Mount Sonder from the lookout on Stage 11 of the Larapinta trail. | Darren Schiller
The Larapinta Trail offers immense opportunities for artists | Michael Herron
3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • Artists Excursions
  • Day Walking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights exclusive semi-permanent camps
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days$3595AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: HER

Trip highlights

  • Stunning scenery of the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • Optional day walks
  • Artistic director Michael Herron
  • Exclusive private semi-permanent Eco-camps

Art Tours – How They Work

We take you on a personal journey of discovery...where life and the traditional cultures remain relatively unspoilt, where the wildlife viewing is spectacular, where the scenery is breathtaking.These special tours reflect our fascination and love for interesting cultures and the natural world which we capture through inspirational, evocative painting.

In fact, we attract an eclectic mix of people who blend other interests with painting - the lover of wildflowers, the birder, the naturalist, the antiquities buff, the painter, the wine and food lover - the normal traveller looking to expand their horizons.

The tour is fully organised by World Expeditions, providing all of the logistics, transportation, accommodation, food.

During the trip you camp in exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites. Nestled amongst the hills these campsites offer a relaxing and comfortable stay in remote locations. There are two campsites, the Camp is near Simpsons Gap and Charlies Camp is in an idyllic spot near Serpentine Chalet.

On some days we may have a short transfer to the trail head in off road support vehicles - allowing us to select the best spots of the trail to paint.

The semi permanent campsites are fully set up, so there is no need to worry about setting up or packing up tents. Each site offers a large kitchen - dining platform that provides warm shelter for the whole group during cool weather, or a shady spot to relax on a sunny afternoon.

The adventure guide and artistic leaders work together to manage the flow of the tour, the pace, the itinerary - so we can seek out the hidden gems, wait for the perfect dawn light or cockatoo at the waterhole...fully backed by the convenience, the security, and the quality of

World Expeditions tour operations.

• Attention to detail with seamless operations throughout

• Small groups and journeying to unusual and ‘off the beaten track’ places in the world

• Destinations and activities specifically chosen for their photogenic nature

• The pace and itineraries custom tailored to take maximum advantage of painting opportunities

• Travel with interesting, fun loving like minded individuals who love painting

As a result of the successful artistic expeditions, painter Michael Herron has joined with World Expeditions to offer similar expeditions to all interested artists, amateur and professional alike. Each Art Expedition will be escorted by Michael Herron, he will provide directions and assistance to artists in the field, helping them reach their artistic potential and develop their skills in the field. This is not artistic tuition, but a shared creative experience. A professional team of World Expeditions guides will provide exceptional food and camping hospitality as well as guided walks and transfers to selected scenic locations. A key benefit of these expeditions is that artists will have access to spectacular wilderness locations.

Activities:

Itinerary

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We pick you up from your accommodation between 7am and 7.30am. Our artistic field trip begins with a morning session at Simpsons Gap. In the afternoon we will transfer to Wallaby Gap and our bush camp.

Meals:  L,D

We will set up for the morning in locations around the spectacular Simpsons Gap if we are lucky we may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby. A short transfer takes us to the stunning Standley Chasm where we can walk to some extraordinary locations deep within the rugged heart of Standley Chasm. We transfer to our wilderness campsite.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will explore some more exceptional locations in the gorges and canyons of the Chewings Range, Ellery Creek and Serpentine Gorge.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have a full day in the Serpentine Chalet area allowing us to make the most of the desert wilderness for inspiration.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the vibrant colour of the Aboriginal quarry at the Ochre Pits. In the afternoon we will visit the stunning Ormiston Pound with its great red cliffs and serene desert waterhole.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will take viewpoints toward the unmistakable eastern flanks of Mt Sonder, known as the pregnant lady by the local Arrente people.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the afternoon we drive back in to Alice Springs, concluding around 5 or 6pm.

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Artistic Director Michael Herron
  • exclusive semi-permanent campsites
  • professional wilderness support guides
  • all group camping equipment, including tents, swags for sleeping, stoves, cooking & eating utensils
  • vehicle supported camping throughout
  • all National Park and camping fees
  • emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • off-road transport from Alice Springs

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Alice Springs prior and post trip
  • Artist supplies
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping bags (these can be hired for $30 each)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Insurance

About Your Leader

Painter and teacher Michael Herron&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Michael Herron</i>

Michael Herron has been painting and drawing for 30 years and teaching for the last 20. At the age of 22, after studying for 5 years at both Meadowbank TAFE and City Art Institute (now COFA), he won the 1988 'Sydney Morning Herald Travelling Art Scholarship'. Combined with the Dyson Bequest from the Art Gallery of NSW, Michael painted at the Mora Dyring Studio at the Cite Internationale des Artes in Paris.

On returning to Australia Michael was involved in a number of solo and group shows including a solo show at First Draft Gallery in 1997. He exhibited with the Tim Olsen Gallery 2005-2010 where he had four solo exhibitions and numerous group shows. In 2010 Michael was invited to Exhibit in Kedumba Drawing Award. In 2011 he was involved in the Taronga Zoo Artist in residence program, and in 2014 was included in the Rick Amor drawing prize in Ballarat. There have been numerous artist trips to the Flinders Ranges, Cooma, Rylstone and the North Coast of NSW. Michael has been hung for three consecutive years in the NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize.

Most recently Michael's works have been based on en plein air painting of landscapes such as Flinders Ranges and of course the wonderful West MacDonnell Ranges. He has taught workshops and classes at numerous schools, community art centres and art societies, and has guest lectured at COFA and TAFE. He has travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and America. Michael currently resides in the Blue Mountains.

Trail Surface

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces

While the Larapinta Trail is a well-marked, well-defined track, walkers should still expect parts of the trail to be very rocky underfoot.

This may focus your concentration on avoiding stones, so make sure you train with some rock-hopping before you go to be comfortable with this type of terrain.

We strongly recommend investing in proper hiking boots with good support for both the foot and ankle.

The trail can be steep in some sections, which will require you to use your hands when descending or ascending, and is overgrown with spinifex in places, so gaiters or hiking pants are recommended.

There is not a lot of shade along the trail and you will be exposed to the sun for the majority of your walking hours.

Suitability

Introductory

3

Departure dates


Priceper person from

$3595AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Michael Herron Artists Larapinta trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.