OUTBACK OUTFIT

ARGUABLY one of Australia’s best winter hikes to undertake is NT’s mighty Larapinta Trail – especially for anyone averse to snow, rain and icy cold winds. The trail takes you 223km across the West Macdonnell Ranges to experience all of the harshness, peace and solitude of the desert. Winter is the best time to visit the region; the skies are clear blue, the day temperatures hover around 20C°+ during the day but dip close to zero at night.

While it is possible to hike in either direction I’m biased when I say that from Alice to Redbank is the best direction to head in, as after all, this was the way the track was originally designed. Bushwalkers can take their time on the trail with most taking anywhere between 9 days to 21 days, depending on personal preference, ego, vigour and expectation. I opted for a leisurely 17 days.

Seventeen days on the Larapinta requires careful planning and packing. Fortunately,