Indigenous Expedition: 10 Days

This ten day expedition allows you to fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of Australia’s traditional landowners. Try your hand at skills, such as foraging for bush tucker, and making Boomerangs. Spend time exploring the vast and barren landscape of South Australia as you trek through the bush to the stunning coastline of the Great Australian Bight.

  • Location Australia
  • Duration 10 days
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Throughout your expedition, you will learn about the importance of the local landscape and how it has shaped the Scotdesco community and inspired Dreamtime stories. You will have the opportunity to put your classroom knowledge of climate change into practice as you get stuck into vital projects such as planting seedlings in the Saltbush nursery and learning about local agricultural practices.

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A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to, and during, your expedition.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. You can find guidance on all of these on your personal Traveller Gateway once you sign up.

  • Expedition Leader
  • All meals in camp
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • Accommodation
  • Adventure challenge
  • Local Transfers (excluding to and from Australian airports)
  • Project costs and management
  • 24 hour support throughout expedition

This sample itinerary will give you an insight into what you’ll be getting up to. Please note, the exact projects, activities and camps may change closer to the time of your expedition.

Day Activities More details
Day 1 Arrive in Scotdesco Your journey will start at school where you will meet your team and will travel on to Adelaide by plane or coach before making your way to Scotdesco. On arrival at Camp, you will be welcomed by members of the community before having time to settle into your accommodation.
Day 2 Cultural interaction Today you will learn about the land from the traditional landowners. Discover how to identify ‘bush tucker’ as well as ancestral plants that are used for medicine. You’ll be taught how to prepare your bush tucker and you can even do a taste test (if you dare!). You’ll also learn how to make the perfect damper by the local chefs.
Day 3 Agriculture project work After breakfast, you will head off to learn more about ancestorial agricultural practices and take part in projects such as grinding grain for flour and planting seedlings in the Saltbush nursery. You will then be able to put your classroom knowledge about climate change into practice as you learn about the environmental issues specific to this region and how it has impacted the community’s agricultural practices. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to listen to local Dreamtime stories around the campfire and do a spot of stargazing.
Day 4 Whales, caves, and artwork Today you will be visiting the Nullabor Whaling Station to learn the history of whaling in Australia. Throughout May to October, you may be able to spot mothers pass along the Bunda Cliffs with their calves so keep your eyes peeled! Later, you’ll be walking through the Murrawijinie caves, keeping an eye out for the swallows and hawks that nest in this protected area. You’ll also be able to see the Rock Art of the indigenous tribes that used to live there hundreds of years ago. In the evening, you’ll head back to camp where you can play basketball, volleyball and cricket or if you prefer, head inside to the games room!
Day 5 Environmental project work The environmental project work you’ll be getting involved with today will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about Rock Holes and the culture and stories that derive from them. You’ll also get to see the Euria Rock Hole. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Scotdesco Rain Harvesting facility to learn about the ancient and modern need for water to survive.
Days 6 Head to the beach You will have the opportunity to head to the beach today and spend time playing games and exploring the magnificent coastline. There will be a beach BBQ for lunch, and you’ll have the chance to reflect on your week so far before heading back to Camp, where you will pack your kit and prepare for the upcoming trek. There will be a safety briefing in the evening from the team, and they will spend time explaining all you need to know about the adventure you are heading out on.
Day 7 Setting out on your trek After a filling breakfast, you will head out on the first part of your three day trek. You will travel across terrain that is generally flat and undulating, crossing grassy paddocks that will turn into shin-high scrubland. The area is crisscrossed with vehicle tracks, so you will mostly follow these where possible. Towards the end of the day, you will enter and trek through part of the Chadinga National Park. In the evening, you will settle down to enjoy a good night’s sleep under the stars.
Day 8 Trekking along the coastline Today you will follow the coastline, passing secluded bays, eroded cliffs and sand dunes. In the afternoon, you will be able to spend time exploring the rocky pools of Clare Bay. Your local guide will show you how to forage for seafood in the shallow and protected pools and you will try your hand at fishing for the evening’s dinner. In the evening, you will be able to enjoy some downtime relaxing around a campfire (fire regulations permitting) and spend another night sleeping under the stars.
Day 9 Trek back to Camp This morning you will set-off on the final leg of your trek, heading back to Camp. Enjoy the sights and sounds as you walk back through the varied terrain of seascapes and bushland, keeping your eyes peeled for native flora and fauna. Once back at Camp you will have time to relax and enjoy your last evening, reflecting on the things you have seen and learnt over your time in Scotdesco.
Day 10 Depart Scotdesco and return home This morning, you’ll say your final goodbyes to the community before transferring back to the airport in time for your flight home.
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See what life is like on expedition

Check out the photos from our previous travellers for a first-hand view into life on expedition.

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Australian Indigenous Expedition takes you to the Nullarbor National Park
Learn about and try traditional art on our Indigenous Expedition
school_expedition_australia_indigenous_expedition_abandoned_village
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school_expedition_australia_indigenous_expedition_inside_the_caves
school_expedition_australia_indigenous_expedition_kitchen_ladies
Australian Indigenous Expedition takes you to the Nullarbor National Park
Learn about and try traditional art on our Indigenous Expedition

For more of our travellers’ best photos visit our photo competition gallery. See more

Experience the local way of life in our authentic camps

Our camps are the heart of our expeditions. Built and staffed by locals in the traditional style, and located within the heart of communities, they are the perfect place to relax after a day of project work. You’ll get to stay in a number of camps during your expedition, which could include those featured below.

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Scotdesco Aboriginal Community

Set amongst South Australian outback, Scotdesco Aboriginal Community Camp will become your home away from home as you live and working alongside the local community and learn about their unique way of life.

  • Location: Situated on 25,000 acres of property called Tjilkaba (meaning prickle) the camp is approximately 100 kilometres west of Ceduna on the Great Australian Bight.    
  • Accommodation style: Modern accommodation blocks
  • Bed type: Mattresses
  • Toilets: Flushing
  • Showers: Hot, running water
  • Power: Standard Australian mains electricity 
  • Signature dish: Kangaroo tail cooked the traditional way in a fire or locally sourced seafood, such as oysters or scallops
  • Social areas: Outdoor seating area with fire and an indoor dining room
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It was an amazing experience that I will never forget and has truly changed the way that I’ve seen the world. I’ve made some great friends and it makes me want to go out and experience more of the world.

Nathan, Past Traveller 2019

Interested in this expedition?

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