The Larapinta Trail, 223km through the heart of Central Australia, is an adventure like no other through rough terrain and desert landscapes. The trail goes through deep gorges, arid mountain ranges and spectacular ridgelines, the best of the outback. But with such an isolated and harsh environment, keeping your food safe and having access to resources is key to making the hike a success.
Whether you’re doing overnight hikes or the whole trail, food safety becomes critical when temperatures are hot and water sources are scarce. Follow these tips, and your hiking food will be safe, nutritious and ready to fuel your adventure.
Best Hiking Food for the Trail
Food is your fuel for the Larapinta Trail; choosing the right food is the first step in keeping everything safe and effective. As you hike from Ormiston Gorge to Glen Helen Gorge and beyond, lightweight, energy-dense and non-perishable food will serve you best.
Recommended Foods for the Trail:
- Dehydrated Meals: Pre-packaged dehydrated meals are a great option for hikers as they are compact, require only hot water and can be packed in lightweight containers. Meals from Campers Pantry and similar food suppliers offer a range of classic outback-style meals that are nutritious and easy to prepare.
- Energy Bars & Snacks: High-energy foods like peanut butter, trail mix and magnesium-rich foods like nuts and dried fruit will help keep your energy up. These are great for quick snacks on long stretches between food drops like Jay Creek or Redbank Gorge.
- Protein-Rich Foods: Beef jerky, canned tuna and protein-rich granola bars are good for strength during the hike.
- Powdered Drinks: Electrolyte powders and powdered drink mixes will help with hydration when water sources are scarce.
Proper Storage of Hiking Food for Safety
When hiking the remote and tough Larapinta Trail, keeping your food from spoiling, pests, and contamination is key. With the heat of the peak season, proper food storage will keep your meals and your health safe.
Food Storage Tips:
- Airtight Containers: Pack food in airtight, waterproof containers. Ziplock bags and vacuum-sealed bags are good for food storage, keeping food fresh and clean.
- Bear-Proof Food Storage: Wildlife like dingoes and black-footed rock wallabies will be attracted to food. In high wildlife areas like Serpentine Gorge and Wallaby Gap, you need to use bear-proof food storage containers or food drop boxes to keep your supplies safe.
- Food Drop Locations: Use official food storage points and food caches along the trail. Serpentine Chalet, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen have food drop boxes where you can store your hiking food and resupply along the trail.
- Food Drops and Caches: You may need to plan for food drops at certain points along the trail, like Rocky Bar Gap or Euro Ridge, to have enough food for the whole trail. Many hikers use services like Larapinta Trail Trek Support to coordinate food drops along the route.
Perishables and Temperature Control
Temperature control is key in Central Australia, where the heat of the day can spoil perishables quickly. While it’s tempting to pack fresh food for the trail, it’s better to stick to food that can withstand the heat and the long days.
Perishable Food Strategies:
- Dry Food: Dehydrated meals and dry snacks are the best and easiest to manage. Dried fruits, trail mix and peanut butter are nutritious and much better than fresh food, which can spoil in a couple of days.
- Avoid Dairy and Meat: These will spoil without refrigeration. If you’re planning to camp at Mulga Camp or Rocky Gully for a few days, don’t pack dairy and meat unless pre-packaged and vacuum sealed.
- Food Dehydrators: If you want to prepare meals yourself, use a food dehydrator at home to dry your own food for the trail. This way, you can control what you bring and have healthy, energy-dense food that’s light to carry.
- Pack Extra Water: Water is for cooking and hydration. Pack extra water, especially if you’re hiking between deep gorges like Redbank Gorge and Ellery Creek South, where water sources are scarce. Carry enough water bottles to get you from one water tank to the next, and always have access to more water.
Dealing with Water Safety and Food Preparation
Water is scarce on the Larapinta Trail, so plan your water needs carefully. Many water sources, such as the water tanks at Glen Helen Gorge, Ellery Creek North and Jay Creek, are available for refilling. But make sure the water you drink and cook with is safe.
Water Safety Tips:
- Use a Water Filter or Purifier: Carry a portable water filter or purification tablet. Most water sources like Waterfall Gorge or Brinkley Bluff are safe to drink, but filtering or purifying them is always a good idea.
- Boil Water: If in doubt, boil for 1-3 minutes. This is especially important at low-flow water sources like Serpentine Chalet Dam or Rocky Bar Gap in the dry season.
- Water Bottles & Hydration Packs: A water bottle is the simplest way to stay hydrated, but hydration packs are also great for quick sips while hiking and reduce the need to stop and take out your bottle every time.
Food Waste Management and Environmental Responsibility
Managing your waste is key, especially in the pristine environment of Central Australia. The Leave No Trace principles apply when camping in remote areas like the Larapinta Trail, so don’t disrupt the environment.
Waste Management Tips:
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no rubbish bins along the trail, so it’s your responsibility to pack out everything – food wrappers, cans, and scraps. Bring extra garbage bags to store your waste.
- Bury Organic Waste: For organic waste like food scraps, use a “cat hole” to bury your waste at least 100m from water sources and campsites. This minimizes the risk of attracting wildlife and keeps the landscape looking natural.
- Clean Campsite: Also clean up after meals. Use biodegradable soap if you need to wash cooking pots or utensils, and always dispose of dirty water.
Camp Cooking and Meal Prep on the Trail
The simplicity of camp cooking is all part of the fun when hiking the Larapinta Trail. With minimal gear, you can whip up a warm meal to fuel your hike, but planning ahead is key.
Cooking and Meal Preparation Tips:
- Lightweight Camp Stove: A small camp stove is perfect for cooking meals and boiling water. Make sure you bring enough fuel for the whole trip, especially if you’re hiking Euro Ridge or Razorback Ridge, where cooking will take longer due to the rough terrain.
- One-Pot Meals: Stick to one-pot meals as this reduces cleanup time, and you won’t use too much water. Dehydrated meals are perfect for this and can be rehydrated with boiling water, saving time and energy.
- Cold Meals: For days when you don’t feel like cooking, pack ready-to-eat meals like trail mix, energy bars or even pre-made dehydrated snacks. These will keep you going, especially on long days from Alice Valley to Counts Point.
Conclusion
Food safety on the Larapinta Trail is key to having a healthy and enjoyable adventure. With good food planning, storage, water access, and waste management, you can keep your hiking food fresh and nutritious while focusing on the views and landscapes. Whether you’re in the deep gorges of Ormiston Gorge or the ridge lines of Brinkley Bluff, being prepared will make your journey through the arid mountain ranges of Central Australia a great one.
Whether you’re self-guided or on a Larapinta Trail Tour, food management is key to a safe and enjoyable experience in the beautiful Central Australian landscape.
FAQ
How do I store food on the Larapinta Trail?
Store food in airtight, waterproof containers and use bear-proof storage for food in wildlife areas like Serpentine Gorge and Wallaby Gap. Use food drop boxes at designated food storage points along the trail.
What food should I bring for a multi-day hike on the Larapinta Trail?
Bring dehydrated meals, energy-dense snacks like trail mix, and peanut butter and magnesium-rich foods. Stick to lightweight, dry food to avoid spoilage in the heat.
How do I manage water on the Larapinta Trail?
Use a water filter or purification tablets for all water sources, and carry extra water bottles. Plan for regular refills at water tanks and sources along the trail, like Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge.
Can I cook on the Larapinta Trail?
Yes, you can cook dehydrated meals with a lightweight camp stove and boiling water. Stick to one-pot meals to save time and resources and cold meals on days when cooking isn’t practical.
How do I dispose of food waste on the trail?
Pack all waste out of the park and use a cat hole to dispose of organic waste away from water sources. Always follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the landscape beautiful.