Larapinta Trail school group

If you're organising a school group, you should get the Larapinta Trail information pack.

This page has extra information for school groups that choose to hike the trail.

Supervision

School groups need to be supervised on the trail at all times.

Teachers and supervisors are responsible for making sure students are ready to take on the trail.

As a teacher or supervisor, it is best that you have a current senior first aid certificate or equivalent.

One person should have a remote area first aid certificate.

Groups should carry a satellite phone and spare battery for use in emergencies.

There should be one teacher or supervisor for every eight students.

On busy sections of the trail, such as section 1 to 3 and section 10 to 12, you can reduce the ratio to one teacher for every 15 students.

Campsites for school groups

In some places, it is possible for school groups to have their own campsite.

Below is a list of campsites that can school groups can use as an alternative to the main campgrounds.

This campground is 1km from the main Wallaby Gap campground along the vehicle access track.

Facilities include a shelter, toilet and water tank.

To book the campground, you must do it through the parks online booking system using an education group account.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book walking trail> Larapinta Trail).

Before you get there, you must also get the access keys from the Tourism Central Australia visitor centre. You will need to pay a $10 hire fee plus a $50 refundable deposit.

This campground is 4km from the gap. It has a picnic shelter, firepit, wood-heated shower, toilet and gas barbecue.

To book the campground, you must do it through the parks online booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book campsite > Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park).

This camp is privately owned and operated. Entry and camping fees apply.

To book, go to the Standley Chasm website or call 08 8956 7440.

When camping in these sections, groups should camp at Birthday Waterhole.

It is a bush campground. There are no park facilities so you will need to be self-sufficient.

If you need to camp at Hugh Gorge, pick an area at the creek before the gorge.

You must have a high clearance 4WD.

To book these campgrounds, you must do it through the parks online booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book campsite > Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park).

The first of 6 campsites is 1.3km from Serpentine Chalet Dam trailhead.

To book, you must do it through the parks online booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book campsite > Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park).

This is a designated group campground with gas barbecues, a shower and toilet facilities.

To book the campground, you must do it through the parks online booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book campsite > Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park).

This bush campground is an alternative to the Finke River trailhead.

There are no park facilities so campers will need to be self-sufficient.

To book the campground, you must do it through the parks online booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (book campsite > Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park).

Water

All groups supported by vehicles need to supply their own water rather than use the water tanks.

Fires

Fires are not allowed on the Larapinta Trail. It has a fuel stove only policy.

You can have a small campfire at Birthday Waterhole and Hugh Gorge if you are not at the Larapinta trailhead.

You can have campfires at Finke Two Mile and in fire pits at Ellery Creek South, the Serpentine Chalet Bush Camp or at the Redbank Gorge Woodland campsite.

You need to bring your own firewood and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave.

Food drops

Most school groups have a support vehicle and do not need food drops.

If you need to make food drops, make sure all food is well sealed and hidden from animals and ants.

Read about food drops.

Swimming

Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge are the best places for swimming.

During the walking season, from April to October, and even during the summer, all waterholes in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park can be very cold.

You should never dive into the water.

Emergencies

Teachers and supervisors should spread themselves out in the group, ideally at the front, middle and back of the group.

If the group is spread out, students should walk in groups of 3. So in an emergency, someone can stay with the injured person while another person goes for help.

Each student should carry an emergency whistle and signalling mirror.

If a member of your group gets lost, contact the police immediately.

You will need to tell the police all of the following:

  • the exact location where the person was last seen
  • what clothing they were wearing
  • any relevant personal information, such as medical conditions.

Leave a prominent marker such as a bright shirt where the person was last spotted to help searchers.

If you get lost, stay calm. Stay together if you are in a group.

Find an open area nearby to wait for help.

This camp is privately owned and operated. Entry and camping fees apply.

To book, go to the Standley Chasm website or call 08 8956 7440.

When camping in these sections, groups should camp at Birthday Waterhole.

It is a bush campground. There are no park facilities so you will need to be self-sufficient.

If you need to camp at Hugh Gorge, pick an area at the creek before the gorge.

You must have a high clearance 4WD.

To book these campgrounds, you must do it through the online parks booking system.

Find out how to use it or if you are ready, book now (camping > Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park).

Identify wildlife

To help you identify the plants and animals you find on the trail, see the field guides.

Contact

If you have any questions, see Larapinta Trail contacts.

Last updated: 21 May 2024

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