On 21 June we had the amazing opportunity to travel to Central Australia and the Northern Territory. 39 Year 11 students began the journey in Uluru and travelled up north to Darwin over 11 days. Each night we slept in tents that we put up ourselves. While in Uluru we explored the Indigenous culture as we walked 9km around the entire base of the sacred rock. We were also able to witness water running down Uluru, an experience that is extremely rare as it doesn’t often rain in the Northern Territory.

After our visit to Uluru we drove around four hours to Kings Canyon where we completed a three-hour hike around the Canyon. We enjoyed the incredible sights and beauty of the Canyon, including a visit to The Garden of Eden, which many of us considered the highlight of the whole trip.

Continuing our journey, we drove up to Alice Springs, visiting the Desert Park, Royal Flying Doctors Service, the Alice Springs Women’s Museum and explored the Western MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at Simpsons Gap and Stanley Chasm. With a 4:30am wakeup call we started our 12-hour bus ride to Dunmarra, stopping at the Devils Marbles on the way.

The next morning, we were up and at it again as we drove from Dunmarra to Katherine, where we stopped at the Mataranka Thermal Pools, excited for the hot weather!  Many of us enjoyed relaxing and bathing in the thermal pools before we then set up camp for the night at Nitmiluk National Park.

We were up early in the morning to go on the Gorge Cultural Cruise, where we enjoyed learning about the rich history of Jawoyn Aboriginal culture and looking at the incredible sites along the Gorge. After the cruise we travelled to Kakadu where we spent the night. With another very early morning wake up we embarked on a sunrise Yellow Waters Cruise, where we enjoyed seeing the sunrise and got the opportunity to see lots of wildlife, including crocodiles, many species of birds and giant vibrant water lilies.

Finally, we ended up in Darwin. That night we went to the Mindil Darwin markets for dinner and enjoyed spending our money on various souvenirs, jewellery, bags and clothes. That night we were treated to a hotel room! We were very grateful for the comfortable mattress and air conditioner that unfortunately had not come with our tents.

The next morning after a great shower in our own rooms, we checked out of the hotel and got the opportunity to explore Darwin where we did more shopping and more eating. We embarked on one final cruise on Darwin Harbour, where we were able to relax and enjoy the warm air. Ending our Central Australia trip we went to a shopping mall where we enjoyed even more shopping as well as the opportunity to watch a movie together before we headed to Darwin Airport for our 12:35 am flight back to Melbourne.

This was a trip none of us will ever forget. Many new friendships and memories were made over the 11 days we had together. We are so thankful to Alpine Spirit Coach Lines and to all of the teachers that made this trip possible, Ms Cowan, Ms Carroll, Ms McMullen and Ms Bracciale. A big thanks is also extended to our Level Leader, Ms Dempster, who organised an unforgettable experience for us all and put up with us for so long!

By Madison, Bridgette and Isla
Year 11