Overview

 Highlights


  • This program is 100% carbon offset. World Expeditions Schools absorb the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions as its ongoing commitment to responsible travel
  • Traditional welcome to country ceremony
  • Trekking the West MacDonnell Ranges
  • A indigenous cultural immersion program
  • Visiting Kings Canyon and Uluru
  • Bush tucker program with a local indigenous cook
  • Valley of the winds walk, the Olga's

This unique activity based cultural program is designed to give an insight into indigenous Australia through immersion and activity combined with several iconic treks of the region. The Classic Larapinta Trek is one of the seven Great Walks of Australia and is now noted as one of the top 10 walks in the world. Walking the high ridge lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges we gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, the razorback rocky outcrops and sheer scale of this ancient land. We move onto Kings Canyon and Uluru, enjoying walks and cultural activities in these most important of sites. Our journey is complete with an extensive indigenous cultural program with local community members and land owners covering bush tucker, local arts, ancient sites and traditional methods and ceremonies. The students will gain a deep and rich understanding of the natural environment, Australia and indigenous culture. This adventure proves to be nothing short of a life changing experience for all involved.

Countries:

Activities:

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   

Addressing:


On arrival in Alice Springs you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Here we have a trip and safety briefing with your guiding staff and teachers as we make final preparations before we walk the first section of the iconic Larapinta Trail. Our walk commences from the eastern terminal of the trail next to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. We trek the 5km to Geoff Moss Bridge and transfer to World Expeditions Nick's camp. On arrival we will be met by a local indigenous cook and have a an interactive session on bush tucker from the region and connection to country. Overnight Nick's camp

Meals:  L,D

This morning after breakfast we continue on the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat. We may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach Simpson's Gap. Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, Simpsons Gap was the mythological home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site. This afternoon we will be met by a local indigenous land owner for a discussion and talk about the region, (with cultural considerations). Walking distance 10km Overnight Charlies camp

Meals:  B,L,D

The section 8 of the Larapinta Trail is a challenging however stunning days walk including the spectacular Counts point. The highlight of this day is the 5 km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. Its is definitely worth the effort trekking up to the summit as we gain views west to Mount Sonder, and for the first time we can see the comet impact crater, Gosse Bluff, known as Tnorala to the Western Arrente people of the surrounding region. Around 142.5 million years ago an object from space, believed to be a comet about 600 metres across, crashed to earth, blasting a crater some 20km across. Today's land surface is about 2km lower than the original impact surface and the bluff is about 5km in diameter, reduced over time by erosion. The remnant crater was named Gosse's Range by the explorer Ernest Giles in 1872 after H. Gosse, a fellow of the Royal Society. Title for the Reserve was granted to traditional owners and is now jointly managed with the Parks and Wildlfie Service. Tonight we stay at Sonder camp Walking distance 13km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will complete the 7km Ormiston Pound circuit. This area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict plant species from Central Australia's tropical past. The park is also an important fauna refuge, with the rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat here in 1997. Today we have the opportunity to have a swim at Ellery Creek. This afternoon we will visit the park rangers and have an information session surrounding sustainability on the trail and conservation land management in the area. Overnight Sonder Camp Walking 7km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast under the shadow of Mount Sonder we join our vehicle for the drive to Kings Canyon located in the Watarrka National Park. On route we will visit Tnorala meteorite crater that we viewed from Counts Point on day 3. On arrival at Kings Canyon we will explore this stunning area before camping in the region. Watarrka National Park is home to the mighty Kings Canyon - a majestic destination featuring 300 metre high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert. Overnight wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will join the Kings Canyon rim walk. The Rim Walk begins with a challenging 500-step climb. But it’s worth every step. Upon reaching the summit, you have views of Watarrka National Park and into the canyon itself before descending into the green oasis of the "Garden of Eden." The walk itself takes around 3 1/2 hours with some steep sections. This afternoon we transfer to Yulara, our base for excursions to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru, and set up camp for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive to Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olga's. This park is considered sacred to the Aboriginal people. The 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga cover an area of 21.68 km2 (8.37 sq mi), are composed of conglomerate, a sedimentary rock consisting of cobbles and boulders of varying rock types including granite and basalt, cemented by a matrix of sandstone. The highest dome, Mount Olga, is 1,066 m above sea level. We will complete the remote and stunning Valley of the Winds walk. This afternoon we return to Yulara and enjoy a relaxing sunset walk. Overnight Uluru permanent camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is set aside for a debriefing of our journey and time to wonder around before transferring to the airport for your outbound flight.

Meals:  B


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss


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

  • Return airfares to Alice Springs
  • Professional wilderness guides and support staff
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Teachers from your school accompanying each group
  • Fees to Aboriginal Traditional Owners
  • all National Park and camping fees
  • off-road transport from Alice Springs
  • emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • all activities during the cultural programs with local traditional landowners
  • information session by local park ranger
  • all camping equipement

  • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks and sleeping bags
  • Travel insurance

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


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


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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