Welcome to the Top End! After all the preparation and fundraising, your adventure begins. On arrival in Alice Springs make your way to the Mercure Hotel for overnight (breakfast included). At 3:30pm this afternoon, there is a compulsory pre-trip briefing with your guides at the Lone Dingo Camping and Outdoor Store on the corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace. Overnight Mercure Alice Springs

Meals:  Nil

After an early breakfast, you'll be collected from your hotel between 7:00–7:30am and transferred to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official starting point of the Larapinta Trail. From here, you'll begin your westward journey through the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, culminating days later with the sunrise ascent of Mt Sonder. Few itineraries offer the opportunity to experience the trail from its symbolic beginning to its most iconic finish. Today's walk takes you through witchetty bush, mulga scrub and bird-filled woodlands before climbing onto the exposed spine of Euro Ridge, where expansive views stretch back towards Alice Springs and across the surrounding desert ranges. The trail then descends to Wallaby Gap. Those seeking an extra challenge can continue on to Nick's Camp, extending the day's walk to 20km. This evening, settle into Nick's Camp, one of our exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps, nestled among desert oaks with panoramic views of the Heavitree Range. Relax and enjoy true bush hospitality, and savour a native-inspired entree prepared by local culinary specialist Rayleen Brown. Walking Time: 5–7 hours (depending on distance)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, transfer from Nick’s Camp back to Wallaby Gap to start today’s walk. Enjoy a scenic 11km trek to the striking Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges and a sacred site to the Arrernte people. After the walk, drive 40 minutes to Standley Chasm where you'll take part in a cultural experience led by a local Indigenous guide. Learn about the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the area, bush tucker, and traditional land management practices. In the late afternoon, transfer approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Charlie’s Camp, your exclusive campsite for the night. Walking Time: Approx 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie's Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer from Charlie’s Camp to Serpentine Gorge, the starting point for today's walk. This section of the Larapinta Trail (Section 7) tracks along the southern flank of the Chewings Range, where the terrain becomes more undulating and rocky. The geology is exceptional—you’ll pass Stromatolite fossils, remnants of some of the Earth’s earliest life forms, and traverse exposed layers of an ancient inland seabed. Along the way, we visit Serpentine Chalet Dam, a quiet and scenic spot that was once the site of a failed tourism venture in the 1950s, and continue into the stunning Inarlanga (Echidna) Pass, known for its striking rock formations and stands of ancient cycad palms, which have survived here for millions of years. From here, we descend through open country to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site where ochre was traditionally collected for ceremonial use. The wave-like ochre walls, painted in vivid reds, yellows, and whites, are a striking sight. Continue to Ellery Creek and a refreshing swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most iconic and picturesque waterholes. Transfer west (approx. 50 minutes) to Fearless Camp, our private wilderness camps, named in honour of Australian mountaineer and trekking guide Sue Fear. Settle in and relax at camp in preparation for tomorrow’s big day. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start (around 2–3am) sees us set out by headtorch for the unforgettable climb to the summit of Rwetyepme / Mt Sonder (1,380m). As dawn breaks over the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges, we'll pause to commemorate ANZAC Day, reflecting on courage, sacrifice and resilience in one of Australia's most inspiring natural settings. As the highest point and official western end of the Larapinta Trail, Mt Sonder rewards your efforts with breathtaking 360-degree views across the vast desert landscape you've traversed over the past few days. Watching the first light of day illuminate this remarkable country is a fitting and memorable finale to your Larapinta adventure. After descending to Redbank Gorge, enjoy a well-earned brunch back at camp. The afternoon is yours to relax, or perhaps cool off with a refreshing swim in the nearby Finke River. Walking time: 7–8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia's largest raptor. This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist. After lunch we board the bus and transfer to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last six days! We will drop you at the Mercure Hotel at approximately 4-5pm. Overnight Mercure Hotel. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L

Arrangements conclude after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Meals:  B