The Larapinta Signature Walk is a new, luxe hiking alternative

By Liz Whitehead
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Dreamed of doing the Larapinta Trail, but aren’t a fan of roughing it? Tas Walking Co’s Larapinta Signature Walk offers a way to immerse yourself in the iconic hike in comfort.

The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory has long been known as one of the most iconic walks in Australia. The track starts just outside of Alice Springs and follows the breathtaking ridges and plains of Tjoritja/The West MacDonnell Ranges. Over several days, hikers take in the vivid, otherworldly colours of the outback and sacred sites of the Arrernte people. But the walk is no easy feat. Walkers are generally required to carry their food, drink and shelter for the duration – which totals 223 km end to end.

Walking the Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most iconic walks.

But the new launch of Tas Walking Co’s six-day Larapinta Signature Walk offers a way to experience the beauty of the trail without risking blisters. The tour includes a stay at a luxurious and exclusive eco-camp near the midpoint of the trail, meaning guests can bed down in comfort with full facilities. The eco-camp takes away the toil of roughing it, allowing guests to take in the beauty of the landscape from the plush communal lounge or their own private glamping tents.

Tas Walking Co's Eco Camp

Tas Walking Co’s Eco Camp offers a luxe home base for five nights.

This also means no heavy trekking backpacks or camping gear are necessary, as guests will be driven out to different sections of the trail for a series of day hikes. They’ll be joined by guides who will interpret the landscape, flora, fauna and spiritual sites, undoubtedly the ultimate luxury of experiencing the trail at a slow pace. Like with all of Tas Walking Co’s itineraries, home-cooked meals will be provided, paired with local wine and beer.

Larapinta Signature Walk

End each day back at camp, with home-cooked food and a local selection of wine and beer.

The Larapinta Signature Walk marks the first Northern Territory itinerary in Tas Walking Company’s portfolio, joining a slew of other great hikes across Tasmania and Kangaroo Island. The tour is the only offering of its kind that provides a luxe home base on the trail, a comfortable option for those who may not be up to the physical demands of doing the Larapinta trail on their own, or guests who simply want to experience the beauty of the Red Centre in luxury and style.

Read our guide to Australian walks and hikes.

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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    Tali Wiru has a Chef’s Hat. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    Meaning “beautiful dune” in the local Aṉangu language, Tali Wiṟu offers diners an unforgettable four-course banquet beneath the desert sky. Think native flavours like wattleseed, quandong, and desert lime woven into contemporary dishes, paired with premium Australian wines and uninterrupted views of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa glowing at sunset.

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    More than one win for Uluṟu

    Dining at Arnguli Grill & Restaurant in Uluṟu

    Arnguli Grill & Restaurant won the Best Hotel Restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

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