SEE AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ABORIGINAL

Tour Details

Operator

JUST CRUISIN 4WD TOURS

Destinations

Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Flinders Ranges, Outback South Australia, Brachina Gorge, Oodnadatta Track, Coober Pedy, Wilpena Pound, Chambers Gorge and Port Augusta, SA

Departs From

Adelaide, Port Augusta, SA and McLaren Vale

Tour Description

JUST CRUISIN'S 13 DAY AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR:
SEE AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ABORIGINAL
OPTIONAL TOURS AVAILABLE TO QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN TERRITORY



DAY 1: Depart Adelaide 8:00AM for Wilpena Pound Resort via Port Pirie, Port Germein and Port Augusta (the cross roads of Australia). At Port Augusta we explore the Flinders Ranges and Outback in Wadlata Outback Centre’s Tunnel of Time. We discover its origins, the Aboriginal Dreaming, European settlement and much more. After lunch we head towards Wilpena Pound via Quorn and Hawker. From Hawker we visit Kanyaka ruins and Death Rock. If you are feeling energetic perhaps we can climb up to see the Yourambulla Caves, where we view Aboriginal rock painting. We spend tonight at Wilpena Resort. arriving approximately 4:30PM.
DAY 2: We spend today exploring the Majestic Flinders Ranges visiting Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge- (This Gorge traces the geological history of the Flinders Ranges for hundreds of million years), to Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel for some Aussie tucker (optional). After lunch we visit Sacred Canyon and Arkaroo Rock, which are major Aboriginal Art sites. Overnight Wilpena Resort.

DAY 3: After breakfast we head to Arkaroola visiting Chambers Gorge before arrriving approximately 11:30 AM. After lunch where we join the exhilarating Ridgetop Tour to the top of Sillers Lookout. The view after the bone jarring 4WD trip is fantastic and makes you think you are on top of the world. We now head to Iga Warta arriving approximately 6:00PM.This evening, after our evening meal, we are welcomed by the Adnyamathanha People. Overnight Iga Warta. (permanent tents with camp stretcher) optional upgrade to twin share bungalow.

DAY 4: We spend today with Adnyamathanha People learning their culture and environment. After breakfast we visit an ochre pit where we learn about the colours, purpose and history of the Ochre pits. After lunch we participate in another tour to the Malkii Painting site where you can immerse yourself in one of the oldest cultures in the world. Learn the interpretation of rock art through Adnyamathanha eyes.We return to Iga Warta for our evening meal before joining our hosts at a traditional campfire listening to Adnyamathanha music and Yura Muda storytelling around the campfire, including supper of traditionally cooked damper and urti jam. Overnight Iga Warta. (permanent tents with camp stretcher) optional upgrade to twin share bungalow.

DAY 5: Today we learn about native plants and their uses for bush tucker and bush medicine, Social history tour (Learn about Adnyamathanha contact history of the area) and Adnyamathanha language information sharing circle after our evening meal. Overnight Iga Warta

DAY 6: After breakfast there is also the opportunity to create your own Tapping Sticks or Wadna 2-3 hours before we head to Marree via Lyndhurst and the Oodnadatta Track. After lunch we head to Lyndhurst via the ochre cliffs of spectacular reds and browns.On the way to Marree we visit Talc Alf and Farina Ruins, first surveyed in 1878. Overnight Marree Hotel.

DAY 7: This morning after breakfast we are met by Reg Dodd, our Aboriginal guide. We drive out to Lake Eyre looking at a few things on the way, i.e. Reg telling people about aboriginal boundaries and land. Lunch at Alberrie Creek or somewhere pleasant, then on to the Lake. we head to William Creek via the Oodnadatta Track. At William Creek: the worlds most isolated pub, you can indulge in a well-deserved Australian beer. The most important claim to fame for William Creek is that it is the smallest town in Australia and that it is located on the worlds largest cattle station (Anna Creek Station) which is 32,500 square kilometres. We can walk along the old Ghan Railway Line to the bridge at Breakfast Time Creek This is a land of contrasts. There’s red gibber plains stretching to the horizon, mound springs (we visit Bubbler Springs and Blanche Cup Springs) which create bush oases and wetlands, red gum lined creeks and vast areas of grey salt bush and spiky spinifex. Remnants of the old Ghan Railway are abundant along the Oodnadatta Track. An optional flight over Lake Eyre North and South is available (own expense). Lake Eyre North which covers 8430 square kilometres, is 144 kilometres long and 77 kilometres wide is by far the larger of the two lakes. The creek like Goyder Channel joins Lake Eyre South to Lake Eyre North, which at its narrowest is only 150 metres wide. At the lakes lowest point it is 15.2 metres below sea level and drains more than one sixth of the continent. Overnight William Creek Hotel.

DAY 8: Today we head to Coober Pedy (arriving approximately 11:30AM) in the heart of South Australia’s vast outback; it is an opal wonderland.After lunch we spend some time visiting mines and interpretive centres which a great insight into the town and its mining operations. There are more than 30 opal shops in Coober Pedy if you like to purchase some opal. The town takes its name from the Aboriginal word Kupa (uninitiated man or white man) and Piti (hole). Overnight underground accommodation. (please note underground rooms may not be available fo entire group as these rooms have limited availability).

DAY 9 & 10: After breakfast we head to Marla visiting Breakaway’s Reserve and Moon Plain en-route. After lunch at Marla we head to Victory Well for our first night under the stars. Set up camp at Victory Well (2 nights) and meet locals.Listen and learn about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and how they fit into the land. This is Ngintaka dreaming the Perentie lizard man, plus many more creation stories that are present at this amazing place. Visit sacred sites around Victory Well. Watch sunset from the top of the hill. Camp fire dinner followed by Inma (ceremony) Fall asleep under the stars.

DAY 11: Pack up camp and head for Mt Woodroffe, the highest mountain in South Australia where we will hear another chapter of the Ngintaka man. Visit Kenmore Park and Ernabella communities along the way. Visit Ernabella art centre. Arrive at Mt Woodroffe and set camp. Visit sacred sites and listen to the Tjukurpa of this land as told by the traditional owner.
Camp fire dinner and one more amazing night under the stars.

DAY 12: Pack up camp and head to Cave Hill, the largest art site in Central Australia, dating back to 22000 years old. Here you will hear the story of the Seven Sisters and Wati Nyrhu. Meet the traditional owner of Cave Hill and listen to his story. Have lunch at Cave Hill and then depart for Uluru. Arrive Ayers Rock Resort approx 4pm in time to see the sunset over Uluru.
DAY 13 : We spend the day Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. This gives us plenty of time to appreciate the Aboriginal culture and environment on a 2-hour tour with an Aboriginal guide.(optional tour) We can also enjoy a walk around the base of Uluru/Ayers Rock (optional tour) . A number of optional tours are available from Yulara. These include: Harley Davidson Tour of Uluru/Ayers Rock, Camel rides to Uluru/Ayers Rock, Helicopter flights over the Rock and Olgas, many more are available. Tonight we have our farewell dinner with the Sounds of Silence dining experience. (Optional tours at own expense)

COST PER PERSON: $6650:00(including GST)

TOUR INCLUDES: Accommodation (twin share) Wilpena Resort, Marree Hotel, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Yulara Resort, Camping Iga Warta, Victory Well, Mount Woodroffe, breakfasts, morning & afternoon teas, Evening meals,entry Wadlata Outback Centre, Ridgetop Tour, Iga Warta tours (ochre pit, Malkii Painting, Yura Muda story telling, bush tucker and bush medicine, Social History and Adnymathanha language information sharing circle), Lake Eyre tour from Marree, Coober Pedy mine tour, Sounds of Silence dining experience (farewell meal day 13 Uluru)

NOT INCLUDED: Lunches, Optional tours & mobile phone calls, domestic flights.

TOUR CONDITIONS: “JUST CRUISIN” reserve the right to alter or modify itinerary if prevailing weather, road conditions or adverse conditions require such change.

BOOKING CONDITIONS: A deposit of 20% is required to confirm your reservation. Balance is payable 21 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATIONS: Must be made 14 days prior to departure or full deposit is forfeited.

DON’T FORGET: Your camera, good walking shoes and hats. Please limit luggage to a small bag, and most of all don’t forget your sense of adventure. It is suggested that appropriate sickness, accident & personal liability insurance be taken out.

CULTURAL NOTES:

RESPECTING RESTRICTIONS:
There may be places that are closed to visitors because of their cultural significance-heed advice if you are asked not to enter an area.
In some places it is culturally inappropriate to swim or fish in waterways, waterholes and/or sea country.
Some places can only be visited by men or women- please respect these protocols where they apply to non indigenous people.
When are in doubt about where you and cannot go it is good practice to ask first.
The possession and consumption of alcoholis restricted in some indigenous communities-these restrictions apply to non indigenous visitors.

RESPECTING PEOPLES PRIVACY:
If you are visiting an Aboriginal community, wail until you are invited to approach homes or groups of people.
Funerals and cultural ceremonies are times of special privacy- use extra sensitivity in communities at these times. Please note we be limited or prevented from entering some areas or communities due to these events.

TALKING TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE:
If you are talking to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander recognise that they may communicate differently to non-indigenous people- English may be a second or third language.
Access to specific cultural knowledge orstories may not be open to everyone - it is best to avoid direct questions about matters that could be sensitive unless invited to do so.
Dress etiquite applies when visiting some indigenous communities - if in dout avoid wearing short skirts, short shorts or other revealing clothing.

TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILMING:
Always ask before filming or taking photographs of a person, a group of people or cultural activities.
Photographing and filming some places and subjects is restrictedfor cultural reasons - please respect the important request from traditional owners.
If you intend to use your photographs in a publication or for other commercial purposes, you will need to seek copyright permission from the people featured in the photo.

TAKING HOME A MOMENTO:
Locally produced Aboriginal art and craftwork make an excellent memory of your visit to a place - if possible choose items designed and made by Aboriginal people. Look and ask for items that have a label of cultural authenticity.
Purchacing items from Aboriginal people through respected outlets helps to create economic support for people in communities where there may be limited employment opportunities.
Please do not remove rocks or other objects from Aboriginal land or waters without permission of traditional owners. Disturbing cultural sites is also prohibited by Australian law.