Indigenous Expedition: 7 Days

This indigenous expedition is designed to give you insight into Australia’s traditional landowners’ rich history and culture. Live and work alongside the locals and learn about their unique way of life and some of the environmental issues they face.

  • Location Australia
  • Duration 1 week
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Not only will you be learning more about the indigenous history of Australia, but you’ll also be getting involved in traditional projects and working closely with the local community. After taking part in cultural activities such as collecting ‘Bush Tucker’ and making boomerangs, your evenings will be spent listening to local stories under the stars and getting stuck into all sorts of different games and sports.

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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
  • 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 You will meet your team at your school 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 settling into your accommodation.
Day 2 Cultural interaction Today you will have the chance to learn about the land from the traditional landowners. Discover how to identify ‘bush tucker’ as well as ancestral plants that they used for medicine. You’ll be taught how to prepare your bush tucker and 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 bonfire and do a spot of stargazing.
Day 4 Whales, caves, and artwork Today you will be travelling to 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 get to spend your last day enjoying the seaside at Scott’s beach where you will learn to fish and play beach games. For lunch, there will be a beach BBQ and you’ll have the chance to reflect on your week and bond as a team before you return to camp for the last time.
Day 7 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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Keep a look out for Whales on this Indigenous Expedition between May and October.
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Keep a look out for Whales on this Indigenous Expedition between May and October.

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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Great experiences, enthusiastic staff and a real passion for making a difference to communities. Students on expeditions have gained the confidence to widen their horizons.

Caroline, travelling teacher 2019

Our local camp legends

Our camps are staffed by members of the community who will make you feel like a local in no time. These legends will make your expedition spectacular and will show you the very best of their home country.

Meet our Crew

Interested in this expedition?

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