5 Day Arts Tour Itinerary

Central Australian Aboriginal Arts and Culture Tour
5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1 – Depart Alice Springs

A 6.00am collection from your Motel and your experience into the inspirational raw world of Aboriginal Art and Culture begins.

We travel west of Alice via the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges for approx 1.5 hours until we arrive at the historical Glen Helen Resort at the base of the Yeperenye Hills on the banks of the Finke River. Enjoy a rest break, a coffee, a stroll to the tranquil Glen Helen Gorge, a short helicopter flight over this rugged interior (own expense) or simply peruse the broad collection of Ngurratjuta art and the history of the great Albert Namatjira.

After our break, it’s time to hit the dirt and venture where few travellers have the opportunity to go. Not only is there some stunning scenery and wildlife, but some tough miles on raw outback tracks as we visit the two communities of Haasts Bluff and Papunya. The variation of art within the two communities is incredibly diverse with this small region famous for producing many of the finest artists in the Aboriginal art world.

Papunya is not only famous for its artists but also its musical talents. The Walpiri Band hails from Papunya and is arguably the most famous Aboriginal recording band alongside Yothu Yindi. Papunya was also the famous setting for the recording of the chart topping Midnight Oil album, Diesel and Dust. In that memorable track, ‘Beds are Burning’ is the reflection of the iconic Uluru being handed back to the traditional owners in the mid 1980’s. The Sound Studio is a legacy and is still used today by budding musicians of the area.

At some stage along our journey we will select our campsite for the night. Your first experience into the true solitude of the outback, a glorious dinner cooked over the campfire, the southern night sky with stars you simply won’t believe and a few stories typical of the stockman’s life.

Day 2 (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Up with the birds and a hearty breakfast, we pack and break camp with a busy schedule ahead. A one hour drive will take us to the Areyonga Community nestled within the Krichauff and Razorback Ranges. You will find it difficult to comprehend that the scenery just keeps getting better and better, yet it does.

Areyonga lies on the western limit of the traditional tribal lands of the Western Arrente and north to the limit of the Pitjantjatjara land. The people of Areyonga are of the Pitjantjatjara tribal group with a few Arrente and Walpiri who have joined the community through marriage.

After lunch we will journey approximately one hour to the oldest Lutheran based Aboriginal Community in Australia – Hermannsburg. The history and art from this region is over powering. We will take time to view the old Historical Precinct, the Namatjira Family Gallery, the famous Hermannsburg potters, the ladies workshop and some of the finest silk art you can witness.

Late in the afternoon we will travel east and into the gorgeous Owen Springs Conservation Park. This is the first and only central Northern Territory property that was acquired by the famous late Sir Sidney Kidman, once the world’s largest landowner outside of monarchy and Governments.

Spend another sensational night under the stars with a spectacular campfire meal. You wouldn’t believe you could cook so much variety in a camp oven!

Day 3 (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After another hearty breakfast, the sequence of the previous mornings is repeated. We journey through Owen Springs, steeped in beauty and history. The track we follow is very close to the line of the famous explorer John McDouall Stuart and the overland telegraph line that followed.

The Hugh River in the Lawrence Gorge supplies a wonderful array of dramatic scenery.

Approximately mid morning we will arrive at the Titjikala Community south of Alice Springs, the land of the Southern Arrente clan.

After lunch we will travel up the old south road to the property of Robert, Mary and Craig Le Rosignol known as Oak Valley Aboriginal Community. The Aboriginal cultural experience and interaction will leave you speechless. Craig and Rob are very talented artists in their own right and have their own gallery of art and artifacts on the property. 

Tonight we will camp at the Community with Craig and his family as our hosts. Apart from our normal succulent meal there could be some traditional surprises to entice those with a liking for exotic game cuisine.

Shower and toilet facilities available on site.

Day 4 (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breaking camp we travel the famous Hugh River Stock Route adjacent to the Ghan railway line. The contrast of scenery will amaze. We meet the Stuart Highway and the realisation that there are actually sealed roads in the centre of Australia.

At Erldunda we head west for approx 30 minutes until we arrive at Mt. Ebenezer nestled at the base of the Basedow Range. Mt. Ebenezer is the art centre for the Imanpa Community – a cultural mix of Pitjantjatjara, Yakantjatjarra and Luritja dialects. The art is as diverse as it is interesting. Much of the art completed and being done is prepared by the young women and girls of the Community.

Once concluded it’s off along the Lassetter Highway to our next stop, Curtin Springs Cattle Station homestead. A rest break, coffee and a laugh or two for those with a sense of humour followed by a one hour drive to the famous Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park.

Upon arrival at the Park we stop at the Cultural Centre with plenty of time to view the art and artifact facilities within the Cultural Centre whilst a BBQ lunch is prepared.

After lunch an extremely privileged opportunity will present itself with a visit to the Maruku Art Warehouse. Very few people have access to this facility which contains the single largest collection of Anangu art on display.

From Maruku (time dependant) we will undertake a small cultural walk, either the Mala or Mutitjulu walk at Uluru prior to retiring to a secluded location to observe the famous sunset on Uluru. Sipping a sparkling wine and simply contemplating the awe of our surrounds removes one to another time.

For the truly converted it’s off to our campsite for our last special evening meal and night under the Southern Cross.

Day 5 (Breakfast & Lunch)

No visit to Uluru is complete without the powerful and awe inspiring base walk. Rising before sunrise, we travel to Uluru as the rays of the new day penetrate the eastern horizon. The walk of approx 2.5 hours with the sun rising, bringing together the stories of the Alcheringa (Creation time) and Tjukurpa (Laws and Creation), is a soul fulfilling experience.

After your walk, another hearty breakfast will greet you. Time to consider the wonderful experiences of the past week and the friendships created. Without doubt, a mind blowing six day experience of one of the simplest but most beautiful cultures and locations on the planet.

For those leaving us in Uluru, we will take you to your chosen accommodation or the airport. For those finishing their tour in Alice Springs, we return to Alice after lunch for drop off at your desired location.

And as the locals would say “Palya”.

Itinerary may change due to cultural reasons, seasonal changes, operational logistics and accessibility.