Northern Territory Tour 2022

On Saturday 18 June, 84 students and 11 staff took off for a trip of a lifetime to the Northern Territory for 15 days. It was the first time the tour has gone ahead since 2019 and what an amazing time we had! 

Some of the key highlights included visiting Uluru, where we witnessed an iconic sunset and had the opportunity for some amazing photos; a spectacular hike with rewarding views at Kings Canyon; and a trip to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where students (through the magic of the swear jar) donated over $1,000! A massive congratulation to students for their contribution to this great cause.

Swimming opportunities were a-plenty and we swam at Mataranka Hot Springs, Florence Falls and Berry Springs, which was a real highlight for many. 

In between campsites we were rewarded with many student performances to keep the buses entertained, including a few magnificent performances from yours truly. 

Students got to experience a side of Australia that most had never seen before and were able to interact with the local communities in Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin. They experienced the local flora and fauna, and learned about the important history of Indigenous Australia. We even got to experience rain in Darwin during dry season, which many locals mentioned was a rarity!

The NT Tour was literally my greatest experience this whole year! We did so many amazing things while we were there like see Uluru, ride on a camel, go to hot springs and waterfalls, amazing walks with beautiful views. We walked around the Kings Canyon, went to Mt. Connor Lookout. After that we went to Alice Springs where we visited the School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Simpsons Gap. We saw Crocodiles on the river cruises that we went on and even got to see them jump out of the water. Another amazing aspect of camp was the great teamwork, cooperation and respect that was shown by both students and teachers. There isn’t a thing that I’d change about the camp and I recommend future students to go on this camp.

Orion Rigano

The 2022 Northern Territory Tour was one of the best, most exhilarating experiences of our lives. From learning about the culture to going on hikes and swimming in beautiful water holes, the memories and friendships that we built are by far the best thing that we have taken away. We were stuck with these people for two weeks starting with us squished on a 36-hour bus ride together then living next to each other in our cosy tents, doing so we created a bond like no other. Sometimes this was a challenge but if you ask anyone, they will tell you that they couldn’t ask for any better people to do this with. We participated in activities every day in and out of the campsite, and it is impossible to choose a favourite as they were all so great. Being able to go on this trip with some of our closest friends (the ones that we already had and the new ones that we made) was a phenomenal experience and opportunity that we will remember for the rest of our lives!

Rachael Megee & Paityn Le Fevre

From the Never Never Journal

Day 1, 5:30am departure!

Many kilometres and 36 hours later we arrived at Uluru for our first night.  

With perfect 25 degree weather, we walked around both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuta before riding camels and then watching the Uluṟu sunset. 

At Kings Canyon, we enjoyed stunning views and beautiful weather on our hike around the rim before travelling to Alice Springs.

In Alice, we did some washing (a first time for many), visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air, walked to Simpsons Gap for some sightseeing, and made some new friends at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

By now we'd lost track of days.  We had a terrific time with Australian Country Music Singer, Tom Curtain, from Katherine Outback Experience. 

We enjoyed exploring Ubiir Rock.  

Siri, play 'Land Down Under'...

We did a spot of croc spotting at Cahills Crossing. Can you spot the Croc?

We swam at Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park and Berry Springs (below). Unfortunately, Wangi falls was closed for swimming so we took some photos and went for a walk to the top of the falls instead.  

In Darwin, we went to Mindil Market for dinner and took these final photos on the beach at the market.

This camp would simply not run without the support of its staff. I’d like to personally thank the following staff for attending the tour, and making it the best trip possible: 

Mr Lewis, Ms Lewis for all of your assistance and advice before, during and after the trip. 

Mr Rogers and Ms Hillebrand for your hard work with First Aid. 

Ms Shaw and Ms Murnane for keeping the buses informed with all the important information. 

Mr Mason and Mackenzie Le Fevre (our amazing lifeguards) for ensuring all students were able to swim safely during the tour. 

Ms Bainbridge for ensuring the buses were packed and ready to go each time we left a campsite (special shout out to our bus packers as well!). 

Ms Piritidis for looking after the duty groups every single meal! 

A special mention those staff who joined with only a few weeks notice, without you we simply would not have been able to run the tour! 

See you in 2023!

Matthew Burleigh

NT Tour Coordinator