Central Australia was the most beautiful and intricate landscape I'd ever set foot in. I come from Upper Yarra Secondary College in the Yarra Valley -which is rich in resources like trees, water and wild species- so being able to come into an area almost the opposite of what I call home was a refreshing and enlightening experience. I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Central Australia, where I stayed two nights each at different places throughout the week. The first two nights were spent in the hospitality of St Phillips College in Alice Springs, which is a boarding school for Indigenous boys and girls to travel there and learn. We were lucky enough to experience bunk beds with air conditioning. While we were there, we experienced a Reptile Show by a local snake-catcher named Rex; visited a Zoo just outside the town and was lucky enough to see a panoramic view of Alice Springs via ANZAC hill. On the second day, we drove to some different spots around the west MacDonnell Ranges and trekked to water holes and rivers at the base of the mountain range. On the third day, we packed our bags and travelled 5 hours south. We were extremely fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit and stay at the Native Title Land of Lilla, where we were exposed to the rich amount of history and culture present in the Aboriginal Community located in the country of Luritja. Our group was smoked on country by the inhabitants of the land, which (in my opinion) strengthened our ties to the land and we were later taught that it also notifies the spirits present there if our arrival. This time, we slept in swags underneath the beautiful night sky, where our tour guide Luke from Remote Tours expelled his knowledge about galaxy's and the universe during the night. We were also shown elaborate cave paintings throughout the day and travelled to astonishing and secret Indigenous sites, one of which was a water hole, hidden from the harsh temperatures and landscape. During my visit to the water hole, we collectively practiced mindfulness and "living in the moment". On day four, we hiked up the mountain range out the back of the area we were staying and visited some waterholes dotted throughout the mountain range. When we returned to Lilla, we listened to a ranger and a nurse discuss their jobs and then we did a finger painting after the Elder taught us some symbols and how they made ancient weapons. On day five, we packed our bags once again and travelled to Kings Canyon, where we performed a six kilometre hike in and around the canyon. We then visited another sacred indigenous site called the Garden of Eden, where we meditated once again. The geology was astonishing and we were shown the process and age of this canyon being formed by Luke. On that same day, we drove for another two hours toward the majestic Uluru. During this drive, we saw Mount Conner, or commonly known as "Fool-uru", and the great salt flats near Mount Conner. We then finished our drive and set up camp at Ayers Rock Resort which is a short drive from Uluru. Uluru itself was magnificent and unlike anything I've ever seen or ever will see. On day six, we traveled to Kata-Tjuta National Park and hiked through the majestic conglomerate domes that it is made of. The view at one lookout was stunning; a view of most of the domes with a great plain separating us and that. Following this memorable hike, we finally trekked around the base of Uluru, but were unable to finish it in that day. Uluru's full beauty is unlocked at dawn and dusk, where it changes colour and is painted by the radiant sun as it fell behind Kata-Tjuta. On the final day, we were joined by an ranger who was a traditional custodian of the land named James Paul. James described the history and stories associated with Uluru that we're permitted to be told and enunciated the importance of protecting the site and its history. Overall, this incredible opportunity would never have been possible and I feel so privileged and grateful that I was able to be exposed to such an amazing landscape and incredible experiences all thanks to our amazing tour guides: Luke, Cara, Regi and Cez (our chef) with Remote Tours Australia-this wouldn't be possible without them.
Jackson - Visitor
