Why Experience the Larapinta Trail with Walking Country

Walking Country will take care of all the logistical hassles allowing you to best experience the Larapinta Trail. We’ll provide all the necessary camping equipment or hotels, arrange meals, permits, entry and tours, provide the right vehicle and combine that with a passionate and enthusiastic tour guide to assist on your hike.

Leader in the Field

Our sister company, Wayoutback Australian Safaris began in 1999 from humble beginnings – from a love of the Australian Outback and its people, combined with a dream to provide small group tours to the highlights of the Northern Territory. Due to the increasing demand in hiking the Larapinta Trail, we opened our sister company Walking Country to focus on this exceptional hike.

At Walking Country we are passionate about what we do and have an intimate knowledge of the Larapinta Trail, allowing us to pass on this knowledge and enthusiasm with all who travel with us.

Our Exceptional Guides

We pride ourselves on the very high standard of our guides. They are professionally trained with a sound knowledge of our local area focusing on its history, Aboriginal culture, geology and the natural environment. By evaluating our guide’s performance after every tour we ensure that a high standard is maintained.

Indigenous Experiences

Walking Country works closely with many of the traditional land owners in the regions in which we operate. All of our guides are experienced in Aboriginal Culture, history and Dreamtime, but we believe that to get a thorough understanding of the Northern Territory then meeting and interacting with local Aboriginal people is paramount.

Our Commitmnt to the Environment

The Red Centre is a very fragile environment and we are dedicated to protecting the landscape of the regions we travel through.

Walking Country operates Level IV Advanced Eco-Certified Tours. It is the highest acknowledgement for environmental understanding, operational practices and cultural representation as defined by Ecotourism Australia.

Highlights of the Larapinta Trail

The famous Larapinta Trail extends for over 223km’s along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia and is divided into 12 sections.

Sunrise at Mount Sonder

Tackling the 16km return climb to the summit of Mount Sonder (1,380m) at sunrise has always been the highlight for many of our customers. The challenging climb to the peak 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.

Ormiston Pound Walk

Regarded by many as the “primo” small walk of the Larapinta Trail, the Ormiston Pound Walk is full of wow factor, wildlife and flora.

Count's Point

The section between Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam 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.

High Country Above Standley Chasm

Follow the high quartzite ridges and be rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions, exploring a landscape of rock outcrops that is over 2,000 million years old. This section is a challenging but rewarding hike that covers some of the steepest and most rugged country in the ranges.

Euro Ridge

Enjoy 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 along with superb bird watching opportunities.

Sleeping in a Swag under the beautiful Outback Sky

Experience the best multi star accommodation possible by sleeping in traditional Aussie Swags and become a part of the natural world and the incredible surroundings. Be in awe of the breathtaking outback skies with no light pollution- you will think that you can almost touch the stars.

Learning about the flora and fauna of the area

The MacDonnell Ranges facilitate a number of permanent water holes and provide sanctuary to a large number of plant and animal species that make the Larapinta such an awe inspiring trek. Central Australia has a large variety of geckos, goannas, skinks and dragons, as well as being home to Australia’s largest lizard, the Perentie. Most of the Red Centre’s beautiful reptiles are hibernating during the winter months. There are also approximately 150 species of birds and of course, kangaroos and wallabies which we will encounter on most of our trips.

Walking Country Private Charters

We offer Private Group Touring and Larapinta Trekking Adventures

Take the hassle out of planning a group trip to the Top End or Red Centre of the Northern Territory and save up to $794 per person by booking a charter. Get exclusive access to our facilities such as our permanent campsites and personalised guide support for your private group of family or friends!

Find out more

History and accreditations

Walking Country was established by Wayoutback Australian Safaris  n response to the growing demand by travellers for experiential walking based tours of Central Australia as well as the increased awareness of the now famous Larapinta Trail. With 20 years operating small group 4-wheel drive tours of Central Australia, Advanced Eco Tourism status, extensive indigenous content and a great reputation for authentic tours away from the crowds, Walking Country and the Larapinta was the perfect progression for Wayoutback.

It was also important to continue with the same ethos as Wayoutback to help people gain a true understanding of the unique landscape, history and wonders of the West MacDonnell Ranges and Central Australia.

Walking Country is a genuine small group tour operator based out of Alice Springs. Our maximum carrying capacity is 19 passengers in our late model air conditioned Mitsubishi Canter 4WD’s which are specially modified for “the bush.” Our public 5 Day tour and End to End tour are limited to 15 persons. Where numbers exceed this, we can consider a private charter for your group.

The smaller group numbers provide our Guides with more flexibility and versatility not generally available with larger group sizes so they can showcase the many unique features of this beautiful region. It is fair to state that those who travel with Walking Country actually realise the true “Aussie” outback in a friendly and relaxed manner.

read more
5 days
5 Day Larapinta Trail Tour
14 days
End to End Larapinta Trail Tour

Our Tours

If you’re short on time, our 5 Day Tour explores what we think is the best of the Larapinta Trail. For those with more time to allocate to the Red Centre, our 14 Day Tour covers the entirety of the 223 km trail from End to End.

Our Tours

Follow us on Instagram

Something is wrong.
Instagram token error.
Follow
Load More