TREK LOGISTICS
LARAPINTA TRAIL TRANSFERS & TRANSPORT
Larapinta Trail Transfers can be organised to/from most trailheads, intermediate points and other locations along the trail and the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Transfers are also provided to remote area locations such as Mt Zeil and other locations across the West Macs NP.
Larapinta Trail Transfers | What's Included in Our LT Transfers | Add-Ons | Off Track and Remote Area Transfers
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In 2024, we're celebrating 20 years of working and hiking on the Larapinta Trail.
Use discount code LTTS-20-YEARS to get 10% off any transfer or trek package booking.
TRANSFER OVERVIEW
Most Larapinta Trail transfers run at regular times throughout the day (morning and afternoon) and are fixed, meaning there is little or no flexibility for other transfer times unless you book a Leapfrog Trek Package or it is a VIP transfer package.
Our transfer timings are however set for the most popular timings with morning and afternoon runs. Below are the most popular trailhead and intermediate points for transfers on the Larapinta Trail but we can and often do transfers across the West MacDonnell National Park and other national Parks in Central Australia not listed below such as Trephina Gorge NP, Finke Gorge NP.
Most of our transfers are carried out with the Hiace Bus offering a nice level of comfort during the drives. All packs and gear are securely stored in the back of the Hiace or in top quality dust proof trailers. For all remote area transfers over rough country, we use our 4WD Troop Carriers (Image, right)
LARAPINTA TRAIL TRANSFER LOCATIONS
SIMPSONS GAP (SMP)
Official Start Point for Section 2
Transfers to/from Simpsons Gap, the official start point for Section 2. The drop-off and pickup point is at the trail information area near the ablution block (main visitor area). The actual trailhead shelter is approx 700m south-west along the Larapinta Trail.
[Update] LTTS doesn't offer standalone transfers to Simpsons Gap unless it is part of a package. Consider just hiring a taxi as it is only approx 15 minutes from town and is often cheaper than a charter or transfer. We can, and still do, carry out emergency pick-ups from this location.
JAY CREEK (JCK)
Official Start Point for Section 3
Transfers to/from Jay Creek Trailhead the official start point for Section 3. This is a remote trailhead that requires a high clearance 4WD to access. Drop Off/Pick Up point is at the locked gate.
UPDATE: As from 26 March 2024, public access to Jay Creek Trailhead car park is no longer permit by the Cattle Station Owner. As such transfers to or from Jay Creek are not permitted any longer. This is a permanent change.
STANDLEY CHASM (STA)
Official Start Point for Section 4
Transfers to/from Standley Chasm Trailhead, the official start point for Section 4. Drop off and pick up point is at or near the grassed campsite area approx 150m from the kiosk. An alternate drop off/pick up point is at the overflow car park, halfway between the kiosk and the trail junction (road/track).
Book, check availability or pricing here
BIRTHDAY WATERHOLE (BTW)
Official Start Point for Section 5 (Section 4/5 Junction)
Transfers to/from Section 4-5 Junction Trailhead (Birthday Waterhole), the official start point for Section 5. This is a remote trailhead which requires a high clearance 4WD to access. Drop off/pick up point is at the Birthday Waterhole 4WD campsite, approx 900m south of the actual trailhead. The trailhead is approx 71km from Alice Springs but takes up to 2hrs to complete a one-way transfer. The drive is scenic and mostly parallels the Hugh River. The transfer is carried out with our Landcruisers.
Book, check availability or pricing here
HUGH GORGE (HUG)
Official Start Point for Section 6
Transfers to/from Hugh Gorge Trailhead, the official start point for Section 6. This is a remote trailhead which requires high clearance 4WD to access. Drop Off/Pick Up point is at the Hugh Gorge 4WD campsite, approx 700m south-east of the actual trailhead. The trailhead is approx 79km from Alice Springs but takes up to 2.5hrs to complete a one-way transfer. The drive is actually quite scenic and offers hikers a great view of prominent features like Brinkley Bluff. Lots of rough patches so expect to bounce around a bit. The transfer is carried out with our Landcruisers.
Book, check availability or pricing here
ELLERY CREEK SOUTH (ECS)
Official Start Point for Section 7 - Southern Route ( Old Route)
Transfers to/from Ellery Creek Trailhead, the official start point for Section 7. Drop off and pick up point is at the information trailhead near the ablution block/food storeroom area. The trailhead is approx 90km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road, with only the last couple of kms along a bumpy dirt road. Most of the Ellery Creek transfers are carried out with our Hiace buses.
Book, check availability or pricing here
[Dec 2019 Update]: Read our blog https://www.treksupport.com.au/post/2020-larapinta-trail-updates-ellery-creek-section-7-changes
ELLERY CREEK NORTH (ECN)
Official Start Point for Section 7 - Northern Route ( New Route ]
Currently not available.
SERPENTINE GORGE (SRP)
Official Start Point for Section 8
Transfers to/from Serpentine Gorge Trailhead, the official start point for Section 8. The drop-off and pick up point is at the main carpark area, approx 700m south of the actual trailhead. The trailhead is approx 100km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road, with only the last 5km along a bumpy dirt road. Most of the Serpentine Gorge transfers are carried out with our Hiace buses.
Book, check availability or pricing here
OCHRE PITS (OCP)
Alternate Transfer Point Along Section 8
Transfers to/from Ochre Pits, an intermediate point along Section 8. The drop-off and pick up point is at the main carpark area. This drop off and pick up point is commonly used for trekkers accessing the Chewing's Range, Mt Giles and other off-track locations in the Chewings Range area.
Contact Us to Arrange This Option
SERPENTINE CHALET DAM (SCD)
Official Start Point for Section 9
Transfers to/from Serpentine Chalet Dam Trailhead, the official start point for Section 9. This trailhead requires a 4WD to access. Drop Off/Pick Up point is at the locked gate approx 760m south of the actual trailhead. The trailhead is approx 110km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road, with only the last 5km along a dirt road and high clearance track. Most of the Serpentine Chalet Dam transfers are carried out with our Landcruisers.
Book, check availability or pricing here
ORMISTON GORGE (ORM)
Official Start Point for Section 10
Transfers to/from Ormiston Gorge Trailhead, the official start point for Section 10. The drop-off and pickup point is at the Ormiston Gorge Kiosk/ Food Storeroom area. The trailhead is approx 135km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road. Most of the Ormiston Gorge transfers are carried out with our Hiace buses.
Book, check availability or pricing here
GLEN HELEN GORGE/RESORT (GHG)
Alternate Drop off/Pick Up Point for Section 10/11
Drop-offs and pick-ups to/from Glen Helen Gorge/Resort. Collection point is at the resort car park. Glen Helen Gorge Resort was opened in 2021.
Contact Us to Arrange This Option
FINKE RIVER (FNK)
Official Start Point for Section 11
Drop-offs and pick-ups to/from Finke River Trailhead, the official start point for Section 11. We currently only drop off to the access gate, a few km from the trailhead. The alternative drop off/pick up point is Glen Helen Resort. The trailhead is approx 140km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road. Most of the transfers to this area is to/from Glen Helen Resort and is carried out with our Hiace buses.
REDBANK GORGE [RGB]
Official Start Point for Section 12
Transfers to/from Redbank Gorge Trailhead, the official start point for Section 12. Drop off and pick up point is at the Redbank Gorge car park area near or at the trail information trailhead. The trailhead is approx 156km from Alice Springs along a bitumen road. The last 5km of the access road is along a corrugated gravel track. Most of the transfers to this trailhead are with the Hiace Bus.
Book, check availability or pricing here
TRANSFER ADD-ONS
When you book your transfer you can add on, at extra cost, many of the popular services such as food drops, gear retrievals and bounce boxes.
You can add-on extras to your transfer during the online booking process.
Storeroom Keys are not included in non-trek package bookings.
If you just booked a transfer, you will need to book a key separately.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR TRANSFERS
> Online booking confirmation with dates and times
> SMS check-in and reminders
> Pick up/drop off from/to Alice Springs accommodation (within 5km of CBD only)
> We only service-specific accommodation locations. See them here
> We do not service some caravan parks, or any AirBNBs and private residential addresses.
> Drop off to and/or pick up from the nominated point along the Larapinta Trail
>Unless agreed otherwise, all drop-offs and pick-ups carried out between 700am - 430pm
>All Larapinta Trail Transfer Bookings can be done online
> Transfers carried out in a Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier (4WD) or Toyota Hiace Commuter
OFF-TRACK & REMOTE AREA TRANSFERS
Vehicle and rotary (helicopter) transfers are offered across the West MacDonnell National Park and other areas of Central Australia including other national parks, Aboriginal and station land.
Many off track remote areas require specialised planning and preparation, permits and approvals and advanced trek logistics support such as remote area caching. We can assist with all these aspects of remote area trek support.
CHEWINGS AND THE PEAKS
Chewings Range Treks, Mt Razorback Treks, Mt Zeil Treks and Mt Giles Treks
We provide specific support to trekkers going off track.
Transfers to these locations and their start/finish points is customised.
Contact us directly to find out more.
MT ZEIL DROP OFFS/PICK UPS
We only provide our services for treks at Mt Zeil if Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) has reviewed your trek plan, issued you permits and Ok'd your trek.
We will check with PWCNT locally to confirm this. We will also request a copy of the permit and trek plan approved from PWCNT.
If you don't do any of the Pre-Trek approvals with PWCNT, which includes letting them know what you plan do to, and if you are not prepared to share a copy of your trek plan with us and the permit approved by PWCNT, your enquiry with us for trek support will be rejected.
PWCNT Permit Unit Contact Details
Phone: (08) 8999 4814
Email: pwpermits@nt.gov.au
KEY DEFINITIONS & FAQs
What is a Larapinta Trail Transfer? Also known as a shuttle service, this is a bus or 4WD transfer to any one of the main 12 Larapinta Trail trailheads and some intermediate points
Where can I make a booking for a transfer? We have an online booking website (https://treksupport.rezdy.com/) where you can view a wide range of options, availability and costs and make bookings.
What is Remote Area Transfer? This is a transfer to a remote location such as Mt Zeil, Mt Razorback, Mt Giles and other remote, difficult-to-access locations on the Larapinta Trail or West Macs/Tjorita National Park. Transfer can be either by vehicle or helicopter
What is a Heli-Transfer? This is a helicopter based transfer to the Larapinta Trail. LTTS can organise this or you could contact Alice Springs Helicopters direct.
Do you pick up from the Alice Springs Airport? Sorry, we don't at this stage. There is a shuttle service and various taxi operators you can use.
VIDEO FROM THE TRAIL
A clip from a Hugh Gorge transfer
"First Class Professionals!"
SarahG, Trip Advisor
