Fast Facts

DATES

8-14 August 2023

7 day trip, 5 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$3,000

Accommodation

4-Star hotel twin-share & comfortable camping

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you’ll trek through the Australian outback on one of the most spectacular walking tracks in the world—the Larapinta Trail.

From the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the peak of Mount Sonder, the trail stretches 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Over 5 days, you will journey along the most spectacular and rewarding sections of the trail, trekking over 60 kilometres. You will follow Aboriginal Dreaming tracks and explore the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and the dramatic desert landscapes of the Red Centre.

By day, you’ll trek through the ochre-landscapes of the outback, witnessing the sacred sites of the Arrernte people and by night you’ll camp under the stars, falling asleep to the sounds of native wildlife. Best of all, you’ll help to fund gynaecological cancer research, making a difference to the future of all women.

Testimonial

“It was exhilarating. The joy and beauty of the landscape was breathtaking.”

— Jacinta, WomenCan trek Ambassador

The Difference You'll Make

Gynaecological cancers encompasses seven types of cancers, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. There are currently 21,687 women in Australia living with a gynaecological cancer. The rates of gynaecological cancer are increasing every year, with 19 Australian women receiving a diagnosis each day.

WomenCan is the fundraising arm of Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), the peak national research gynaecological cancer group. WomenCan's mission is to fund pioneering scientific discoveries that will enable women with a gynaecological cancer to live better and live longer.

Every dollar raised on WomenCan’s Larapinta adventure will go towards funding this vital research.

“An increasing reality is that we might be able to turn an imminently lethal disease into a more controlled disease, where it’s almost like a chronic illness. Now it’s beholden on us to capitalise on the science and try to push it into outcomes for women. It takes time to do the research. But the more research we do, the more impact we’ll have on individuals now and into the future. And it’s only by having steady, reliable, consistent funding that we can move forward to expand our research program and find the next new breakthrough.”

Dr Alison Davis, Medical Oncologist and ANZGOG researcher, member and Chair of the Research Advisory Committee

Pricing & Itinerary

Sign now and pay only $475* when you register!

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

$3,460

Travel package†

*non-refundable †excludes airfares

Your travel package is paid in instalments. To register, pay just $475* upfront. For further details, see our FAQs.

*Non refundable

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Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • 4-Star hotel twin-share & comfortable swag 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

Day 1: Tuesday 8 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. The rest of the evening is free at your leisure to explore this ruggedly beautiful town in the heart of Australia.

Day 2: Wednesday 9 August 2023

Alice Springs - Ormiston Gorge

Welcome to your Larapinta outback adventure! It’s an early start, as we begin our walk from the official start of the trail at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station at 7am. The Station was founded in 1871 and used for relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Following the route of the old telegraph line through the rocky, rolling country that spreads out before you, we wind along a path that makes its way over creeks and gullies. We continue along the scenic spine of the Euro Ridge and take in the excellent views of the surrounding Alice Valley, with the gnarled peaks of the West Macs out in the distance. The trail then winds down to Wallaby Gap, home to elusive black-footed rock-wallabies and a great place for birdwatching. After this, we’ll be met by our 4x4 vehicle and transferred to our campsite for the night in Ormiston Gorge, right in the heart of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Sleep beneath countless stars in your swag tonight and take in the dulcet sounds of the desert.

Trekking Distance: 14km (6 hours)

Meals: L D

Day 3: Thursday 10 August 2023

Ormiston Gorge to Finke River

We begin today at the beautiful Ormiston Pound, home to the most impressive gorge in the 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. The trail weaves its way from Ormiston to the Finke River 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 a salty river. We make our way to 2 Mile Campground with time to enjoy a tasty dinner and swap stories around the campfire.

Trekking Distance: 10km (5 hours)

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Friday 11 August 2023

Davenport Creek - Redbank Gorge

Today we cross the Davenport River then make the climb up to Hilltop Lookout, an ascent that’s rewarded with panoramic views of the peak and its surroundings. As we trek, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Sonder (‘Rwetyepme’, The Pregnant Lady) in the distance. Tonight, we return to our campsite shadowed by Mount Sonder and watch as the sun sinks behind red sands and the colours of the night desert erupt into million-star accommodation.

Trekking Distance: 11km

Meals: B L D

Day 5: Saturday 12 August 2023

Redbank Gorge - Mount Sonder

This trail and its views are dominated by Mt Sonder, the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We descend through mulga woodland and past distinctive knobbly black rock to shady Rocky Bar Gap and along the southern flank of Mt Sonder to Redbank Creek. Day 4 ends at a campsite in Redbank Gorge, in the shadow of the mountain itself, ahead of our ascent early tomorrow morning.

Trekking Distance: 15km

Meals: B L D

Day 6: Sunday 13 August 2023

Mount Sonder - Alice Springs

It’s a very early start to climb to the summit of the iconic Mt Sonder today, the most memorable day of our adventure. The early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air before the sun begins to beat down. 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. It’s not an easy climb, but the journey to the peak is worth the sweeping views in all directions of Central Australia, taking in the trails you’ve covered over the past few days, the Tanami Desert in the north, meteor craters in the south, and the NT’s highest mountain in the west. It’s the perfect way to cap off the trip. Afterward, we’ll return to Alice Springs for an arrival in the late afternoon, where we’ll take some time to rest and maybe celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.

Trekking distance: 16km (6 hours)

Meals: B L

Day 7: Monday 14 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 4/5. 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 take part in this adventure is: $3,460 per person

Fundraising target = $3,000 per person

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.

larapinta trek - 2023

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonial

The Difference You'll Make

Pricing & Itinerary

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions