Discover all the do’s and don’ts before tackling the trail known as one of Australia’s greatest multi-day walks…
There are many trails in Australia worth trekking; you’ve got the Cape-to-Cape Track in Western Australia, the Cradle Mountain Overland Track in Tasmania and the Great Ocean Road Walk in Victoria. But none of them really compare to the Northern Territory’s Larapinta.
Spanning 230 kilometres between Redbank Gorge and Telegraph Station, this trail promises to take you on an active Aussie adventure through the rocky gorges and the high ridges of Tjoritja (West Macdonnell Ranges). While the 13–15 day timeframe might sound a little extreme, the views you’ll be treated to along the way make it oh-so-worth-it.
But before you lace up your hiking boots and get going, you should know a few crucial things. The Red Centre is certainly unforgettable, but it can also be unforgiving. So, to ensure you know exactly what to expect, we’ve put together a guide on the ‘what to look out for’s’ so you don’t have to say any ‘I wish I knew that’s’.
1. Know your limits (and prepare accordingly)
Completing a 230-kilometre trail sounds challenging…because it is. The Larapinta Trail isn’t for the faint of heart, but that doesn’t mean only the best hikers can do it. In fact, plenty of guided tours take you part of the way, so you don’t have to miss out on the scenery.
To prepare correctly, start early with a combination of gym exercises and shorter hikes, aiming in improve both your physical health and agility levels. You need to be able to withstand 20km+ walking days (some sections of the Larapinta are up to 31 kilometres), climbing over rugged peaks and ridges with a daypack holding a minimum of 3 litres of water.
If you have moderate fitness, start training at least six weeks before you depart. Aim for aerobic and strengthening exercises for your feet, legs and core as early as possible. It’s also a good idea to add in weight training to prepare your knees, hips and ankles to ward off any unwanted injuries.
Try to get in three to five workouts per week and do regular hikes carrying a weighted pack. If you’re not very active and expect to take on the entire trail, you’ll need a longer-term training plan for at least six months.
But simply pacing the pavement won’t cut it. The Larapinta covers a variety of terrain from open plains to riverbanks and rocky mountain ridges, so practise walking over hills and rough ground. We recommend training with a weighted pack similar to what you’ll carry on the trek. By the week before you depart, you should ideally be carrying the same weight you plan to take on the trail (you’ll thank yourself later).
Read more: Don’t let your age stop you from booking that hiking trip
2. Pack for all weather conditions
It goes without saying that you should be prepared for all weather conditions, even if you’re hiking between May and September (the best months to hike the Larapinta Trail). While temperatures can be a perfect 20°C-27°C during the day, they can drop significantly when the sun goes down with an average between 6°C-10°C. On top of this, anomalies can occur, so don’t be surprised if you experience extreme weather conditions – think scorching hot days and freezing cold nights.
Packing lots of layers often works best but you’ll want to wear clothes made out of breathable fabric when it’s warmer and those that provide plenty of warmth when it’s colder. You should also be aware of the sun’s UV rays when you’re out hiking (even if the weather’s a little overcast), so sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen should be at the top of your packing list.
Heat stroke is a very real threat in the Aussie desert as it’s all too easy not to notice that you’re sweating buckets. Buy a water bladder or bottle sling if you haven’t already, as this makes it easier to stay hydrated on the move. It might also be worth bringing some electrolyte sachets to replenish essential minerals and help your body rehydrate quicker.
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3. The trail isn’t all smooth terrain-ing
Before embarking on a trail as demanding as Larapinta, it’s important to have all of the correct information before you set out. While walking the trail itself will be one of the greatest adventures you’ve ever had, it’ll also take a toll on your body if you’re not careful. This is where picking (and packing) proper hiking shoes comes in.
Your feet will bear the brunt of the work thanks to the constant jagged and rocky trail and it’s not uncommon for them to get bruised and blistered, especially when you’re walking 60km across seven days on our trek the Larapinta Trail tour.
If your current hiking boots have seen better days (e.g. the tread is worn down, they’re ripped or cracked, the underfoot padding is gone, etc.), it’s time to buy a new pair. But give yourself plenty of time to break them in. This is not the kind of place where you want to be hobbling along with painful blisters. Go for bush walks and ensure you’ve clocked a decent number of kilometres before your trip.
Unfortunately, that’s not all you have to be aware of. Your body’s likely going to feel aches and pains in places you didn’t even know it was possible to feel aches and pains in, so packing some muscle pain relief cream or something similar is a must-do.
And yes, the red dirt will be a marvellous sight at the start of your trek but trust us, it’ll get less so every day when you still can’t get it off your clothes months after your journey has ended.
4. Slow down, there’s no rush
The Larapinta Trail passes through the traditional lands of the Arrernte people and while hiking the trail, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn about their culture and history, a past full of sacred sites and significant landmarks that have been carefully preserved for centuries.
Your Aboriginal guides, locals from the Western Arrernte people, will pass along Creation Stories as you walk through the land and around the campfire at your accommodation on a private campsite on Aboriginal land.
You’ll hear stories such as those of the Argutja Unthippa (dancing ladies), who created and transformed the MacDonnell Range, as well as how sites like the Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge Pound are significant to the First Nations people of the area.
Read more: Everything to know before travelling to Uluru
5. Watch out for the animals
There are plenty of Aussie animals found throughout the area that most of us aren’t lucky enough to see in our backyards daily, think: dingoes, wallabies, birds and native reptiles.
While these animals are mostly harmless if you don’t provoke them, they can still show you their sneakier side by trying to steal food from the campsite and run off with one of your hiking shoes when you’re not looking.
6. You won’t easily forget this trek
After the seven days, you’ll be absolutely exhausted – there’s no doubt about that. But after all the hard work that went into preparing for, travelling to then finally traversing the trails, you’re sure to return home with an immense feeling of accomplishment.
Take on the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory with Intrepid locals and First Nations guides leading the way.
