Larapinta leadership journey 2025
24th to 31st August 2025
You are invited to join a guided personal development program on one of Australia’s most spectacular bush walking trails. It is a transformational inner and outer journey that follows 72km of the West Macdonald Ranges and begins and ends in Alice Springs.
An unforgettable adventure
As part of a small group, you will spend six days walking and luxury camping on the Larapinta Trail whilst being guided through a program on self-leadership, well-being, and personal mastery.
Your FACILITATOR
PAUL TRIBE
Paul is a highly skilled facilitator, coach and speaker with 30 years' experience in developing people in high-performance environments. Paul guides people to re-connect to their innate strengths, wisdom and purpose to help them be more courageous, compassionate and connected to themselves, their environment and their 'Tribes' (family, friends, community, business).
What is self-leadership?
We are all the CEO of our own life. Self-leadership the ability to pause, slow down and regain perspective. To look up and out to the horizon and consider where we are going and what matters most in our lives. It is a set of skills and habits that enable a person to be focussed, productive and effective in what they do. It is the ability to be empathetic and aware of the ripple effect that we have on others. It is about prioritising personal well being to be the best version of ourselves so that we can be at our best for others in all aspects of life.
DETAILED ITINERARY
The program is 7 nights in total. Arrival in Alice Springs on Sunday 24th August, departure from Alice Springs on Sunday 31st August.
The following is a summary of each day. Time at camp before and after the walk will include self-leadership education, group work, rest and reflection time.
Sunday 24th August – Arrival Day and Briefing
You will need to arrive in Alice Springs by no later than 2pm on Sunday 24th August, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:30pm pre-trip safety and logistics briefing at the Lone Dingo Camping and Outdoor Store 6/63 Todd Street, Alice Springs. We then travel to the Crown Plaza Lasseters for the official program opening and first night.
(Dinner, accommodation and breakfast are all included in package).
DAY 1
Day 1 - Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (14km)
We will depart the hotel between 7-7.30am and begin our walk at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the official start of the Larapinta Trail. From here the trail takes us west through witchetty bush, mulga scrub, and bird-filled 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 passage of Wallaby Gap. After a stop for refreshments, you take a quick transfer by bus to Nick's Camp.
Nick's Camp is an exclusive award-winning camp, nestled in the bush with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp you will be treated to a spread of local bush foods prepared by a local specialist.
Before and after the walk, we will explore personal mastery and group work and enjoy rest and reflection time.
Walking Time: 5-8 hours
DAY 2
Day 2 - Nick's Camp to Simpsons Gap (7km) then to Standley Chasm (2km)
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 where you will enjoy a talk about indigenous culture. All departures will journey into Arrernte country for a cultural conversation.
After a delicious picnic lunch and a walk into the magnificent Chasm - a private reserve still run by the traditional owners we transfer to back to our campsite.
Back at the camp we will explore strategies for thriving through reflection and group work.
Walking Time: 3-5 hours
DAY 3
Day 3 - Serpentine Gorge to Charlie's Camp (16.5km)
Day three’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 Sander 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
DAY 4
Day 4 - Charlie's Camp to Ochre Pits (8km)
After another wonderful breakfast we walk out of camp to the breathtaking lnarlanga (Echidna) Pass, visiting Serpentine Chalet en route. We spend some time in the magnificent pass to enjoy the peace and marvel at the ancient cycad palms. From here we trek south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site. The rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. We then break for a picnic lunch and an early finish in preparation for our big day tomorrow.
This afternoon you can enjoy a swim at Glen Helen Gorge. We transfer west to one of our exclusive Camps. Fearless - named in honour of trekking guide Sue Fear, or Sonder Camp - named after the majestic Mt Sonder. Both Camps are located at the foothills of Mount Sonder.
Walking Time: 3-7 hours
Mount sonder
DAY 5
Day 5 - Early morning sunrise walk up Mount Sonder 1380m (16km)
We all have mountains to climb in life - this is an opportunity to combine a physical challenge whilst acknowledging our ability to move towards goals and overcome challenges and perceived limitations.
Your guides will have you up early this morning for our pre-dawn walk up Mount Sonder. Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain, following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience ... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable!
Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days.
We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. There are options for this afternoon, including resting at camp or swimming at Finke River.
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
DAY 6
Day 6 - Ormiston Pound Walk (8km), transfer to Alice Springs
Today is our final day of the walk, and we will spend some time bringing our experiences together and crystalising the wisdom, insights, and commitments that have come to the surface so far. This is both a beginning and an end as the ripple effect of the journey will last for many weeks and months ahead.
On Day six we also enjoy one of the best parts 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 is easily crossed. The water span is about 20m, 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! Arrival at the hotel at approximately 4-5pm.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
CELEBRATORY DINNER
Celebratory Dinner (included in package*)
We finish the Larapinta Leadership Journey with a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice's great eateries.
(*Alcoholic Beverages not included)
Sunday 31st August – Departure Day
Breakfast & program close. We say our goodbyes until we meet again online for our post program group check-in and 1:1 coaching session.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control.
Exclusive eco-comfort camps
Award winning eco-comfort camps give walkers a relaxing base to enjoy the outback solitude between hikes while enjoying the pristine desert scenery.
About the accommodation
The kitchen, lounge and dining shelter are set on a raised platform out of the dust. The comfortable lounge is a great place to relax in a cool and shady open sided haven on warm afternoons, while also offering a heated shelter during the cool nights. The dining wing offers stylish table setting for the entire group while the campfire circle is an informal area to relax around the fireplace.
The composting toilets are in a clean, airy amenities shelter and use a special compost system that breaks down waste without using water or chemicals. The hot showers give walkers a welcome way to wash away the dust of a good days walk on the Larapinta Trail.
The custom-built safari tents are spacious at 3.6m x 1.8m x 2.2m, offering plenty of room for two people, beds and gear*. A stretcher bed & swag provides a comfortable bed base off the ground. The beds can be removed from the tent giving you an opportunity to sleep under the stars. The sturdy canvas tents also offer great protection if bad weather threatens.
There are 4 exclusive eco-comfort camps in secluded wilderness locations spread along the trail and you will stay one or two nights in each.
The exclusive eco-comfort camps would not be possible without a strong partnership with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the NT Parks and Wildlife who jointly manage the land. This partnership ensures that the benefits of trekking tourism are shared equitably with the Aboriginal Traditional Owners whose land we walk and camp upon.
(*tents are single occupancy unless you are travelling with a partner).
MEALS
Wherever possible we use fresh, locally sourced and carefully selected produce, stored and transported to maintain freshness and quality. There is often plenty of fish, meat or other protein based main dishes and fresh salads. On many trips we re-supply with fresh food every few days however on some more remote trips we may go longer before we can stock up on fresh food.
Meals during the trek
Our guides have remarkable wilderness culinary skills and pride themselves on the variety and standard of their meals, and the ability to cater to most dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or gluten free). The following is a general guide:
Breakfasts:
Ranges from cooked eggs and bacon, toast with yummy spreads, 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, classic Australian camp BBQ, or perhaps a tasty stir-fry.
Dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we 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) to determine whether we can cater for them.
Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food.
We are unable to guarantee a peanut-free or allergen-free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life-threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self-administering these medications.
What you carry
The Larapinta Trek is a fully supported trek. You will carry just a day pack containing the following items:
- Water for the day's walk (2-4L, amount is dependent on the day)
- Sunhat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Snacks for the day, provided by your guides
- Waterproof and warm layers
- Camera and any other personal items
Depending on the number of personal items you decide to carry, your day pack will weigh approximately 5-8kg. Your luggage will be transferred by the support vehicle. Please keep luggage to one soft duffle bag per person; please do not bring hard suitcases or extra-large duffles as these are hard to transport.
WHAT TO BRING – EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
You will need to bring your own walking boots, head-torch, day pack and wind-proof jacket. Walking poles are also highly recommended as they increase stability, improve posture, reduce strain on joints and provide a full-body workout.
You will receive a comprehensive kit list for this tour with your confirmation documents. This list has been compiled with our experienced knowledge of the local conditions, and we ask that you read and adhere to it; having the correct equipment will ensure you stay comfortable and get the most out of your wilderness experience.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The exclusive semi-permanent campsites are specially designed to reduce the impact of trekkers on the environment. These camps have composting toilets to ensure that no waste enters the environment. Solar lighting systems provide sustainable and reliable light. Hot water is heated in an outback style, gas fired 'donkey' water heater. All firewood is supplied from sustainable sources outside the National Park. All waste and rubbish are removed from the camps on a regular basis: food waste is composted, bottles and cardboard are recycled, and non-recyclable rubbish is disposed of in municipal waste.
Our campsites are in the National Park therefore animal sightings often occur; we see dingoes, perentie, hopping native mice, and variety of birds, even while in camp. We respect the presence of local fauna and hope to share with you the excitement of seeing them in their natural habitat but not disturbing them.
TRIP GRADING AND PREPARATION
The Classic Larapinta Trek is graded 'medium difficulty'. This trek involves walking 5-7 hours each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents.
BEING PREPARED to trek
The trail conditions of the Larapinta Trail are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While several 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.
Suggested Preparation
We recommend regular 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 outdoor program 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 so they are nicely worn in by the time you begin the Larapinta.
READY FOR THE ADVENTURE?
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to get in touch asap to book your registration zoom call. The purpose of this conversation is to answer any final questions that you might have and to ensure that the Larapinta Leadership Journey is the right match for you.
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable, and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.
Availability will depend on the number of applications and deposits paid at that time. As we are limited to only 14 participants, we encourage you to apply early to guarantee your place.
INCLUSIONS & PRICE
Price per person
$6,995 single share
($995 deposit secures your place).
Places are limited to 14 people so book early to guarantee your spot.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
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5 nights luxury camping on the Larapinta Trail
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Two nights at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
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Professional Facilitators in leadership and Personal development
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Professional Wilderness Guides
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All meals &. snacks on the trail, dinners in Alice Springs
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Pre and post program group zoom calls
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Pre and post program 1:1 coaching session
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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Flights to and from Alice Springs. You will need to book your own flights. If you would like support connect with our partners – Mind Body Travel.
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Transfers from the airport to and from the hotel. Mind Body Travel can support with this too.
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Back pack and sleeping bag ( sleeping bags are available with prior notice)
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Personal travel insurance is not included but is a must-have; this covers you if you need to make a late cancellation.