Tips & Tricks for the Larapinta Trail, Central Australia

I realise carrying a backpack, even a small daypack, for 14 days over +240km may not be everyone’s idea of fun – either Type-1 fun or Type-2.

I also realise that there are a bunch of people out there with insanity levels similar to my own and this post is for you.

If you are looking for an eye-opening, lung-busting, awe-inspiring experience, then add the Larapinta Trail to your must-do list. Once the Trail bubbles up to near the top of that list, I hope these tips and tricks will come in handy.

Happy walking and dreaming….

Footwear: Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to footwear and whatever you choose, make sure they have very good tread/grip and are well worn-in. I prefer a full boot for the extra protection and ankle support. The trail is very rough and uneven, and I like the stability provided by a boot. I did see a lot of people walking in hiking shoes (as opposed to boots) and those chunky trail runners, so it is totally up to you. I also heard of another walker having to limp along in sandals due to really bad blisters. No doubt that was a last resort.

Backpack

• If you are walking as an Indie (Independent) you will have to carry all your gear including a tent. Some campsites have a three-sided shelter with a sleeping platform, but these are in the minority. You will also need capacity to carry all your food and water, plus sleeping and safety gear etc.
• If you are joining a supported tour, I recommend a daypack over 24litres. Even though you are just out walking for the day, you need to carry rain gear, extra warm layers if it is cold, your lunch and snacks, and additional water for the very long days.

Mobile Phone Service & Safety

• Mobile phone service in not widely accessible and should not be relied on as a safety mechanism for emergency contacts etc. Where it is available, it varies between Telstra and Optus on different parts of the trail. A free Telstra wall phone is available off trail (about 3.5km one way) at Glen Helen Gorge.
• It is essential you carry some type of PLB for your safety and the safety of others, especially if you are walking solo. There are few second chances and Plan B’s in this harsh and remote landscape.

Hygiene

• Swimming: Depending on the season and the amount of recent rain, it is highly possible that you will be able to swim, if not every day, then every second day. Of course, you can’t use soap in the natural waterways, but the water alone is revitalising.
• Showers: ‘Real’ showers are available at Standley Chasm (free) and Ormiston Gorge ($5pp).
• Washing Clothes: Believe it or not, Standley Chasm camp has a washing machine! I’m not sure if there is a cost to access. Alternatively, swim in your clothes to rinse the worst off.
• Travel-Size Bath/Shower Gel: Those small shower/bath gels you pick up when you stay at a hotel are really useful when having a bird bath and are light to carry.
• Baby Powder: A liberal sprinkling of baby powder about your person creates a lovely illusion of freshness and cleanliness. You can buy small, travel-size containers.

Heights

• If you have a serious fear of heights, you may like to reconsider this trail. There are multiple steep climbs up to very high ridgelines and escarpments which vary considerably in width.
• At times the path goes very close to a cliff or sheer edge and sometimes there is no way to avoid that section of the trail. No way to by-pass it at all. Similarly, there are one or two climbs that are virtually vertical, with very open surroundings at your back.
• Needless to say, the whole trail is very doable if you simply put your head down and just focus on the path, and maybe this trail would become a good exercise to overcome any fears.

What to Pack

The list below is not exhaustive and just contains items that, I believe, enhance the walking experience.

• Walking/Hiking Poles: Again, this is personal preference, however with so many steep and loose-underfoot ascents and descents, I consider them essential.
• Sock Protectors: Unless it is forecast to be very wet, you do not need gaiters. It is possible to avoid most of the sharp spinifex on the edge of the path and sock protectors will be sufficient to keep rocks and dirt out of your boots etc.
• Small Foam Mat: Pack one of those small, foam, foldable mats to use as seating during break times out on the trail. It adds no end of comfort to all those hard rocks.
• Foldable Water Bottle: There are days when you will need to carry extra water, even on a day walk. I wish I had packed my Osprey foldable 2litre water bottle for a flexible water-carrying option.
• Electrolytes: Even in Winter, I sweated buckets. Be prepared to top up your essential minerals every day.
• Warm Gear: A buff, beanie and gloves are essential. Even though you may get warm walking, when you stop for a break (or at night time) you need to trap as much warmth as possible. Layer light merino layers so you can adjust to the conditions as you walk and a light, packable rain jacket is excellent to block the wind.
• Camp Shoes: Although they are as ugly as sin, a pair of those Croc shoes are great to wear around camp and allow your feet to breathe. Or whatever you prefer to wear and carry.
• Exposure: Walking this trail, you will spend hours in both the sun and wind. A really good sunscreen and lip balm is important, and I also walk in fingerless gloves to protect my hands from the sun. Interestingly the water out there has a very high mineral content and is very drying on your skin. Pack a good body/face moisturizer to replenish after a swim.
• Luci Light: I have fallen in love with my Luci light. It is solar powered and I can charge my devices via its built-in USB point. This was especially handy not to drain my power bank, saving that for my headlamp etc. The Luci light was also handy hanging from the roof of my tent. Alternatively, a good headlamp is a must.

For more detail on what each day has in store for you, have a look at my daily posts:

Day 1 – Old Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap – Stage 1 – HERE

Day 2 – Woodlands Trail to Bond Gap to Simpsons Gap – Stage 2 (part) – HERE

Day 3 – Standley Chasm towards Jay Creek – Stage 3 (part) – HERE

Day 4 – Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole – Stage 4 – HERE

Day 5 – Hugh Gorge to Birthday Waterhole – Stage 5 – HERE

Day 6 – Hugh Gorge to Rocky Gully – Stage 6A – HERE

Day 7 – Rocky Gully to Ellery Creek Big Hole (South) – Stage 6B – HERE

Day 8 – Ellery Creek Big Hole (South) to Serpentine Gorge – Stage 7 – HERE

Day 9 – Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet – Stage 8 – HERE

Day 10 – Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge – Stage 9 – HERE

Day 11 – Finke River to Ormiston Gorge – Stage 10 – HERE

Day 12 – Rocky Bar Gap to Finke River – Stage 11A – HERE

Day 13 – Finke River to Redbank Gorge – Stage 11B – HERE

Day 14 – Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return – Stage 12 – HERE

I hope this post has been useful and I am more than happy to answer any specific questions. It is a truly outstanding and life-changing trail.

So, what are you waiting for??

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