CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Trip

On Friday 13 September a very excited 78 students and 10 staff headed off for the most amazing trip through Central Australia. This year we started by flying from Melbourne to Uluru airport, and despite the early start to the day, all staff and students boarded the plane with much elation. The flight was quick, and before we knew it, we were in a balmy 25 degrees and surrounded by the infamous red dirt of Uluru. 

We boarded the bus and headed straight for camp, learning how to put up our tents that would be our little ‘homes’ for the next 14 days. Whilst at Uluru, we visited the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, explored both the ‘Valley of the Winds’ and ‘Mala’ walks, and watched in awe as the sun set on Uluru, transforming its colours right before our eyes. 

From Uluru, we then headed to Kings Canyon where we stayed for a further two nights, taking in the sights of the Watarrka National Park, canyon rim walk, ‘Garden of Eden’, Lilla Aboriginal Community and refreshed ourselves in the campground pool! Some students also took the opportunity to take a ride in a helicopter, seeing the National Park from the air! Whilst at eh Lilla Aboriginal Community, students participated in a smoking ceremony, went on a cultural walk, did some indigenous painting and tasted freshly smoke kangaroo tail!

The next stop was Alice Springs, where we visited the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about indigenous plants and animals as well as watch a ‘birds of prey’ show. We also visited the ‘School of the Air’, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Simpsons Gap and marvelled at Rex the Snake Man and his reptiles. After a very early start, we then headed to Daly Waters via Devil’s Marbles. This was a one-night sleeping under the stars experience, where students also paid a visit to ‘Kevin the snappy crocodile’ in the neighbour’s front yard! On the long journey to Daly Waters Jaan and Dana decided to conduct makeovers on both Blake and Mr Trickovic, then the buses raised money to see if they would dress up and go into the Daly Waters pub all made-up! Needless-to-say, the boys turned a few heads, but as soon as we announced to the patrons that it was for charity, they all smiled and agreed it was a good, fun idea.

To start the second half of the trip, we then headed to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, whilst stopping at the Mataranka Thermal Pools for a dip on the way! At Nitmiluk we canoed, swan in the caravan park pool and again, some students took the opportunity to go on a helicopter ride over the gorge.

Heading further north, we then made it to Kakadu National Park, via Edith Falls for another well deserved swim. Whilst at Kakadu, we sweated in the 39-degree days, but also thoroughly enjoyed the sunrise “Yellow Waters Cruise,” Warradjan Cultural Centre and Ubirr Rock sunrise lookout, as well as enjoying the caravan park’s pool! It was here that we also conducted both our cash and camp cash auctions. This was a hilarious evening, culminating in two students and Mr Barbour shaving their heads (and beard in Mr Barbour’s case) to raise money for the RFDS and Fight MND.

Along the way to Litchfield, we took in the Jumping Crocodile Cruise and swam at Florence Falls, before spending the night at the Litchfield caravan park.

Last stop- Darwin. No more tents! We definitely welcomed the luxurious surrounds of the Club Tropical Resort. On our way into Darwin, we stopped at a local Vinnies to get costumes for our disco cruise party on the final night- the lady in the shop was pleased to see so many customers! Whilst in Darwin we also spent some time shopping at Casuarina, visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service (where we made a sizable donation from the auction funds),Stokes Wharf, Darwin Military Museum, the Art Gallery of NT, the Waterfront Lagoon, the Mindel Markets and finally, the disco cruise!

Exhausted, yet thoroughly fulfilled, it was then time to catch the red-eye back home to Melbourne, where our loving families were waiting! 

I would like to thank the staff at Bayside coaches for their expertise in running this marathon camp-Nat, Josh, Tabby and Marnie, we couldn’t have done it without you, and you soon became part of the Frankston High School family. To the staff who came with me, leaving their families and part of their holidays behind, you were all so amazing and supportive of each other. Thanks to Ms Leonie Argiriou, Mr James Arshid, Mr Jack Barbour, Ms Emily Blaak, Ms Luisa Harrasser, Ms Veronique Lapierre, Ms Hannah Martin, Ms Lorelei Tildesley and Mr Alex Trickovic for making this such a memorable trip.

Until next year!

Mrs Jodie Burton

Central Australia Coordinator