On this Page: Planning Your Walk | Health and Safety Considerations while on the Larapinta Trail | If You Get Sick or Injured and Need Evacuation
If You Get Lost on the Trail | Seeking Advice and Understanding Your Limitations

Safety is paramount. The Larapinta Trail meanders along remote mountainous and in some sections terrain where rescue can be difficult. A walker who sustains a simple ankle sprain will require some considerable effort to evacuate, particularly along the more remote sections such as section 4 and 5. There have been a number helicopter evacuations along the trail. Don't be caught out in the wilderness. It could be a once in a lifetime experience.
Point Understand the level of fitness required for this walk
Point Know and respect your limitations
Point Seek advice from your GP if necessary
Point Familiarise yourself with the topography of the trail.
Point Familiarise yourself with the climatic conditions of the trail
Point Carry a well equipped first aid kit
Point Carry the necessary emergency signaling devices in case of emergencies
Planning Your Walk

Your walking experience will be influenced by your level of fitness, prior planning, equipment selection and understanding of the environmental conditions of the Larapinta Trail. Take in to consideration the following planning points:
Point Familiarise yourself with the Larapinta Trail Conditions
Point Familiarise yourself with the climatic conditions of the trail
Point Know your physical limitations and acknowledge your skills levels
Point Carefully select your emergency signaling equipment
Point Submit a walkers plan to parks or friends.
Point Complete the Log Books while on the trail
Health and Fitness Considerations

Attempting any outdoor activity will require a reasonably good level of individual health and fitness. However walking the Larapinta Trail will require a very good level of fitness particularly cardiovascular and endurance based fitness. If you complete some of the harder sections of this trail you can expect some of the following experiences:
Point Long walks over varying difficult terrain
Point Carrying a heavy pack (15-30kg) for extended periods
Point Climbing and descending steep terrain
Point Absorbing various climatic impacts on the body
Point Constant need for re hydration
Seeking Advice and Understanding Your Limitations
All aspects of the body will be used along this trail, namely the legs, ankles, thighs, shoulders and back. There are few chairs and tables to sit on and in most cases the ground and various rocks and boulders will be your ‘ chairs’ and ‘ lounges’.  It does eventually impact your physiological condition.
In order to plan for such physical exertion, exposure and impacts to your body, it is recommended that you consider the following:
Point Discussing the walk with your GP and seeking advice
Point Developing a fitness program before hand
Point Seeking professional advice from physio’s and personal trainers
Point Psychologically preparing yourself for the walk
Point Being acutely aware of the trail conditions
Point Recognising your limitations
Point Acknowledging your previous injuries and conditions
Point Choosing the right equipment
Point If necessary acclimatising to Central Australian conditions
safety While on the Trail
Constantly monitor your physical condition while on the trail. Over exertion is one of the greatest risks with walkers on the Larapinta Trail. Once dehydration sets in, so does exhaustion and the onset of other heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When in a weakened state, accidents are also more likely to occur. While this may sound like obvious advice, we never ceased to be amazed at how many walkers are caught out this way.
Point Take time to rest (preferably in the shade)
Point Rehydrate your body by regularly drinking water
Point Have some energy based food whenever possible
Point Supplement your water with electrolytes
Point If you like hot drinks, try drink tea more than coffee
Point Monitor your physical condition at all times
safety If You Get Sick or Injured and Need Evacuation

A surprising amount of people develop some form of illness or injury while on the Larapinta Trail such as gastro, throat infections, sprained ankles or infected cuts. While most walkers manage their injuries and continue walking, other more serious conditions need evacuation. Some points to consider:
Point Carry out immediate first aid to yourself or others
Point Make yourself as comfortable as possible
Point Know exactly where you are to assist in evacuation
Point Prepare all your emergency communication devices to aid in the evac
Point Advise authorities of your need for evacuation
Point Advice authorities the level of seriousness of the injury/illness
Point Advice authorities on what the injury or illness is
safety If You Get Lost on the Trail

This does happen. There are a number of points along the trail which are difficult to identify exactly where the trail is. Guestimating can lead you astray and many of us have veered off occasionally. But if you truly get lost, take the following points into consideration
Point Stop, rest and stay calm ( preferably in the shade)
Point Don’t panic.
Point If it’s dark stay where you are until daylight
Point If you are in a group, don’t separate
Point Study your map and make an appraisal where you might be
Point Use your GPS ( if you have one)
Point Don’t back track unless you are absolutely sure where to backtrack to
Point If you are absolutely totally lost, call (satphone) for help.
Point If you don’t have a satphone, wait for help to arrive, or initiate your PLB
Point Prepare to signal people or aircraft as they near you
 
Webpage Updated August 2011 | Site Developed, Managed and Owned by Explorers Australia Pty Ltd