The Red Centre named as one of the “Top Five Regions” for travel in 2019.
Home to the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, Australia’s iconic desert has been named in the Lonely Planets “Top Five Regions” and a must-see destination for 2019.
Listed alongside Piedmont, Italy (#1); The Catskills, USA (#2) and Northern Peru (#3), and ahead of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands (#5), Lonely Planet spokesperson, Chris Zeiher, said the Red Centre was so hot right now and not just with the fabulous spring weather!
“Our red heart is pumping with immersive cultural experiences, jaw-dropping scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” he said. “The Red Centre is the beating heart of Australia, a place of surprises, and one that leaves a profound mark on those who visit.”
Tourism NT Deputy Chief Executive, Andrew Hopper, said Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel accolade would not only shine the global spotlight on the entire Red Centre – the MacDonnell Ranges, Kata Tjuta and Uluru, Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon – but also on the art, the culture, the characters and operators who live and love what they do in Australia’s outback. We’re incredibly grateful to the Lonely Planet team and thank them for their extremely good taste.” he laughed.
With keen Lonely Travel travellers being hot on the heels of this stunning destination, we urge great walkers to book ahead and get their dates for the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort secured before one of our best-kept secrets is more popular than ever!
Check out next departure dates available here
View the full Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort itinerary here
You can now enhance your Arkaba Walk by choosing from one of three exciting new experiences that will allow you to immerse yourself even deeper into the culture and habitats of this ancient land.
Arkaba through Adnamatna Eyes Cultural Experience
A two hour, optional, experience will allow you to connect with Adnamatna culture, Australia’s first people of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. It will be two hours of your life unlike any other, and have you feeling even more connected to the people and history of this region. This extra experience must be requested in advance and is payable locally at a cost of $200 per person.
Heli-Sundowner Experience
Take in the compelling geology and ever-changing palette of the Flinders Ranges with a stunning 15 minute scenic helicopter flight. Marvel as the light changes with the late afternoon sun hitting the raw natural appeal of the outback. You’ll be treated to views of Wilpena Pound, the Chace Range to the east and Elder Range to the west – a complete 360 degree panorama of prehistoric beauty – before landing on a remote ridge top, only accessible by helicopter, to enjoy the last light of the day with a glass of bubbles in hand and a Wild Bush canape platter. Return to the homestead by helicopter as the light finally disappears. 1.5 hour experience with 30 minutes flying time. Operates with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 5 guests in a Robinson R44 Helicopter. Maximum three people at a time. Available daily March to October annually. $600 per person.
The Hide
Why not take wander to Arkaba’s new wildlife viewing Hide in your free time on day three of the walk? This complimentary experience is a unique opportunity to get incredibly close to Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Find out more about The Hide here.
And if you are just in need of a little R’n’R after your days of walking, the glorious pool at the homestead is always another option to include on your final day. For more on what you’ll discover in the stunning Flinders Ranges, or to view a full itinerary and book your Arkaba Walk click here – happy walking!
We’re excited to announce that Australian Walking Holidays have completed construction of a fourth campsite on the Larapinta Trail.
The popularity of the Larapinta Trail has steadily increased since its launch in 2013 and the new campsite will allow more walkers to enjoy the highlights of this iconic walk in the remote Western MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs in central Australia.
Located at the western end of the trail with fantastic views of nearby Mt Sonder, the new ‘Sonder Camp’ was developed in consultation with Tourism NT, Parks and Wildlife Commission of NT and the Central Land Council.
All four of the Australian Walking Holiday’s exclusive campsites incorporate sustainable technologies such as water-free composting toilets, solar lighting systems and a new hybrid grey water disposal system designed for the arid environment. The new Sonder Camp has the added advantage of using a new footing system, which bypasses the need for concrete footings.
Building materials, colours and the overall style of the new structure were carefully chosen to blend in with the surrounding environment and to provide a level of comfort rarely available in this remote desert environment.
The Y-shaped structure serves as a living area, covering about 150 square metres of off-ground flooring and a stretch canopy roof allows the structure to be modified to the conditions at the time, ensuring the interior remains comparatively cool and sheltered in virtually any weather conditions.
According to Australian Walking Holidays General Manager, Michael Buggy, all four campsites provide for maximum amenity with minimal impact on the land.
“The campsites are attractive, practical and comfortable and offer a standard of accommodation rarely available in remote regions, with stylish and comfortable dining and living areas keeping occupants comfortable in a climate known for its temperature extremes,” Michael said.
The 6 day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort is the winner of Tourism NT’s Brolga Award for best sustainable product in 2016 and 2017.
Australian Walking Holidays leads the way on the Larapinta, having pioneered the trail back in 1995 and now offering the biggest range of walks on the trail, including the 6-day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort , on which walkers enjoy the facilities of the campsites, including hot showers and lounge facilities, and accommodation on off-grounds beds in stand-up tents. The fully guided trek is supported trek, meaning that walkers carry only a day pack.
A walk on the Larapinta Trail offers the chance to swim in peaceful waterholes hidden deep within the West MacDonnell Ranges, to marvel at the stunning rock formations at Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm and Serpentine Gorge, to climb Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise and to gain an understanding of the rich history of Australia’s traditional owners and the Indigenous culture.
To view the full Larapinta Trek in Comfort itinerary or make a booking click here.
Great walkers have been getting knee deep in environmental watering on the Murray River Walk this past couple of months.
Guests on the August and September walks have been getting their feet a little wet, but all in the name of a good cause, as the The Chowilla Environmental Regulator, comes into action.
The Chowilla Environmental Regulator, is in operation when water is held in the Chowilla Creek, causing the level to rise and spill over the banks. The water then continues to move across the floodplain, giving the vegetation a much needed drink and encouraging new growth and breeding events for frogs and waterbirds. Being plunged into a full understanding the significance of this activity, is an exciting part of the Murray River Walk for lovers of this region and the environment.
The Murray River Walk guides are known to share so much of their expert knowledge about environmental stewardship, that walkers come away both rejuvenated and enlightened on this popular Great Walk of Australia.
With 2019 dates filling fast, if you’re keen to explore this stunning part of the world, read more here or book your Murray River Walk now.
Book a group of 6 friends on The Maria Island Walk in October or November 2018 and you will enjoy a private walking experience!
We believe spring is one the best times to explore Maria Island so we are offering a one-off spring special to our Great Walks of Australia friends. When you book the Maria Island Walk this October or November, you and a group of 5 friends will experience a private walk that usually operates with a group of 10 people, allowing you to have an even more intimate experience on the walk, a lifetime of special memories and make a save $10,000 on a private group booking!
Spring is the start of a sensational season on The Maria Island Walk. Maria Island National Park feels peaceful and lush after the winter rains, the plants are flourishing and there are opportunities to encounter baby wildlife in the wild.
To check availability or book please contact reservations on 03 6234 2999 or email bookings@mariaislandwalk.com.au. This offer is valid for new direct bookings until 15th November and subject to availability.
Read more on The Maria Island Walk here.
The Seven Peaks Walk on the stunning Lord Howe Island is a sought after hike and destination alike.
Exclusive Vacancies
We have some great news – along with some gorgeous renovations, Pinetrees Lodge has released more departure dates for the Seven Peaks Walk, so that more of our great walkers can enjoy the incredible seven peaks challenge by day, and luxury by night.
Current availability is for departures in 2019: 18 March, 25 March (Limited Availability), 8 April (Limited Availability), 29 April, 9 September (Limited Availability), 23 September (Limited Availability), 21 October, and 2 December 2019. Please note available listed dates are correct as at 27/9/2018, and subject to change.
Stylish Renovations
And talking about luxury by night, after 3 years of planning the Pinetrees Lodge have renovated their 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom cottages. The 3 bedroom cottage has been renamed the Chef’s Cottage, given its long list of previous occupants, and now has three beautiful bedrooms with private decks, two bathrooms, lounge, kitchen and large outdoor living area. The cottage has louvre windows, French doors, skylights, hardwood decks, pergolas, stone bench tops and a large full-wall library with over 400 books. All bedrooms have luxurious king beds. The perfect place to retreat after a day on your feet.
In addition there are some new cosy outdoor spaces near the BBQ deck (complete with a fire pit), and a paved area in our market garden to sit with a cup of tea and watch the birds and bees. All in all making this sublime getaway even more fabulous.
Be quick, with limited departure dates still available make your booking today.