Hiking the Larapinta Trail is a thrill that rewards you with stunning landscapes, tough terrain and an incredible sense of achievement. Whether you’re self-guiding or on a Larapinta trail tour, it’s going to be an adventure you’ll never forget. But after tackling its tough tracks, one thing is for sure – you’ll be looking for a decent meal to refuel and celebrate.
Fueling Up After a Multiday Hike
On a multiday hike, hikers often rely on food drops, food drop boxes or food drop services to keep their energy up. Managing days of food in food bags and litres of water from a water tank or water source can be a challenge. Carrying dehydrated meals and protein bars helps reduce pack weight but nothing beats a fresh meal after days on the trail. Alice Springs has some great food options to reward yourself after a long walk.
Tali Restaurant
At Lasseters Hotel Casino, Tali Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge after a long trek. With modern Australian cuisine and native ingredients, Tali serves dishes like kangaroo fillet, barramundi and bush-spiced lamb. Pair with an Aussie wine to complete the experience.
Address: 93 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Specialties: Modern Australian cuisine with bush food influences, great for refuelling after long-distance hikes or a guided Larapinta trail tour.
The Overlanders Steakhouse
For a hearty meal, The Overlanders Steakhouse is a must-visit. This iconic restaurant serves up succulent steaks, grilled crocodiles and emu fillets, with all the Outback flavours. Rustic and welcoming, it’s a great place to relax and share hiking stories with fellow hikers.
Address: 72 Hartley St, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Specialties: Aussie meats like camel, kangaroo and crocodile, are great for hikers looking for protein-rich meals after days of hiking.
Hanuman Alice Springs
If you’re in the mood for Asian fusion, Hanuman is top-rated. With a menu featuring Thai and Indian-inspired dishes, Hanuman serves up pumpkin curry, tandoori meats and crispy barramundi. The flavours are bold and aromatic and perfect for replenishing your energy after a big Larapinta trail tour.
Address: 82 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Thai and Asian fusion.
Page 27 Café
Looking for a lighter option after your hike? Page 27 Café is a great spot for brunch and lunch with a chill vibe. Healthy salads, smashed avocado toast and smoothie bowls are perfect for a fresh and healthy meal after multi-day hiking.
Address: 3 Fan Arcade, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Specialties: Fresh and healthy breakfast and lunch options, fresh salads great for those trying to cut down on junk food during their hike.
The Juicy Rump
For a casual dining experience, The Juicy Rump is a local and tourist favourite. Located at Lasseters Hotel, this spot serves up classic Aussie pub fare, burgers, BBQ ribs and loaded fries. The outdoor area is perfect for sitting and watching the Red Centre sunset after a couple of days on the trail.
Address: 93 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Specialties: Pub food, steaks and burgers, great to refuel after hiking rocky and mountainous terrain.
Hiker Essentials
Hiking the whole trail or multi-day hikes requires meal planning. Whether you are carrying food in food boxes, using a food cache or having food drops, knowing where to get fresh magnesium-rich foods is key. Many hikers carry trail mix, protein balls and olive oil for their food and gear and ensure they have access to hot water for their dehydrated meals.
Conclusion
Hiking the Larapinta Trail is an adventure of a lifetime and refuelling with a great meal is the perfect way to end it. Whether you’re after Outback flavours, a healthy and refreshing meal or a hearty feed, Alice Springs has got you covered! If you’ve been relying on food drop services, food bags or dehydrated meals along the way, these restaurants will be a welcome change whatever you’re hiking solo or on a Larapinta trail tour, happy hiking and happy eating!
FAQ
Where can I try native Aussie ingredients?
Tali Restaurant and The Overlanders Steakhouse have dishes with native Aussie ingredients like kangaroo, emu and crocodile.
Where can I get a quick healthy meal after I’ve finished hiking the Larapinta Trail?
Page 27 Café has healthy options galore – fresh salads, smoothie bowls and nutritious breakfasts.
Are there vegetarian or vegan places in Alice Springs?
Yes! Hanuman and Page 27 Café have great veggie and vegan options – curries, salads and plant-based meals to help with meal planning.
Where can I have a lazy meal with a view?
The Juicy Rump has an awesome outdoor seat where you can eat and watch the sunset over Alice Springs. After wandering through creek beds and ensuring you have enough litres of water, it’s a great place to chill out.
Where can I celebrate after my hike?
For a special dinner after your hike, go to Tali Restaurant for fine Aussie food or The Overlanders Steakhouse for a big Outback feed. Perfect for hikers who’ve completed the whole trail or a shorter one.
