Entirely influenced by travel restrictions in Western Australia, I chose this as my longish distance trail for the year. Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were classified as ultra low risk states and the Larapinta was the most intriguing. I was hesitant, the heat is not my friend and even in winter you can get hot days in the NT but I was up for it. Booked frequent flyer flights from Perth to Alice Springs with the intent of spending a couple of nights in Alice then another week with a hire car post trek to drive to the Uluru region, Kings Canyon, Devils Marbles, etc. This report differs to my usual day by day purely because I am sooooo behind in writing up other trips I thought three parts and an overall summary would be better than nothing. As is usual for me there are many, many, many photos with the three parts- some for additional info. Click through them- its worth it! Feel free to rate them even!
Larapinta Trail Info 223km long over 12 main sections. Trail is quite well marked over a variety of landscapes and terrains including open valley and grasslands, razorback ridges, high ground, open and closed gorge, sandy and rocky riverbed and flat plains. The high point is Mt Sonder at 1379m with a total elevation gain of 7225m across the trail. There are 41 campsites along the Larapinta Trail, 34 of which are designated official campsites. There are no restrictions on where hikers can camp along the trail, however water and access is available at only some sites. There are varying types of shelters and lots of different surfaces upon where you can pitch your tent. The very best and website (IMO) can be found at Absolutely fantastic resource.
I dont think that you can quite appreciate the magnificence of this trail and the sheer power of the land until youre actually out there and walking. I am happy to mail you the spreadsheet that I used with final itinerary/gear list/costs (these include costs for 7 nights post trek travelling through The Red Centre)/contacts, etc).
* I planned for 16 days- had a basic itinerary with the thought that it wouldnt be rigid. I did change up a few days and was very happy with how it all unfolded.
* Started from The Aurora Hotel, adding a nice 4km walk to the trail head at Telegraph. The Aurora was a really convenient base from which to start ($93.50/n booked through Qantas), the room was clean and functional and really well located to Woollies and Coles for fresh food stock up (bananas, mandarins, pears, yoghurt sachets, carrots, mini cucumbers, avocadoes, cherry tomatoes and cheese) my dehyd/vacced food that I had brought from Perth. No issues with bringing it across the WA/NT border. I had a night booked post trek so Aurora very happily stored my bags.
* Used the Larapinta Trek Trail Support Service (LTTS) - basic solo package at $360 including 3 resupply drops and pick up at Redbank post trek. Seamless transaction with and no hitches. Also bought my gas from them.
* Enjoyed the cafe at Standley Chasm. The kitchen, washing machine, clothesline and bathroom area were much appreciated. There is a hiker box in the kitchen if you are running low on anything, or conversely, want to donate anything - enjoyed the Pics peanut butter slug that I retrieved (thanks Lisa Andreatta!)
* The cafe at Ormiston was shut due to the 2 day Alice Springs COVID lockdown, my plan had been to buy lunch and dinner there but I always carry 1 emergency meal and had enough other leftover bits and pieces so it wasnt dire straits. I hadnt even contemplated this situation so I guess it underlines the importance of having a bit of spare food at any given time. * The shower demountable near the amphitheatre at Ormiston was excellent- super hot water, super clean toilets.
* Very lucky with the weather in terms of carrying extra water for dry/high camps, managed to keep it at about L as my max amount to carry (I realise this is a very subjective decision based on what you know works for you).
