CENTRAL CAMP

On a very early Saturday morning, 41 brave year 11 adventurers packed the bus and headed off on an exciting, weird, fun, tiring, bond-making, testing, beautiful adventure to Central Australia… 

The first few days were all about racking up the Kilometres. Overnighting in Adelaide, a beautiful sunset greeted us on the west beach, and the camp was off to a stunning start. Day 2 heralded the start of the true central Australia experience – vastness, dry plains, too much road kill, truck stop towns and music choice controversy culminated with a tour and overnight stay in Coober Pedy. It’s a different way of life there, and we had a little taste of it by staying overnight; Underground! 

 The next day we crossed the border into NT, arriving just in time to set up camp in Yulara, the small township just outside of the magnificent Uluru. It was a journey of about 2500 kms in 3 days, but the beautiful sunset on Uluru was mesmerising. Even more mesmerising than watching our adventurers set up camp for the first time… 

After being in confined spaces for three days, the day at Uluru was a welcomed delight. An enthralling visit to the cultural centre provided plenty of insight into the reverence and importance of Uluru to the Anangu people. It is such a magnificent place – the privilege of being able to get so close to it, and see the effect the giant monolith has on the landscape is truly remarkable. A hike around Kata Juta allowed us to observe the stunning domes during the Valley of the Winds trail.  

Another gorgeous (literally) hike awaited us at Kings Canyon. Our most challenging, but arguably most rewarding, experience involved a steep rocky ascent that was rewarded with spectacular views of the “Garden of Eden” and the domes of the “Lost City”.  With all travellers returning safely, a few hotdogs for lunch and then a few hundred Kms to Alice Springs, our adventure was quickly coming to an end. 

Our time in Alice was jam packed. A visit to the Desert Park to witness spectacular free flying birds (and the Rangers taking the resident dingoes for walkies) was followed by a fascinating and informative visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and some time exploring the township put a wrap on our adventure. 

 One last night with Rex the Snakeman regaling us with his tall, scaly tales was followed by a beautiful morning and one last tent pack up in sunny Alice Springs. Goodbye sunny Central Aus, hello cold, rainy Melbourne. The warmth of family and memories of an adventure wrapped up a once in a lifetime journey.