Fast Facts

DATES

19 - 24 July 2023

6 day trip, 4 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$3,500

Accommodation

Twin-share in a 4-star hotel plus comfortable swag camping

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

During the 2019–20 bushfires, 3 billion native animals were killed or displaced. Hundreds of thousands of livestock and burrowing animals have been killed by recent floods. Every summer, your own pets suffer from heat stress. On the frontline, and experiencing firsthand the impact of climate change on wildlife, livestock and pets, are veterinary professionals and animal carers.

So, in July 2023, Vets for Climate Action and their supporters are trekking the Larapinta Trail to raise vital funds to help create a better world for the animals and people living in it. Are you ready to join them?

When you take on this epic five-day hiking adventure, you’ll explore the incredible Larapinta Trail. Traverse the West MacDonnell Ranges, marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery, and look out for the native fauna like rock wallabies, dingoes, goannas and wedge tail eagles. At night, you’ll sleep beneath a million stars. And the whole time you’ll be helping Vets for Climate Action protect the environment for wildlife, livestock and pets.

Testimonials

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

– Anna, Larapinta 2018

“One of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

– James, Larapinta 2018

“Overwhelming, emotional, cathartic and life changing.”

– Laura, Larapinta 2019

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The Difference You'll Make

The money you raise on the Larapinta Trek for Animals will help fund urgent climate action by the veterinary profession and animal care community. They’re striving to halve carbon emissions of veterinary clinics and hospitals by 2030. This program will work with more than 4,000 clinics, as well as zoos, aquariums, shelters and other animal care facilities to achieve emissions reduction goals. There’s also a rural and regional program to empower vets to have meaningful conversations with farmers about emissions reduction. Finally, their plan is to launch a national education campaign to engage with all animal lovers to ensure they understand the impacts of climate change on their pets, livestock and wildlife.

The funds raised from this challenge will help Vets for Climate Action employ another full-time member of staff so they can take their message even further faster. This is the critical decade for climate change action and every decision we make matters, for all time.

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.

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Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • 4-star hotel twin-share and comfortable swag camping • Meals as per itinerary • Local guide • Entrance fees as per itinerary

Does not include: Airfares • Airport transfers • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities

Day 1: Wednesday 19 July 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 early evening, head to the hotel lobby where you’ll meet your guides for a briefing of the coming days. For the rest of the evening you’re free to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia.

Meals: None

Day 2: Thursday 20 July 2023

Geoff Moss Bridge – Wallaby Gap

After breakfast and packing lunch, there’s 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, beautiful stretches of the Australian landscape. 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 to our remote campsite within the MacDonnell Ranges National Park. The true experience begins as we settle into a region synonymous in the dreamtime of Western Arrernte people.

Trekking distance: 12km

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Friday 21 July 2023

Finke River – Ormiston Gorge – Ochre Pits

This morning we’ll weave our way from the Finke River to Ormiston Gorge through rolling limestone hills filled with unique plant life. The Finke is part of one of the oldest river systems in the world, and the local Arrernte name for this waterway – Lhere Pinte, which means ‘salty river’– gives the whole trail its name. Today’s hike finishes at beautiful Ormiston Gorge, where a near-permanent waterhole shaded by ghost gums and towering red rock walls offers a chance for a dip. 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: 13.6km

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Saturday 22 July 2023

Redbank Gorge – Mount 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 along a rocky path is arduous, but we’re rewarded with a sunrise and incredible 360-degree views of the ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes below. Here, we’ll take some time to catch our breath and bask in the grandeur of the desert landscape and our 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: B L D

Day 5: Sunday 23 July 2023

Standley Chasm – Reveal Saddle

For our final day of trekking, we start at Standley Chasm, set in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning “gap of water”, Standley Chasm has great cultural relevance. After hiking to Reveal Saddle and exploring the area, we’ll transfer back to Alice Springs, arriving in the early evening. Tonight, we’ll get together for a final celebration meal and reflect on our achievements over the past few days.

Trekking distance: 8km

Meals: B L D

Day 6: Monday 24 July 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. The Larapinta trek 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 per person.

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,500 for Vets for Climate Action.

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 installment 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 installments 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.

Larapinta trek for animals 2023

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

Pricing & Itinerary

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions