Larapinta Trail Day 2: Section 1b: Wallaby Gap – Simpsons Gap (10.5km)

Itinerary

Each morning begins with a big healthy breakfast, freshly brewed coffee/tea before packing up camp and heading back onto the trail.

We spend our second day completing section 1 of the Larapinta Trail, taking us past the Scorpion pools, through large stands of Mulga woodland and many other flowering plants; before climbing up into Hat Hill Saddle. The views from here reveal our first close vistas of the rugged Chewings Range, a mountain range that we get to know very well in the coming days. After finishing our walk at the stunning Simpsons Gap, we visit the award winning Alice Springs Desert Park to learn more about the local flora and fauna of this magnificent region. Camp tonight is at Wallaby Gap. Splitting section 1 of the Larapinta Trail in half and making two easier days gives us a chance to get our legs warmed up, become more familiar with the surrounding environment, and eases us into the trail.

10.5km/4hr walk

Glendas’ thoughts

Back at camp after an easy day. One little climb at the end and we were rewarded with the stunning scenery of Simpson’s Gap. The change of colour of the sand – red, grey, brown – was amazing, as were the odd bursts of colour of the wildflowers. With the good rains over the summer, the growth was good, particularly following the major bushfire a couple of years ago. Still loving the layers of the ridge of the Heavitree range (we’ll head that way in the second week).

Most of the group spent the afternoon at the desert park just outside Alice Springs. A few of us stayed for ½ hour then headed back to camp to relax. Another night at Wallaby Gap. I feel as though I need to get ready for tonight and tomorrow when we pack up and move camp. Enjoying a nice cup of lemon & ginger tea…….

As we’d come to expect, a couple of bonus kms today in and out of camp, taking the walk to a little over 12.5 km.

You can watch a summary of our day 2 adventures here.