks and difficult periods during the trek, but remind yourself that many people have achieved this feat before you, and you can do it too. Maintain a positive attitude, and remember your guide will be there to encourage and inspire you all the way!

Accommodation

What is the accommodation like? 

Accommodation on this adventure is twin-share in 4-star hotels and at camping at a private permanent campsite specifically selected for their locality to walking trails and the sheer beauty, peace and quiet they engender. 

Will I be sharing accommodation?

Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group. Single rooms are available at an additional cost and are subject to availability (while at hotels).

If you'd like a true Outback experience, swags are also available for your camping evenings. Sleeping under the star is a spectacular opportunity, not to be missed.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?

If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you together.

What to expect

What are the toilets like? 

While camping, there will be chemical toilets. There are no toilets along the trail.

Are showers available? 

No showers are available the campsite. If you would like to freshen up after a day's hike, bring a washcloth and soap or wet wipes or just dip into one of the water holes along the trek.

What is the food like? 

Food will vary from team to team, but below are some examples.

Breakfast: A choice of cereals/muesli, toast, yoghurt, fruit, coffee and tea.

Lunch: Lunch is typically served en route during trekking days. You may have food such as wraps, noodle salads, BBQ meats and veggies.

Dinner: By night, your tastebuds will be treated to a variety of foods such as fish, curry, fried rice and salads.

I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for? 

Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. A special meal can always be prepared to meet individual needs specified in advance. If there are specific brands of food or snacks you prefer, feel free to bring your own.

What weather can I expect?

Central Australia is an arid region with extreme climatic conditions that can climb above 35°C and drop below 3°C. During the Larapinta season (winter) mornings, evenings and nights are cold and daytimes are mild to warm. While blue, clear skies shine throughout most of the year with low rainfall, we recommend checking local weather forecasts closer to departure for more up-to-date information. 

Is there mobile phone reception? 

You will not be able to use your phone while out in the bush – but don’t worry; it’s all part of the experience! If you’re lucky, you might get some coverage at high points on the trail, but this is quite unlikely. 

Will I have access to electricity?

There is no electricity available at the campsite. We recommend bringing along a portable recharging device, some of which can be recharged using solar energy.

What do I need to pack? 

You will be sent a comprehensive packing list after you register for the adventure with everything you need to consider.

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

All Inspired Adventures guides and Team Leaders are first aid trained. Our guides carry a satellite phone to be used if further assistance is required.

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

See the COVID-19 section of our website for full details.

Costs and payments

What’s included in the travel cost?

The travel cost includes: 

  • 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

What’s not included in the travel cost?

The travel cost does not include:

  • Airfares
  • Airport transfers
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Tips and gratuities

Is the travel cost guaranteed?

We will do our best to keep the travel costs as quoted. However, please bear in mind they can change due to group size, currency fluctuations or factors out of our control. If absolutely necessary, Inspired Travel may have to add on an additional supplement fee should the current social distancing measures continue. This fee would be required if our operator needs to add on additional vehicles, equipment and/or staff.

How much spending money do I need?

We recommend that you allow $45 per day to cover any meals not included in the trip costs, souvenirs and gifts, bottled water and any additional activities you wish to participate in. It is possible to travel well on a smaller budget.

Is it customary to tip? 

Tipping is not compulsory or expected in Australia, and you are encouraged to tip only an amount you find appropriate. 

Travel insurance

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 will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.

 

All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.

Join Us

Interested in joining us on the Larapinta Trail? Complete the application form and we will be in touch.

Give us a call on

1300 905 188

Complete the application form to join us on the Larapinta Trail.