Central Australia Camp 2023
Central Australia Camp for 2023 started off with an afternoon departure from EMC for the express drive through to Coober Pedy. We got to meet our amazing bus drivers Mark and Henryk. After a long 24 hours we finally arrived to the Opal Capital of the world. We were shown around the town, went on an underground mine tour and got to see how and why the majority of the town live underground. We stayed in an underground bunkhouse which was a very different experience for everyone.
Next stop was Uluru. Everyone was very eager to get to Uluru and finally see just how big it is. After setting up our tents and camp for the first time, we were off to view the sunset at Uluru with some cheese, dips and soft drinks. Unfortunately we weren’t treated to much of a sunset due to it being overcast and raining. The next day we were up early to view the sunrise, but once again Mother Nature had other ideas. Today, we started off with a camel ride and then we were able to see Uluru up close and have a self guided tour (with the help of our driver Mark) around the base of Uluru. We learnt many things about the area and why it is so significant to the Indigenous and the many stories and traditions that happened many years ago. Most notably we learnt of the traditions of sacred sites for men and women, along with getting a great view of the ancient classrooms used to teach Indigenous students of their cultural traditions and knowledge of the world around them. That afternoon we visited Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s). We got to do an amazing trek up to the Valley of the Winds. Wow what a trek and a view. Absolutely amazing. Mother Nature then took over again and didn’t stop raining. We had some leaking tents, but everyone took it in their stride.
Off to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) next. We were lucky enough to have a break in the weather
to be able to do the rim walk, visit the Garden of Eden and the Lost City. It was a very tough start to the 3hr trek for everybody with a huge set of 500 stairs to climb. But when getting to the top, all was forgotten when we saw the amazing views right before our eyes. Such an amazing place. Absolutely breathtaking. Mother Nature again reared her head. More leaking tents, everyone squishing in for dinner to avoid the rain. Our drivers/cooks took it all in their stride and managed to fill our tummies, rain and all. Later that night, some of us were treated to watching some dingoes in the wild roaming around our campsite and looking for any scraps. We fell asleep to the howling of the dingoes.
Just like that we had finally left the grey clouds and rain behind and made our way to Alice Springs. Got to stop on the way to look at Mt Conner, which is often mistaken for Uluru. We arrived to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. After setting up camp at the wonderful caravan park we were able to have a swim and some down time. We were then treated to an extra excursion to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. After a guided tour from the owner Rex, we can now all tell you how and why snakes and crocodiles are dangerous. After a freezing night in our tents where temperatures plummeted below zero, we were up and ready for another day exploring Alice. We got to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, the old Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors and then the School of the Air. A big day learning new things of the history and current day of living in the Australian Outback.
Up early at 3:30am for our long bus ride to Daly Waters. We stopped at Devils Marbles for breakfast and had a good look around at the collection of large granite boulders laid out across the valley. The local Warmungu Aboriginal people believe they are the fossilised eggs of, Yurlunggur, the Rainbow Serpent. We finally arrive at Daly Waters for the night where we got to have a lovely dinner outside at this famous Australian Pub. Daly Waters is literally in the middle of nowhere, however is extremely unique and very busy pub. Some of the brave campers slept out of their tents under the stars with the beautiful weather allowing it.
Next stop is Katherine. On the way here we got to have a nice stop off at Mataranka Thermal Springs for a swim, safe from Crocodiles. This was a nice way to make the most of the beautiful weather we now had up north. Once getting to Katherine we were allowed to have a bit of a look around the town and a shop to stock up on some snacks. Once making our way to our campsite and setting up it was time for a swim and some down time. Once packed up in the morning we got to go on a 2 hr cruise of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Such a beautiful place with amazing landscape, history and wildlife to see.
After our cruise we made our way towards Kakadu. We stopped for a quick swim at Edith Falls which was refreshing from the heat. We made our way to our caravan park and realised we had a great stop for 2 nights. After setting up in the heat of the day it was off to the awesome pool for a cool down. Next morning we were up early for our sunrise Yellow Waters Cruise. Everyone was eager to see some of the Saltwater Crocodiles. As the sun came up, we saw 33 crocodiles during the cruise. Such an amazing cruise with loads of wildlife to see. We then took a quick tour of the old mining town of Jabiru. After some down time in the afternoon, with a swim of course, we then made our way to Ubirr Rock. We hiked to the top to witness a stunning sunset. The staff got to experience an absolute favourite of teachers world wide; hearing the public openly praise our students! We it was an absolute pleasure to hear from other tourists about how our students were "a credit to our school" as they were "polite, courteous and helpful". A big shout out from us staff to those who assisted some of the older tourists with difficult climb, you truly are a credit to EMC!
Our trip was nearing to an end as we left Kakadu for our final destination of Darwin. First stop was to the Darwin Military Museum. This was amazing to see artifacts, weapons and memorabilia and history from Australia’s rich military history. Next stop was to the historic Fannie Bay Gaol. After visiting the old gaol, it was time for some free time and lunch in Darwin. After then going to set up camp, we made our way to the Museum & Art Gallery of Northern Territory. This was full of interesting artefacts and exhibits. One of the main exhibits was the Cyclone Tracy disaster. Before our last night sleeping in a tent, we were allowed a quick dip in the pool to cool off from the heat and humidity. Our final day took us to Litchfield National Park. This is just over an hour or so from Darwin. We visited some waterfalls and then took a swim at Wangi Falls. Such a beautiful swim spot for us all. Thankfully no crocodiles spotted when we were there. Our last evening saw us spending it at the renowned Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Lot’s of stalls to shop at and loads of food trucks for us to pick out some treats and dinner. Then it was off to the airport for our red eye flight home.
What an adventure the 43 kids, 6 staff and 2 bus drivers had. It was a trip that no one will forget any time soon. Well done to all the kids who were amazing and helpful throughout the 2 weeks. I have no doubt everyone slept well after such a fun and exhausting camp.
Expressions of interest for 2024 Central Australia camp will be shared with the current year 10 cohort in the coming weeks. EMC is so proud to offer students such an amazing cultural learning experience, and just a rare chance to see the less inhabited parts of our amazing country. We encourage all students to consider the opportunity in the coming years.