What is the Indigenous Expedition: 10 Days and where does it take place? The Indigenous Expedition is a 10-day programme based in Scotdesco, a remote community in South Australia. Students travel from school to Adelaide and then on to Scotdesco, where they are welcomed by community members on arrival. Over ten days they fully immerse themselves in the lifestyle, culture and Country of Australia’s traditional landowners, combining hands-on cultural learning with environmental project work and a coastal trek through Chadinga National Park and along the Great Australian Bight coastline.
What cultural learning and activities are included in the 10-day Indigenous Expedition? Cultural learning is woven throughout the programme. Students learn directly from traditional landowners how to identify bush tucker and ancestral medicinal plants, prepare and taste bush tucker, and make damper with local chefs. Evenings include listening to Dreamtime stories around the campfire and stargazing. Students also visit the Nullarbor Whaling Station to learn the history of whaling, walk through the Murrawijinie caves to see nesting swallows and hawks, and view rock art created by indigenous tribes who lived in the region hundreds of years ago. All cultural experiences are led by community members and conducted with deep respect for the traditions of the Scotdesco community.
What environmental and agricultural project work is included? Students take part in ancestral agricultural practices including grinding grain for flour and planting seedlings in the Scotdesco Saltbush nursery, connecting their classroom knowledge of climate change to the specific environmental challenges facing the region and how those challenges have shaped the community’s agricultural practices. Students also learn about Rock Holes, their cultural significance and the stories connected to them, visit the Euria Rock Hole and tour the Scotdesco Rain Harvesting facility to understand both ancient and modern approaches to water management in this arid landscape.
What is the coastal trek and how challenging is it? The coastal trek is a multi-day trek preceded by a safety briefing from the team. The route crosses generally flat and undulating terrain through grassy paddocks that give way to shin-high scrubland, following vehicle tracks where possible before entering Chadinga National Park. The trek then follows the coastline past secluded bays, eroded cliffs and sand dunes, with time at Clare Bay to explore rocky pools, forage for seafood with a local guide and fish for the evening’s dinner. Nights during the trek are spent sleeping under the stars. The trek is manageable for students with a reasonable level of general fitness and is supported throughout by experienced staff and local guides.
What wildlife might students encounter during the 10-day Indigenous Expedition? Between May and October students may spot Southern Right Whale mothers and calves passing along the Bunda Cliffs near the Nullarbor. The Murrawijinie caves are home to nesting swallows and hawks. During the coastal trek students explore the rocky pools of Clare Bay with a local guide, and native flora and fauna are a constant presence throughout the trek.
Is the 10-day Indigenous Expedition safe for school students? Yes. The programme is fully supported by Camps International’s experienced teams working in close partnership with the Scotdesco community. A thorough safety briefing is given by the team before the trek departs. Comprehensive risk management procedures are in place throughout and 24/7 emergency support is maintained. The expedition operates in compliance with all relevant protocols for working respectfully with Aboriginal communities in South Australia.
What is included and excluded in the Indigenous Expedition 10-Day cost? Included: travel from school to Scotdesco and return, accommodation throughout including nights under the stars during the coastal trek, all meals including a beach BBQ, all activity and programme costs, leadership and staff costs and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money. As a domestic programme, international flights and visas do not apply.
