Overview

 Highlights


  • Walk a section 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
  • Learn about the oldest surviving culture in the world with multiple sessions on indigenous art, culture and food.

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 The Anglican School Googong.

*Bookings close on Saturday the 31st of August, 2019. Don't miss out!*

Countries:

Starting Point:

Canberra

Activities:

Grading:Introductory   


We depart Canberra airport this morning on Qantas, travelling first to Sydney and then on to Alice Springs. 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 Flight Details: (subject to change) QF1420 CBR-SYD DEP: 6:00 ARR: 6:55 QF0790 SYD-ASP DEP: 9:25 ARR: 12:05

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 Nicks Camp, and exclusive semi-permanent wilderness camp, with stunning views across the Heavitree Range and Alice Valley. Overnight: Nicks Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk the best side walk of the Larapinta trail 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 Sonder Camp, and exclusive semi-permanent wilderness camp, with stunning views across Alice Valley. Overnight: Sonder Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive 4.5 hrs to reach Kings Canyon. After lunch depending on the group we can 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 or we can walk up the creek into the Canyon for a shorter walk. Overnight: Kings Creek Station campground

Meals:  B,L,D

We break camp and depart this morning at 9am for our 1 hour Karrke Tour where we 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 the Karrke Tour we head to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (around 4-5 hours), with a stop at Mt Conner en route. Our first stop in the park is the Mutijulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru where you will be introduced to the area and told of the spritual significance of "The Rock" to the Anangu people of Central Australia. We will walk from here to Kunya piti (40 mins). From here it is just a short drive back to Yulara where we will be camping at the public campground. Why not take a walk to the top of one of the local dunes to view the sunset over the national park? Overnight: Ayers Rock campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

We rise with the sun today and prepare for our days exploration of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. After breakfast we will drive to Kata Tjuta, sometimes also referred to as "The Olgas" where we will do the Valley of the Winds walk. 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. In the afternoon we visit the Cultural Centre and learn about the creation stories for the Anangu people of the area and can involve doing some local art and sharing stories. We then round out the day with sunset from the Uluru sunset viewing area to view the many changing faces and colours of this sacred rock. Overnight: Ayers Rock campsite

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we visit Uluru one last time for the Mala walk where we will listen to stories of the Dreamtime before hitting the road to Rainbow Valley (around 5 hours drive), with lunch en-route. Upon arrival we will be met by Ricky Orr a member of the local indigenous community, who will welcome you to this spectacular and little visited location. He has a huge amount of local knowledge and is keen to share it with the visitors. Overnight: Rainbow Valley Camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning was again spend some time with Ricky who will give us an even deeper insight into this area before its time to say farewell and head to the airport in Alice Springs (2 hours) to catch the our flight to Sydney and our final leg from Adelaide to Canberra. Trip concludes, welcome home! Flight Details: (subject to change) QF0791 ASP-SYD DEP: 13:00 ARR: 16:10 QF1507 SYD-CBR DEP: 17:05 ARR: 18:00

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

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 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
  • Return economy Qantas airfares from Canberra to Alice Springs

  • 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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