Larapinta Goddess Walk

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Retreat Highlights

Discover the stunning beauty of the ancient red centre walking on the West MacDonnell Ranges
Rejuvenate your senses with early morning yoga and meditation sessions
Completely unwind with stress free all female passengers and guides
Relax in our exclusive eco-campsites
Enjoy delicious meals cooked by your guides

The Larapinta Goddess Walk is a specially crafted getaway for adventurous women looking to experience the beauty of the Larapinta whilst harnessing their inner yogi. This revitalising 3 day program combines morning yoga and meditation sessions with invigorating walks to breathtaking highlights of the Larapinta Trail. These all female departures incorporate a rejuvenating and enriching combination of cultural and wellness activities to revitalise the mind and body while enjoying all the comforts of our award winning exclusive permanent campsites, including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter all in the spectacular surrounds of the Australian Red Centre.

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Food and Accommodation

Exclusive eco-comfort camps

During the trip we stay at our exclusive semi‑permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills just off the Larapinta Trail, these camps offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. Our exclusive campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about pitching or packing away tents. Each site has a large covered area in which to relax at the end of a day of walking, with lounges, dining table and kitchen. Beside this shady communal space is our campfire, the perfect place to gather as the sun sets. T he toilet facilities are clean and comfortable. All toilet waste goes in to a composting tank, ensuring the environment is protected. There are simple shower facilities: a bucket of water heated over the fire is strung up, providing a few minutes of wonderful hot shower. All water is brought in by tanker as there are no suitable local water sources in the arid ranges. The safari‑style tents offer plenty of room for two people and gear.

Food

Breakfasts: Ranges from cooked eggs and bacon on toast, to continental (fruit, cereal, yoghurt). Always accompanied by fresh coffee and hot drinks. ‑Lunches: Depending on the trip, you may prepare your lunch such as wraps or sandwiches in camp before the day’s trek. Or we may have a picnic style lunch on the track with a wide selection of bread rolls, wraps, deli‑meats, salads and spreads to prepare a tasty lunch how you like it. ‑Dinners: 2‑3 courses. The main meal is usually a classic outback style meal such as grilled barramundi, camp‑oven roast, or perhaps a tasty stirfry or pasta dish. ‑Snacks: Your guides will always have plenty of trail snacks available such as muesli bars and fruit. In the evenings we often serve hors d’oeuvres around the camp re while dinner is being prepared.

W can cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip)

What to bring

This retreat would suit someone who

The Larapinta Goddess Walk is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves walking 3-6 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain. It is not essential to have previous yoga experience – the sessions are gentle and can be adapted to suit almost all guests. Suggested preparation: We recommend regular strenuous exercise 3 or 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) in the months leading up to your trip. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.

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About The Host

World Expeditions

World Expedition pioneered trekking on the Larapinta Trail in 1995. We are the originals and have been the number one operator of Larapinta Treks ever since. World Expeditions own and operate our exclusive Larapinta Trek program, so we can offer unmatched experience, exceptional value and a huge range of dates, itineraries and private group trips. The Larapinta Trail has grown to be our most popular destination based entirely on word of mouth and repeat business. However we remain focussed on the wilderness values of the Red Centre and every trip is designed so that it feels like you have the trail to yourself Our trips cater to people from many walks of life, age groups and motivations. World Expeditions offers more than 30 tailored Australian itineraries that incorporate trekking, walking, rafting, cycling and climbing throughout Australia.

Itinerary

Day 1 - TELEGRAPH STATION TO WALLABY GAP (14KM)

We pick you up from your accommodation between 7‑7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. Please ensure you’ve had breakfast before the pick up (you may need to prepurchase food as most cafes will be shut before 7am). The stone buildings here date back to 1872 and they housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and birdf illed shady woodlands. We climb high over exposed hills to the jagged outcrop of Euro Ridge, with expansive views over Alice Springs and the surrounding landscape, before descending to the deep narrow passage of Wallaby Gap. A short transfer takes us to Nick’s Camp, one of our exclusive award‑winning camps, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp, you will be greeted by your yoga instructor who will lead a yoga session before your dinner. Walking Time: 5‑6 hours
Day 2 - MORNING MEDITATION AND WALK TO SIMPSON GAP

Enjoy the morning bird chorus as you ease into an early morning meditation session. From Nick’s Camp we continue west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of Black‑footed Rock Wallaby as we approach one of the most important waterholes of the area, Simpsons Gap. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm. Here we enjoy some lunch and a short walk to the look out. Then a transfer takes us through to Sonder Camp at the base of majestic Mt Sonder
Day 3 - MORNING SELF-GUIDED MEDITATION AND ORMIST

After a relaxed self guided meditation session, we begin our walking for the day. We visit Ormiston Gorge, a region full of wonderful wildlife. 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 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. After our walk we 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. Having experienced some of the unforgettable highlights of the Larapinta Trail, we return past the scenic West Macdonnell Ranges to Alice Springs. We will drop you at your accommodation at approximately 4‑6pm.
A Typical Day

Mornings start with an open‑air meditation and/or yoga session. After a leisurely, scrumptious breakfast you pack up your equipment and prepare for the day. In order to experience the highlights of the Larapinta, some sections of this trip require a short vehicle transfer to and from the start of the track. Following a good morning walk, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail. The afternoon walk is usually shorter than the morning walk, getting us to camp with time for a hot shower, exploring, or just relaxing by the campfire with a drink and a chat. Over a delicious 3‑course dinner your guides will give a briefing on the following day’s activities and tell a few stories before heading off for the night’s rest

Location

Things to keep in mind

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your tour, you must notify WE in writing where after the cancellation will take effect subject to the following: • If cancellation takes place more than 70 days prior to your departure date your full deposit will be forfeited. • If cancellation takes place between 70 & 35 days prior to your departure date 50% of the tour price will be forfeited. • If cancellation takes place less than 35 days prior to your departure date 100% of the tour price will be forfeited. For Antarctic, Arctic and Russian Far East tours: • If cancellation takes place more than 120 days prior to your departure date, you will forfeit the full deposit amount. • If cancellation takes place less than 120 days prior to your departure date you will be required to pay the full cost of the tour. Variations to the conditions outlined in clauses 3, 4 and 5 may apply. Please refer to individual trip notes for details. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. Any amount forfeited, which has not then been paid to WE by you, may be recovered from you by WE as a debt due and payable.

Special terms and conditions

FAQ

What is the weather like?

Autumn (April and May) - Trekking conditions in autumn are pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 12-27C. Unlike the winter months when evenings become quite chilly, autumn evenings are cool and trekkers can comfortably pull their swag out from their tents and sleep outside under the blanket of stars. While the official wet season is over, you can still expect rain up until late May, as well as some cloud coverage during these months.

Winter (June to August) - During the daytime, temperatures hover at low-mid 20C with refreshingly cool breezes, however evenings temperatures can drop close to 0C, particularly in the valleys, and the frost that covers the ground can create a snow-like appearance. Many people are surprised to find out how cold it can get in the middle of winter, so trekkers need to make sure they are adequately prepared for cold nights with insulated sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and thermal underwear.

Spring (September) - Temperatures in September begin to rise leading to sporadic thunderstorms which creates the perfect environment for the landscape to come alive with wildflowers and lowline flowering shrubs. With cooler temperatures suitable for hiking, and clear skies for picture-perfect sunsets, it's no surprise that September is a popular season to trek the Larapinta Trail.

When is the best time to walk the Larapinta?

Our Larapinta Trail trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the Larapinta Trail, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

Is there phone reception on the treail?

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier, but generally only for the first day.

Will I be able to charge my batteries?

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

Do I need to take water purification tablets?

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day

Do you recommend hiking poles?

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

What can I do with ,my excess baggage?

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Alice Springs.

How much wait will I carry?

The Larapinta Goddess trip is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Do I need to wear hiking boots on the trail?

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged, and the Quartzite rocks are famous for shredding even the most trusted old pair of hiking boots. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

When do I need to arrive in Alice Springs?

You must arrive in Alice Springs the day before your trek begins. The trip commences with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Alice Springs.

How fit do I need to be?

You will need a reasonable level of fitness for this trek on the Larapinta. You need to be capable and prepared to spend 4-6 hours each day trekking over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

What is the terrain like?

A majority of the terrain on the Larapinta Trail is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain which can rise from 680m above sea level to more than 1,200m along some sections.