Australia: Top End Indigenous Immersion

Meet your group at your home airport. Fly together as a group to Australia. Total travel time will depend on your departure location and flight schedule. Be sure to get some rest so you arrive ready for adventure!

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

If your travel to Australia crosses the international dateline, you’ll likely lose this day to travel. Not to worry – you’ll get it back on your return!

Arrive in Sydney International Airport this morning and board your connecting flight to Darwin later this morning. 

Welcome to Darwin! Your local Rustic program leaders will meet you upon arrival and you can expect a warm welcome to the program. Transfer to your accommodation in Darwin and freshen up after your flight. This afternoon’s activity includes visiting the Royal Flying Doctors exhibit on Darwin Wharf or the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT.

Overnight: Cabins, Free Spirit Resort, Darwin

This morning you will travel to the Adelaide River region where you’ll be welcomed by a local Indigenous family. These proud Limilngan-Wulna people will teach you all about their land and culture. You will discover medicinal uses for plants, be taught how to basket weave and even learn how to play the didgeridoo and throw a spear. At the end of the workshop you will be served damper and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on your experience with your hosts. 

Head to Adelaide River to view mysterious and powerful crocodiles in their natural habitat. Enjoy a guided river cruise where you will get up close with these ancient creatures as they leap spectacularly in the air. You will also learn about crocodile biology, territorial habitats and their value to the ecosystem. This will be quite a spectacular sight as the number of wild crocodiles was estimated to be as low as 3000 by the early 1970’s as they were being hunted for the value of their skin. You will then make your way to Daly River for overnight camping.

Overnight: Camping, Daly River

Today you will spend time with a local indigenous family. This immersive experience will give you a chance to learn and understand the local customs and traditions of the Indigenous people of the region. Our time here will not be scripted, there is no schedule or time frames, it is designed to be as organic and natural as possible. Completely immerse yourself into the Indigenous community where you will learn first-hand how to hunt and cook traditionally, and share in the beauty of Aboriginal culture and connection to the country. Visit some rock art sites, spot buffalo in the wetlands, and venture across to the coast.

Support a community project in Woodycupaldiya (Woody), a small community with only about 40 permanent residents where you will support a new community school run by the local church. Help with hands-on workshops and infrastructure projects, while also partnering with teachers and students to gain some insights into teaching and learning in an isolated community. Return to camp each evening for dinner around the fire.

Overnight: Camping, Daly River

Pack up camp and say farewell to our hosts mid-morning. Make your way to Litchfield National Park, an ancient landscape covering 1500 square kilometers, an important area to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat and Warray people. Stop to marvel at huge magnetic termite mounds before heading to amazing waterfalls such as Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole or, depending on time, Sandy Creek Falls (Tjaynera Falls)

Overnight: Camping, Litchfield

This morning you will head out to explore more waterfalls in Litchfield National Park before heading back to Darwin. 

Once we arrive back into Darwin you will have time to freshen up before heading out to Mindil Beach. Explore the beachside stalls in search of outback crafts, souvenirs, and unique top-end delicacies at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Be entertained by the street performers and marvel at the territory sun sinking into the Timor Sea.

Overnight: Cabins, Free Spirit Resort Darwin

Spend the final morning in Darwin, then head to the airport for your return flight to Sydney!  After landing in Sydney, you will transfer to your accommodation in the city. This evening, your program leaders will lead you on an insider’s walking tour of the unique sandstone hills and laneways of The Rocks District and down into Circular Quay. From here, you get an unrivaled view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and explore the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera house up close and personal! 

After a farewell dinner tonight, reflect on your experiences from the program, capture memories and learning moments and discuss ways to apply your learnings to your community back home. Participate in Rustic Ties which is a unique and powerful activity that allows you to share memorable connections and stories with your group members.

Overnight: Youth Hostel, Sydney

This morning will be full of fond farewells as you say goodbye to new friends and prepare for your journey home. We hope you are returning home full of valuable and unforgettable memories and that you had an amazing time in Australia!

Overnight: On the flight.