Planning the Classic Larapinta, Diamond Valley Bushwalking Cub, April 2013-July 2014

In April 2013, Noel,a senior club member of Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club,most experienced in organising very successful trips and base camps in Australia and other continents, invited members and friends to join him in walking some of the 12 sections of the Larapinta Trail (and some of the 223km) with World-Expeditions who pioneered trekking on The Larapinta Trail in 1993. Highlights included trekking the West MacDonnell Ranges and climbing Mount Sonder in Central Australia during the dry and cooler month of July 2014. 

                                    N n n

                            The Classic Larapinta Trek is one of the seven Great Walks 

                                                             of Australia 

                                             and one of the top 10 walks in the world. 

Description of the trail by World Expeditions:

"The Larapinta Trail is the quintessential Australian Desert walking experience. Set in the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, the 223km long trail snakes through ancient landscapes and breathtaking scenery of the Red Centre. The Larapinta Trail offers one of the greatest desert treks on earth and is one of Australia’s most famous walking experiences."

Details in Noel's invitation which we could not resist:

We walk for 6 days, from Alice Springs Old Telegraph Station westwards to Mount Sonder, and be driven back to Alice Springs.  For five nights we will stay in semi-permanent tented campsites, with camp showers and suitable ablutions. We will be fed, have stretchers and swags provided, and our main luggage and our sleeping bags (can be hired) will be transported.  Each day we carry our day packs and lunches.

Duration: 6 days 

Grade: introductory to moderate, involves 5-7 hrs walking each day over rugged terrain with some steeps ascents and descents.

Activities: trekking

Accommodation: 6 day trip, 6 days trekking and 5 nights exclusive in 2 semi-permanent campsite accommodation.

Departure from Alice Springs Sunday am July 20 returning Friday July 25 4-5 pm in Alice Springs.

Photo from World Expeditions website

We were advised, if we wanted to complete the track,to undertake regular exercise 3 or 4 times a week for at least 3 months prior to departure. Some members took the suggestion of hill walking with a day pack and carrying 3 litres or more of water very seriously by joining as many club walks as possible with a full pack. Other members did not read some of the fine print and did not register such details of the 16 km (1380m) 8 hours climb of Mount Sonder option as an early morning (2 am) sunrise walk......

Unfortunately, Noel cancelled his plans in October 2013 to join us and delegated the coordinating role to Dianne L. another DVBC member. Another member Diane Z. also cancelled her plans so she could be with her daughter expecting her 2nd child in the same month July 2014.

The final 15 participants were:

Dianne, Kerry, Neil J., Neil S., Karen and her 3 friends Janet, Ann and Jenny, Inge, Marianne, Felicia, Reg, Cathie, Chris, Peter D.