LTTS CORNER
LARAPINTA TRAIL TREK CODE
The Larapinta Trail Trek Code was developed as an initiative by LTTS to encourage self-guided and independent hikers and trekkers to minimise their impact on the Larapinta Trail. Help us protect and preserve this magnificent trail by adopting the code and applying these light impact principles during your trek.
LTTS would like to thank Parks and Wildlife NT for their
contribution to the development of the code
A Quick Overview
The Larapinta Trail has been walked by thousands of people and is loved by even more. Each year the trail grows in use and popularity. Its popularity is also it's greatest threat as the trail is beginning to show the negative impacts of high use during the peak season.
As a private business we cannot do much to control hiker impacts but we can encourage and educate hikers to minimise their impacts on the trail by adopting the light impact principles set in the Larapinta Trail Trek Code. The code is specific to the Larapinta Trail and is based on extensive experience on the ground by our team who have been walking the Larapinta Trail since 2004. The 10 codes reflect the most serious or common problems we have identified on the Larapinta Trail.
Useful Links for Light Impact Hiking
1. No Open Fires. Stove Fuel Only
2. Dispose of Rubbish Properly
3. Dispose of Human Waste Properly
4. Use Drinking Water Wisely
5. Protect the Waterholes
6. Use Trail Etiquette
7. Help Protect the Natural Ecosystem
8. Respect Aboriginal Culture & Heritage
9. Keep Groups Small
10. Be Prepared
THE 10 CODES
THE LARAPINTA TRAIL TREK CODE
1
No Open Fires. Stove Fuel Only
Do not have any open fires on the
Larapinta Trail.
Open fires are not permitted along the Larapinta Trail regardless of size. Open fires on the Larapinta Trail are prohibited by Territory law and punishable by fines.
Fuel Stove use is permitted (Gas / Liquid Fuel Only)
2
Dispose of Rubbish Properly
Don't dump, litter, bury or burn rubbish along the Larapinta Trail, regardless of size.
Use the rubbish facilities in the national park or carry out all of your rubbish - Pack it in, Pack it out. Also note that dingoes and other scavenging wildlife will dig up buried rubbish.
3
Dispose of Human Waste Properly
Bury or pack out all human waste properly.
Use basic trail (and social) etiquette and practices when peeing and pooping on the Larapinta Trail or anywhere else where there are no toilet facilities. Always carry a small trowel and bury human waste and toilet paper at a minimum depth of 150mm and go at least 100m away from streams and waterholes.
4
Use Drinking Water Wisely
Do not waste or use water unnecessarily.
Use the precious drinking water only for core essentials- hydration, cooking, basic hygiene and health care. DO NOT use the trailhead tank water for washing clothes and bathing.
5
Protect the Waterholes
Protect the waterholes
from contamination and damage.
DO NOT introduce any artificial or toxic pollutants (soap, shampoo, detergent, sunscreen, oils, insect repellent and biohazards or human waste) into the waterholes of the creek and river systems along the Larapinta Trail.
6
Use Trail Etiquette
Be respectful, considerate and courteous to other hikers & trekkers while on the Larapinta Trail.
Share trail facilities, exchange useful information and trail observations with other hikers, but always respect their right to enjoy their own hiking experience as everyone is hiking and trekking for their own reasons and in their own way.
7
Help Protect the Natural Ecosystem
Reduce your impact whenever possible.
The ecosystems on the Larapinta Trail are fragile. Reduce your impact by adopting this trek code and be mindful of your (physical, visual, auditory) impact wherever you go. Do not clear new areas for camping. Use the camp sites provided or if camping away from these locations, use naturally clear areas.
8
Respect Aboriginal Culture & Heritage
Respect the Aboriginal culture and heritage of the Aranda peoples while on the Larapinta Trail. Abide by signage advising no camping, swimming or passage on or through Aboriginal sites. Do not touch, disturb or souvenir any Aboriginal artefacts. Aboriginal heritage is protected by law.
9
Keep Groups Small
Try and keep groups smaller than five.
Groups larger than 5 have a greater impact on the physical, visual and auditory experience of other hikers and trekkers. Larger groups often take up many of the trail campsites and facilities leaving solo hikers and smaller groups to find alternatives or share a noisy or busy campsite. The ideal way to trek the Larapinta Trail is in a group of three. The most popular is a duo (2 people).
10
Be Prepared
Be always prepared for a challenging remote area hike or trek in rough and mountainous terrain.
If you plan to trek the Larapinta Trail as a multi-day, extended or end to end trek, it is very important to physically, mentally and psychologically prepare yourself long in advance before arriving to Central Australia. One of the most common feedback statements from experienced hikers and trekkers we receive is:
"I didn't expect it to be that challenging"
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Please consider the commitment and dedication of the following organisations that make the Larapinta Trail an amazing experience. When you see them out on the trail
take the time to say thanks!
Thank a Park Ranger
Parks and Wildlife Commission NT
Trekking the Larapinta Trail would NOT be possible without the hard work from the Park Rangers.
They are often working behind the scenes maintaining and clearing the trail, filling the water tanks, improving signage and maintaining facilities such as the trailheads often in remote and difficult conditions all year round.
(Think about that when you are walking on the well-cleared
Larapinta Trail and when you fill your water bottles at the trailhead tanks on a hot day. You'll appreciate it!)
When you see a Park Ranger on the Larapinta Trail take the time to say hello and thank them for their efforts.
