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Trek Notes - AustraliaLarapinta Trail 7-day
Introduction Arrival Day Arrive at leisure today and check into your hotel. Walking Day 1 - Alice Springs to Simpson's Gap (B,L,D) We start with a walk of approximately 20km beginning from the outskirts of Alice Springs west to Simpson's Gap. This walk features superb views over Alice Springs and the surrounding lowlands and traces part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line route. Visitors also follow the Aboriginal Dreaming Track of an ancient euro (hill kangaroo), ancestor of the modern species of euro, also known as wallaroo and offers superb bird watching opportunities. In the afternoon we are transferred to our campsite on the Hugh River. Walking Day 2 - Birthday Waterhole to Standley Chasm (B,L,D) Today we tackle Section 4, a 17.7km section of the Larapinta Trail, a good test of your fitness and walking experience. The trail starts from Birthday Waterhole then enters Stuart's Pass, steeply ascending as it follows the high quartzite ridges of the Chewings Range to the summit of Brinkley Bluff where walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. Descending from the bluff we work our way down to the Standley Chasm access road from where we return to Hugh River, our base for the night. Walking Day 3 - Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge (B,L,D) Section 7 is a 13.8km section of the Larapinta Trail that includes some steep ascents. The sharp rocks on the first part of the trail can be hard on tender feet, but gives us the opportunity to learn something of the long geological history of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Another highlight is the abundance of birds including the elusive spinifex bird, a unique species of warbler found only in Australia. Walking Day 4 - Serpentine Chalet Dam to Serpentine Gorge (B,L,D) Today we head to the spectacular western half of the Larapinta Trail and onto a 13.4km section that is only suitable for well prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. It offers exhilarating views of the high quartzite ridgelines that typify the West MacDonnell Ranges, including Haasts Bluff and Mt Zeil (the highest point in the Northern Territory). Walking Day 5 - Ormiston to Glen Helen (B,L,D) After breakfast we set off to walk Section 10, a 9.9km section that can easily be walked in a day. This is one of the shorter sections of the Larapinta Trail and winds through rolling limestone hills at the headwaters of the Finke River, one of the world's oldest river systems. Walking Day 6 - Mount Sonder Ascent (B,L,D) Section 12 is a 15.8km return section of the trail that is only suitable for well prepared and experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. The arduous climb to the peak of Mount Sonder (1380m) is well worth the effort and walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions. Ranges, plains, valleys and salt lakes all combine to create magnificent vistas. This is a great place to experience the grandeur of the desert landscape. Walking Day 7 - Ormiston Pound Circuit Walk to Alice Springs (B,L) In the morning we transfer to Ormiston Gorge where we spend our final morning on the Ormiston Pound circuit walk. Starting from the Visitor Centre the trail winds around some low peaks before descending into the 'pound', a flat area enclosed by mountains all around. There are numerous species of birds and mammals such as wallabies that can be seen in the gorge. It takes about 3 - 4 hours to complete the circuit and we finally return to the Visitor Centre via the main waterhole. Included
Accommodation
Dates 2011 |
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