wild women on top larapinta trail

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1 Australasia wild women on top trip highlights Magnificent trekking along the West MacDonnell Ranges Enjoying some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail Taking a refreshing dip in the remote Birthday Waterhole Sunrise from Mount Sonder Enjoying outback cuisine prepared by your guides Exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites Trip accompanied by a WWOT Coach welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in the Wild Women On Top Larapinta Trail trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals - philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! Trip Duration 7 days Trip Code: WWL Grade Moderate level Activities Trekking (Grade 5) and Carrying Daypack (6-8 kg) Accommodation 2 nights semi permanent campsites 3 nights remote camping 1 night hotel why travel with World Expeditions? World Expedition pioneered trekking on the Larapinta Trail in We are the originals and have been the number one operator of Larapinta Treks ever since. World Expeditions own and operate our exclusive Larapinta Trek program, so we can offer unmatched experience, exceptional value and a huge range of dates, itineraries and private group trips. The Larapinta Trail has grown to be our most popular destination based entirely on word of mouth and repeat business. However we remain focussed on the wilderness values of the Red Centre and every trip is designed so that it feels like you have the trail to yourself. Our trips cater to people from many walks of life,age groups and motivations. World Expeditions offers more than 30 tailored Australian itineraries that incorporate trekking, walking, rafting, cycling and climbing throughout Australia Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

2 Mt Sonder Northern Territory Serpentine Camp Ormiston Gorge Ti Tree Camp Alice Springs Jun - 22 Jun trip dates trip cost Joining Alice Springs per person twin share: $2395 options & supplements single supplement: $190 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. the trip The Larapinta Trail is one of the finest walks in Australia. Walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges we gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. We follow an itinerary that will appeal to the active walker prepared to cover between eight to sixteen kilometres each day. You will need to carry only a day pack, as we will be camping in comfortable semi-permanent campsites, where tents and facilities are setup and waiting for us. These exclusive wilderness campsites add to the enjoyment of the Larapinta Trail, with warm campfires, exceptional food and quality facilities allowing trekkers to relax and enjoy the outback hospitality. A support vehicle will transfer us between trailheads, allowing us to select walks that are the perfect balance of spectacular scenery and distance covered. The diversity of trail stages is impressive, at times the trail descends from the ridgeline into narrow canyons where sheltered pockets of delicate fern and twisted gum trees grow from the dry rivers of sand. On other stages we walk to the impressive Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm or climb Mt Sonder (1380m) a perfect vantage point from where we can trace the entire West MacDonnell Range. wild women on top team benefits When you join a WWOT trip, you become part of an incredible team, and the success of your adventure will depend on the fitness, mental tuffness and emotional tuffness of EVERY team member. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts! Wild Women On Top Adventures are unique mind, body, spirit experiences, which support women in the wilderness and empower them to take on extraordinary challenges with groups of likeminded women. You will be required to prepare for your adventure and we will show you how, every step of the way. Before you book for a Wild Women On Top Trip, please note the following: 1. You must be a current financial member of Wild Women On Top which connects you to our community. 2. We recommend you train at least 3 times a week, including one Trek Training session, plus two other interval-training sessions, preferably with a WWOT group. Interstate or overseas members should follow training recommendations from How to Prepare for World Class Treks. 3. To help our current financial Trek Training members prepare for multi day Treks, we provide additional complimentary trek training sessions during your trip term. This is subject to availability and you must sms the coach in advance to confirm. 4. To ensure both individual and team success, we may require you to participate in a customized team assessment walk. This will enable you to meet your accompanying Coach and team members and ensure that you are appropriately prepared for your adventure. Your coach will give you tips and feedback during and after the assessment as required. Details and costs for this are available on the WWOT website and are in addition to trip costs. The assessment may be scheduled days prior to trip departure by your coach. If you fail the assessment and a personalised supplementary assessment, you will not be eligible for the trip and will be subject to the costs incurred according to World Expeditions cancellation policy. 5. To enhance the safety and enjoyment of your adventure, your coach may facilitate a complimentary Gear Education Session at Trek & Travel in Sydney. You will have the opportunity to learn from the experts and receive a 15% discount on your gear. 6. You must agree to uphold the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules (see www. wildwomenontop.com) and take responsibility for providing feedback before and during Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

3 your adventure to ensure that you have the experience you seek. The more you prepare, the greater your chances of success. 7. All WWOT trips are accompanied by a WWOT Coach. The Coach is not a guide or secondary guide, or a first aider. The Coach brings with her the WWOT culture and provides a liaison between World Expeditions and you. She will make every effort to ensure that you have a fabulous adventure. 8. Your accompanying coach strives to be an emotional and motivational support for you. However, at altitude or in extreme situations, your coach may not be able to meet all of your emotional needs. It is your responsibility to seek assistance from other team members and/or the World Expeditions guides in this instance. 9. You must commit to the World Expeditions payment schedule. 10. Wild Women On Top reserves the right to amend these requirements at any time - WWW. WILDWOMENONTOP.COM at a glance Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Arrive in Alice Springs, Trek to Ti Tree exclusive camp (14km) Simpson s Gap to Jay Creek (24 km) Jay Creek to Standley Chasm via high route (15 km) Standley Chasm to Brinkleys Bluff and Birthday Waterhole (17km) Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet and exclusive semi-permanent campsite (19km) Mount Sonder 16km,(1380m). Return to Alice Springs for overnight. Trip concludes at hotel after Breakfast. Make your way to Alice Springs Airport for departing flights what s included 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners professional wilderness guide and support staff all camping equipment, including tents, swags for sleeping, dining tents, chairs, catering and dining utensils Exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites all National Park and camping fees emergency communications and group first aid kit off-road transport from Alice Springs One night (post trek) at the Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs Trip escorted by Wild Women On Top Coach detailed itinerary Day 1 arrive in Alice Springs, Trek to Ti Tree exclusive camp (14km) We pick you up from the Alice Spring Airport when you land at lunch time. We will head straight to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station for a light lunch an briefing. The stone buildings here date back to 1872 and they housed the first Europeans to live in Central Australia. We will have a warm up walk on the beginning of the Larapinta Trail. The trail passes through interesting granite country to World Expeditions exclusive semi permanent campsite near Simpsons Gap meals: L,D Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

4 fast facts Countries Visited: Australia Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website trip grading To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of passes crossings and the length of the trek. The exclusive Wild Women On Top Larapinta Trek is graded moderate. This trek involves 7-9 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Although this trek does not involve altitude, it can Day 2 Simpson s Gap to Jay Creek (24 km) From Simpson s Gap we walk through pleasant, grassy flats and low, rocky hills bearing the scars of early cattle grazing, evidence of the fragility of this arid environment. Graceful Ghost Gums are also to be seen on this section, coated in a white powder with powerful antiseptic properties used by Aborigines. One of the most peaceful parts of the trail is Spring Gap. We observe a wide variety of plant life and watch for birds at the waterhole. We then walk on through ever changing countryside to our idyllic camp at Jay Creek. meals: B,L,D Day 3 Jay Creek to Standley Chasm via high route (15 km) Leaving Jay Creek we are on sacred ground, where the Aboriginal custodians ask that we walk only in the creek bed. Today s walk is nothing short of spectacular. We continue on through varied terrain dotted with Mulga and Witchetty Bush to Tangentyere Junction. Here the track diverges to follow the ridgeline above the Finke River. We trek to our lunch spot at Millers Flat, from which we climb through rocky terrain before descending into Standley Chasm from the north. Camp is at Standley chasm. meals: B,L,D Day 4 Standley Chasm to Brinkleys Bluff and Birthday Waterhole (17km) Todays walk is regarded by many as the most spectacular stage of the entire Larapinta Trail. From Standley Chasm, we follow the stunning Bridle Trail, an old trading route used by the early settlers in the region. We follow the ridgeline to Brinkley s Bluff for superb views of the spine effect created by the West MacDonnell s. After lunch we take on a steep descent to our welcoming campsite at Birthday Waterhole. meals: B,L,D Day 5 Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet and exclusive semi-permanent campsite (19km) The highlight of this day is the 5 km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From the summit we have views west to Mount Sonder, and where for the first time we can see the comet impact crater, Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. The descent from the high ridgetop takes us down though a surprising forest of old Hill Mulga Trees. At the base of the ridge we trek along the dolomite limestones toward camp, keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites one of the most ancient forms of life. We trek in to our exclusive Charlie s Camp and a relaxing afternoom amongst the hills. An optional walk (1km) to Serpentine Chalet Dam reveals some early history and the chance for a swim in the dam, if your game to chance the cold water. We camp at Charlie s Camp, our exclusive semi-permanent campsite meals: B,L,D Day 6 Mount Sonder 16km,(1380m). Return to Alice Springs for overnight. This morning we are up early for our ascent of Mount Sonder (known as the pregnant lady by the local Anangu Aboriginal people). An early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape. To sight the views of the country from the top and knowing we have just climbed one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range. We return to Alice Springs accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel 3pm meals: B,L Day 7 NIL meals: B Trip concludes at hotel after Breakfast. Make your way to Alice Springs Airport for departing flights This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

5 be tough and should not be underestimated. In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. important note Expect The Unexpected. Wild Women On Top Itineraries can change at any time, depending on local conditions, group requirements and weather. climate In the Centre, the four traditional seasons are more distinct and temperatures are extreme, plummeting below freezing on winter nights (June to August) and soaring to the high 40s (105 F plus!) on summer days (December to January). Trekking on winter days is often pleasant with mild daytime temperatures (15-25C, or F) and light winds. Please make sure that you prepare for the cold evenings on winter treks, there can be frosts most evenings from June August. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September are mild with some warmer days. Night frosts are unlikely and daytimes are warm and occasional hot days may require an adjustment to the itinerary (ie: less walking, more swimming!) Rain is not common in the desert but it does rain on occasion, please be prepared for wet and windy conditions on all trips. a typical day The detailed itinerary indicates the walking distances for each day. Some days are easier than others. We move from gorges to ridgelines, and as such there is a reasonable degree of uphill and downhill climbing and the rocky ground can be rugged at times. This adventure is operated solely by World Expeditions. The vehicles we use for transport on our Larapinta Treks are Toyota Landcruisers. We take a maximum of either eight passengers plus a driver per vehicle. Our vehicles are registered as commercial tourist (passenger carrying) vehicles. We have well equipped camping trailers and large water tanks. Mental preparation for your trek can not be highlighted enough. Come open minded and ready for a wonderful experience whatever the weather, whoever the group, whatever your preconceived ideas. Your guides will be working to enhance your trek and maximise your safety. Each day will start with a hot drink call from your guides. They will then prepare breakfast, whilst you prepare for the day and pack up all your equipment. After breakfast the guides finish their last minute packing and you set off for the day s walk. Each day is different but usually the morning walk is 3-4 hours with numerous snack, photo and water breaks along the way. A leisurely lunch is served and a chance to put your feet up and simply take in the magnificent scenery. The afternoon walk is usually shorter then the morning walk getting us to camp with plenty of daylight and time for exploring, relaxing or just enjoying a welcome hot drink and a chat. A hot dinner and dessert is served around 7pm with time to tell a few stories and hear a brief on the following day s activities. accommodation on the trip The Larapinta is a fully supported trek. You will need to carry just a day-pack with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items. You should plan on carrying at least 3 litres of water each and every day. During the nights 2-4 we will be in remote bush camps with all camping gear set up out daily out of our trailer. We will camp with swags* and tents, experiencing the Territorian style of camping, so your participation will be appreciated. The guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tents and rolling out swags. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

6 o We supply swags to sleep on. A swag is comprised of a three-inch thick foam mattress with a canvas cover to keep it clean they are very comfortable. o Your swag contains a pillow with pillow cover and one sheet. o Swags are rolled out inside Mozzie Dome style tents, these offer sleeping under the stars while protecting from bugs and converting to weatherproof tents in case of rain. o Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You can bring your own or hire. They are available for hire for $20, so please contact WE reservations staff if you require one. We ask that you provide your own inner sheet if you hire a sleeping bag. On nights 1 and 5 of the trek you will stay in the World Expeditions exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills these campsites offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. There are two campsites, the Ti Tree Camp is near Simpsons Gap and Charlies Camp is in an idyllic spot near Serpentine Chalet. On some days we may walk off the Larapinta Trail and in to camp, or out of camp on to the next stage of the trail. On other days we may have a short transfer to the trail head in off road support vehicles - allowing us to select the best sections of the trail. The semi permanent campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about setting up or packing up tents. Each site offers a large kitchen - dining tent that provides warm shelter for the whole group during bad weather, or a shady spot to relax on a sunny afternoon. Individual tents are 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.1m, offering plenty of room for two people, swags and gear. The inner tent has mesh walls so it is easy to remove the fly sleep under the stars. The sturdy canvas tents also offer great protection if bad weather threatens. You should keep your luggage in the tent and zipped up at all times, preventing dingos from taking shoes and other items. The toilet facilities are clean and comfortable. All toilet waste goes in to a composting tank, ensuring the environment is protected. You will be sleeping in a swag, its is a 5cm (3 inch) thick foam mattress inside a canvas cover. You will be provided with a cotton fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase. You roll you sleeping bag out on the swag. You can drag the swag outside the tent and sleep under the stars if you are looking for that real outback experience. You will keep the same swag for the entire trip, rolling it up with your bedding inside for transport when we move camp. You should leave your swag secured inside the tent during the day. You will be experiencing the Territorian style of camping, so your participation will be appreciated. The guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by rolling your own swags. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody. Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You can bring your own or hire. They are available for hire for $20, so please contact WE reservations staff if you require one. We ask that you provide your own inner sheet if you hire a sleeping bag. Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. If you are travelling alone you will share a tent with someone of the same sex. This usually sorts itself out naturally. A single tent / room supplement is available on this trip for additional cost Our last night in Alice Springs is accommodated at the excellent Crowne Plaza Hotel. This 4 star hotel has been renovated including exceptional solar energy and sustainability systems, making in one of the most sustainable hotels in Australia. pre and post tour accommodation World Expeditions can book additional nights accommodation pre and post tour on request Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

7 what you carry The Larapinta Trek is a fully supported trek. You will need to carry a day-pack (6-8 kg) with your water bottles, jacket, camera and other personal items. You should carry at least 3 litres of water each and every day. equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). protecting the environment Most nights will be camping in wilderness locations or national park campgrounds. Your guides will provide a detailed briefing on Leave No Trace camping practices so as to ensure that our impact is minimised. World Expeditions has created exclusive semi-permanent campsites that are specially designed to reduce the impact of trekkers on the environment. These camps have specially designed composting toilets so as to ensure that no waste enters the environment. Solar lighting systems provide sustainable and reliable light. Hot water is heated in an outback style, wood fired donkey water heater. All firewood is supplied from sustainable sources outside the National Park. All waste and rubbish is removed from the camps on a regular basis. All food waste is composted. All bottles, cardboard and paper are recycled. Non-recyclable rubbish is disposed of in municipal waste. what s not included Airfares Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage Backpacks Sleeping Bag hire Alcoholic beverages Travel insurance private groups WWOT Golden Rules 1. Stay positive at ALL times 2. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More 3. Expect the unexpected 4. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don t let it fester!] 5. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [No excuses!] 6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life] 7. Don t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy. 8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!) 9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!] 10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass! [this one is secret!] social networking Follow us on Facebook at Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM

8 trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Your booking will be held for seven days pending receipt of a non-refundable deposit per person and the completed booking form. The deposit is payable by cheque (made payable to World Expeditions),credit card or direct deposit. Please fax or post your completed booking form to: World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go to ring or admin@wildwomenontop.com for more details on training and memberships Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 7/02/ :33:27 PM