What is the Indigenous Expedition: 7 Days and where does it take place? The Indigenous Expedition: 7 Days is based in Scotdesco, a remote community in South Australia. Students travel from school to Adelaide by plane or coach and then on to Scotdesco, where they are welcomed by community members on arrival. Over seven days they immerse themselves in the lifestyle, culture and Country of Australia’s traditional landowners through hands-on cultural learning, environmental and agricultural project work, and a day at the beach. It is an Adventures By Camps programme, operating domestically rather than overseas.
What cultural learning and activities are included in the 7-day Indigenous Expedition? 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 bonfire 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 are introduced to 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 they have shaped the community’s agricultural practices. Students also explore the cultural significance of Rock Holes and the stories connected to them, visit the Euria Rock Hole and tour the Scotdesco Rain Harvesting facility, learning about both ancient and modern approaches to water management in this arid landscape.
What wildlife might students encounter during the 7-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. Students also visit Scott’s Beach where they learn to fish along the South Australian coastline.
Is the 7-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. 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 7-Day cost? Included: travel from school to Scotdesco and return, accommodation throughout, 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.
