One of the highlights of Women’s Fitness Adventures is our 100km AdventureReady series—a signature hiking program designed for women to build both strength and confidence. Hiking 100km over consecutive days is no mean feat, which is why the journey begins well before your boots hit the trail. Our six-month hike fitness plan and monthly online teaching sessions are what set us apart, ensuring you’re not only prepared physically, but mentally ready to take on the challenge.
In June this year, our excited members arrived in the Northern Territory, buzzing with nervous excitement. After months of training, the moment had finally come. We were whisked straight from the airport to our first camp, where we received our orientation and a glimpse into what life would be like for the next 8 days.
That evening, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the outback. We shared a delicious dinner and gathered around the campfire for some last minute chats, before heading to our tents, wrapped in excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead.
The next morning began early, and cold. The temperature had dropped below zero overnight and even our handwashing bucket had frozen solid. But with warm breakfasts and packed lunches, we hit the trail. This daily rhythm soon became our norm: early starts, stunning scenery and a shared sense of purpose.
Each day brought new terrain and new triumphs. The Larapinta Trail offered everything from rocky paths and ancient gorges to serene waterholes and sweeping desert views. The colours of the outback were breathtaking – ochre earth, bursts of wildflowers and never-ending skies. We crossed rivers barefoot, scrambled over rocks and paused to take it all in.
We also immersed ourselves in the rich Indigenous history of the region, guided by our expert leaders. And yes, one brave day, we even plunged into the icy waters of a gorge to soothe our tired limbs. These moments, equal parts challenge and joy, are what make this experience so unforgettable.
Each evening we returned to the comfort of camp. Our trusty ‘donkey’ (the hot water system) gave us the luxury of bucket showers. After which, we’d wrap ourselves in tracksuits and puffer jackets, our feet firmly sealed in our trusty ugg boots. We gathered around the fire to eat, chat and reflect. There was something deeply grounding about those nights, sharing the highs of the day and the excitement of what lay ahead.
Our ultimate test came with our summit hike to Mt Sonder. After a final camp briefing, we packed our gear, changed torch batteries and braced ourselves for a 2:30am start. The climb was steep, windy and cold. But the sunrise from the summit was nothing short of magical. We stood in silence as the sun rose and watched Mt Sonder cast the longest shadow in the world across the land.
We descended with weary legs but full hearts. A celebratory brunch back at camp capped off our incredible journey, followed by a return to Alice Springs and a well-earned group dinner.
In total, we hiked 120km, climbed 4,000 metres in elevation, and clocked more than 50 hours on our feet. But more than that, we gained hiking skills, built friendships, supported one another, laughed often and grew stronger together.
If you’re searching for women’s walking holidays in Australia that are more than just a hike, where fitness, fun, and friendship come together, then this is it. With adventure travel groups for women that support you from start to summit and a structured hike fitness plan to guide your progress, this is adventure done differently.
Cheers to the 100km Club for 2025! We came away better hikers and even better friends.
To learn more about our 100km AdventureReady Larapinta for 2026, click here.
