Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

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Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby Watertank » Fri 31 Aug, 2018 9:54 pm

I’m planning to walk part of the Larapinta in late September provided that the weather hasn’t got too hot... it will be a party of three. I’m looking for recommendations for which part of the trail would be best for 6-7 days? I’ve done some day trips on the trail but not a consecutive overnight hike. We are all experienced hikers. Any recommendations for trail transfer providers would be great; I’ve read the various previous discussions on the forum about the high costs. Thanks
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby Eljimberino » Sun 09 Sep, 2018 4:19 pm

Hi. I would hitch from Alice Springs to Ellery Creek and start walking west. Then hitch back to Alice Springs from the other end. That's it. Cheers
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby ribuck » Sun 09 Sep, 2018 5:32 pm

How about:

1. Mt Sonder to Hilltop Lookout (dry camp, short water carry from Rocky Bar Gap)
2. Hilltop Lookout to Finke River
3. Finke River to Ormiston Gorge, then cafe lunch followed by one of the gorge loops
4. Ormiston Gorge to Waterfall Gully (dry camp, water carry from Ormiston Gorge)
5. Waterfall Gully to Serpentine Gorge Chalet
6. Serpentine Gorge Chalet to Serpentine Gorge
7. Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek

If you would prefer a 6-day trip, you could go off-track in Ormiston Pound. Finish at Ochre Pits (it's on the highway, therefore easy for hitching back):

1. Mt Sonder to Hilltop Lookout (dry camp, short water-carry from Rocky Bar Gap)
2. Hilltop Lookout to Finke River
3. Finke River to Ormiston Gorge, then cafe lunch and through the gorge to Bowmans Gap
4. Short side-trip up the valley towards Red Walls, then back to camp at Ormiston Gorge
5. Ormiston Gorge to Waterfall Gully (dry camp, water-carry from Ormiston Gorge)
6. Waterfall Gully to Ochre Pits

Here's an alternative 7-day itinerary:

1. Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek
2. Jay Creek to Standley Chasm (cafe dinner and breakfast)
3. Standley Chasm to Brinkley Bluff (high camp, water-carry from Standley Chasm)
4. Brinkley Bluff to Fourfive Junction (an easy day)
5. Fourfive Junction to Hugh Gorge Junction
6. Hugh Gorge Junction to Rocky Gully
7. Rocky Gully to Ellery Creek

For a 6-day itinerary, combine days 3 and 4, which avoids the water-carry.

If you don't want to carry 7 days' food, you can arrange to leave a food drop at Ormiston Gorge or Standley Chasm. Showers at Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm, free washing machine at Standley Chasm. Camping fee $10 at Ormiston Gorge, $5 at Ellery Creek, $18.50 at Standley Chasm including chasm access.
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby Watertank » Mon 10 Sep, 2018 1:55 pm

Thanks for those suggestions - much appreciated
Cheers
WT
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby eggs » Mon 10 Sep, 2018 2:29 pm

I did a solo 6.5 days in the area using a hire car.
I had one overnighter but could have done 2 - apart from not wanting to be solo at a water hole with the dingos quite active.
The report was here:
viewtopic.php?f=49&t=14823

Just another way of seeing some of the sights.
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby Watertank » Sat 15 Sep, 2018 7:09 am

Thanks eggs - a great report - very helpful
WT
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Re: Larapinta 6-7 day suggestions

Postby stepbystep » Sat 15 Sep, 2018 10:58 am

Ellery to Sonder would be my suggestion. Lovely country!
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