Overview

 Highlights


  • 2 days walking on sections of the Larapinta Trail to experience the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges, including the Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge & Standley Chasm
  • Explore the beautiful Kata Juta, also known as the Olgas, a group of large, domed rock formations
  • Witness Uluru at sunrise and sunset
  • Do the spectacular Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Stark landscapes, lonely highways and otherworldly rock formations—the remote red heart of central Australia is a magnificent desert wilderness. Out here you’ll find some of the continent’s most iconic images, including the sacred monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock), the striking rock domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and the rugged peaks and ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, and the vaste beauty of Kings Canyon.

This itinerary is jam-packed with cultural experiences. You'll spend time with Ricky Orr, your host at Rainbow Valley and Traditional Custodian of the land. Here we are introduced to an amazing Culture and Country, visiting the spectacular art site of Rainbow Valley where we will see rock art, engravings and occupations sites. Your Aboriginal guide will share the ancient landscape of Rainbow Valley and explain some of its cultural significance. In the late afternoon, admire the changing colours of a spectacular sunset.

Come and explore Australia’s extraordinary Red Centre with Canberra Grammar School.

Countries:

Starting Point:

Canberra

Activities:

Grading:Introductory   


We depart Canberra this morning (CBR to MEL: 10-Jul-2020 QF0795 Departing 6:20AM, MEL to ASP: 10-Jul-2020 QF0796 Departing 9:25AM) and arrive into Alice Springs at around lunchtime. Your group is greeted at the airport by your World Youth Adventures guide. Following lunch you will be escorted to The Desert Park for an exclusive educational group tour. The Desert Park shows ancient cultural stories and the science behind the region's landscapes and geology. Stories of the desert are shared through displays, daily guided activities and cultural presentations.The Desert Park is the gateway to the West MacDonnell Ranges. In the evening we will stay at Semi-permanent wilderness site, Nick's Camp, with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Following your introduction to camp, you will be greeted by local bush food specialist, Rayleen Brown, from Kungkas Can Cook. She will give an informative presentation about native local bush foods with tastings. Overnight: Nick's Camp

Meals:  D

This morning we take a short walk into Standley Chasm, were we are welcomed to Arrente country by Deanella Mack who teaches us all areas of indigenous culture, history and the significance of identity. In the afternoon we take a short drive south-west to an original ochre quarry, a sacred Aboriginal site, were the rainbow of vibrant colours on the wave-like ochre wall makes for stunning photos. In the evening we stay at Charlies Camp, and exclusive semi-permanent wilderness camp, with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Overnight: Charlies Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

The best side walk of the Larapinta trail is to Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers some extraordinary scenery and wildlife and explores the upper reaches of the Gorge and the chance to see the many Rock Wallabies as they scamper about the imposing cliffs. In the evening we stay at Charlies Camp, and exclusive semi-permanent wilderness camp, with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Overnight: Charlies Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive 2.5hrs to reach Kings Canyon. When we arrive we take a 1 hour guided Karrke tour to learn about: > edible tree seeds and grass seeds > dot painting > wood artifacts and weapons made from the Mulga wood > clapp stick making > seeded necklace making and decorating symbols onto the clap sticks all hands on. > bush foods (bush tucker) and bush medicine plants used for spiritual healing and physical healing Following lunch we do the spectacular Kings Canyon Rim walk, a 6km circuit transcending down into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to wonder at the 360 views. Overnight: Kings Creek Station campground

Meals:  B,L,D

We depart this morning driving further west to Kata Tjuta National Park and walk the Valley of the winds, depending on how we all feel we may walk up to 8km for this loop walk or take a shorter 3km section then head around to Walpa gorge for a shorter 2.5km walk. We then head to Uluru for sunset to view the many changing faces and colours of this sacred rock. Overnight: Ayers Rock campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We rise with the sun today and prepare for our days exploration of Uluru. There are several walks in and around the ‘Rock’ that we can choose to discover. We can walk the base walk that takes around 4hrs / 11km or many other shorter walks such as Kuniya, Liru or Dune. We visit the Cultural Centre and learn about the creation stories for the Anangu people of the area. We'll visit Mutijulu community or another Aboriginal community in the afternoon. Overnight: Ayres Rock campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we walk with the ranger and listen to stories of the Dreamtime - Mala Walk around the base of Uluru. After a short lunch we will drive to Rainbow Valley where you can relax and listen to wonderful dream-time stories from local Aboriginal man Ricky Orr. Overnight: Rainbow Valley Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After admiring the sunrise over the pan and having our final camp breakfast we will return to Alice Springs where we will pay a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum. Here we will learn all about the great work the RFDS does in delivering vital medial care and support to the people or rural and regional Australia. After visiting the museum we will head to the hotel to freshen up and have some lunch. Accommodation: Double Tree by Hilton or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Alice Springs airport to catch our return flight to Canberra (ASP to MEL: 18-Jul-2020 QF0797 Departing 12:35PM, MEL to CBR: 18-Jul-2020 QF0834 Departing 17:25PM, Arriving 18:30PM) . Trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Exclusive semi-permanent wilderness campsites and shared campsites
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • All camping equipment, including tents, swags and stretcher beds, chairs
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • All National Park and camping fees
  • Private vehicle for road transport and airport transfers
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Economy Qantas airfares from Canberra to Alice Springs (via Sydney) and Ayers Rock to Canberra (via Sydney)

  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Sleeping Bag hire
  • Travel insurance

Grading

Introductory


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Videos

What it's like trekking the Larapinta Trail

Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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