Day 10

Today was our last day to explore the territory. We were up early to watch the sunrise over Uluru it was a stunning sight. 

We then split into two groups to visit Kata Tjuta, one group did the valley of the winds walk and the other walpa gorge. It was a magnificent way to spend the morning.

After this we visited the cultural centre to learn more about the sacred spaces we had visited. It was eye opening and a perfect way to cap off our time in Yulara. 

The afternoon was spent by the pool and then we shared our last meal together. 

Tonight we had our presentation ceremony and our last Salesian goodnight. We were all truly grateful for the experiences, friendships and quiet moments we got to share over the past ten days. 

It has truly been a sensational 10 days. We thank the parents of our wonderful group of young people who sent the four of us away with  a group of kind, intelligent, funny and willing students. 

Thank you also to Steve and wombat our trusty Trec set crew. 

Last of all thank you Australia. You have put on a wonderful show for us. How blessed we feel could never be explained. 

The Northern Territory teaching team

Mr Mackie

Miss Milikan 

Mr Hills 

Miss B  

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
 

Day 9

Today we were off early to visit the rock. We’d seen this marvel of nature from a distance but nothing can quite explain the sheer magnitude of Uluru unless you are standing beneath her. 

We split in to two groups. Some taking a shorter gorge walk and the other doing the whole 11k around the base. We all were simply blown away by the beauty and size of this amazing force of nature. 

Our short walk group then had the opportunity for an hours workshop with Leo and Leroy, two local indigenous men who taught us all about aboriginal weaponry. They even told us a little about Tasmanian aboriginals and some stories from their own personal families. 

The afternoon was spent by the pool and then we were off to view the sunset at Uluru again. We had supper together as the sun went down and enjoyed, again, watching nature take its course. Uluru changed from red, to pink, to purple and grey right before our eyes and we all felt truly blessed to be together in that moment.

Some students were able to meet with some local indigenous women and purchase some paintings to take home. 

After dinner we had our Salesian goodnight atop another lookout and watched the full moon rise. Nature certainly pulled out all the magic for us today.  

One day to go… 

Miss B 

    
    
    
    
   

Day 7 and 8

Back in range again! 

Day 7

Yesterday we did a massive travel from Alice Springs on our way to Yulara (Uluru). 

As you will see by the pics attached, it has been a busy couple of days. Yet another early start saw us visit Anzac Hill in Alice and learn about Australia’s participation in every known conflict, a bonus was a birds eye view over Alice. 

We then charged on to the Western McDonald Ranges, Stanley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. 

After this we had one of the true highlights where a camel decided he didnt want to be ridden and he rolled Mr Mackie and Mitch Clark fair in the dirt. (Day 8 below the pics). 
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Day 8

We started our day with yet another jewel of the territory.  Kings Canyon was a challenging 4 hour trek, the rewards were significant with breathtaking views. 

We have settled into Uluru tonight and pitched our tents for the last time as we are base camping here for the next 3 nights.

We watched the sun set over Uluru and wound down with a Salesian goodnight. 

See you tomorrow followers! 

Mr Mackie and Miss B 

Special Entry

Written by Danica Ellis, Kate Jones Cassandra Richards

The highlights of the Northern Territory trip have definaty been the highlights of my life. We have done everything from bushwalking to being face to face with crocodiles. I think the best thing that i experienced was the reptile presentation by Rex the snake man. For some of us it was a break-through of fears and I think that is what made it so cool. It was also amazing to be able to have a phython snake crawl over your shoulders and learn about the way that  the lizards communicate with eachother in the wild. Another highlight was the Kings Canyon walk, it was challenging but it was definitely worth it as the veiw was spectacular. Another amazing experience was getting the chance to swim in two of the waterfall gorges at litchfield national park. Getting to sit under the waterfalls and in a natural rock pool was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks girls for the blog entry, stay tuned for more.

Day 5 and 6

Sorry for the late blogs all! We have been out of range for a little while now so lots to catch you all up on! 

Day 5

Day five was our first of two travelling days. We took a short walk in the morning at the Katherine Gorge and then set off for Renner Springs. Along the way we stopped at the thermal hot springs and also the iconic Daily Waters pub. That night we settled for a night under the stars at Renner. 

Day 6 

Today was our biggest travelling day yet. We made it to the Alice by 4.30 pm with a couple of short stops along the way. 

We visited the devil’s rocks or Kalur Kalur as it is known by our traditional land owners. 

Many bus games were played and we all got a taste of just how flat and dry the land out here is. 

When we got to the Alice we stocked up on goodies at the local supermarket before settling in to our accomodation for the night. Fair to say this is the most luxurious camp ground yet (the girls were super excited about the bathrooms!)

We got to enjoy a very funny and slightly terrifying reptile show tonight with lots of slimy friends to hold and see. A real highlight for some. 

It’s amazing how tired we all are after travelling 

Short blogs tonight but we are back in range so keep your eye out for more student blogs tomorrow. Snake and reptile photos to come later but for now here are some beauties from the last two days. 

Goodnight all! 

MISS B 

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 

Day 4 Katherine

Today we got up at 5:45am and packed up all the tents and cleaned the eating area at jabiru. We then headed to nitmiluk gorge to stay for one night.
It was a four hour drive and we only had two stops. The bus drive was not too bad, I was sitting next to Coral and sitting behind Jak and Mitchell. It was quite funny beacuse they thought they might have a little rave up at the back of the bus.
The first stop was at a little shop and we basically cleared out the whole shop. The second stop was at the Katherine mall where we all bought food and little souvenirs for home.
We arived and went on a cruise along the Nitmiluk gorge (Katherine Gorge). It was BEAUTIFUL!!! I think the two best things about it were, the amazing views and then getting to swim in the gorge. I’m loving this trip and do not want it to end.
– Haylee Fry

Thanks Haylee for your awesome blog entry. Stay tuned for more student blog entries over the coming days.

Day 3 (late blog)

Yesterday was, in my opinion, the best day yet. Kakadu put on a show for us all day long and we are all feeling truly blessed to be here. 

We kicked off the day with a boat cruise at yellow river. We met our Aboriginal tour guide Ned on the dock and he took us for two hours of simply amazing scenery. We saw croc’s in their natural habitat and many beautiful and thriving bird species. There were also some wild brumbys and cattle and even a snake for good measure. Ned told us lots of stories and information and we were so lucky to have him share with us parts of his culture. It was a truly awe inspiring morning. To cap it off we had bacon and eggs and real coffee! Needless to say, our teacher team was more than a bit excited! 

We then got to visit cooinda and see some traditional art galleries on rock faces, some of which were thousands of years old. It is hard to explain the feeling of a place like that but I walked away feeling calm and just a little bit more connected to this land of ours. 

We then spent the afternoon by the pool and had some much needed R+R. My thongs did a little trip in the pool and then so did I … Thanks a lot Mitch Clark!

We were then able to take a short walk up a giant rock face to watch the sunset. We had a dream time story about the rainbow serpent from a local guide and then watched nature do her best work right before our eyes. It was by far my favourite experience in my short 30 years. 

3 days in we are all a little homesick but our travellers are some of the best, most resilient kids I have ever had the privilege of taking away. 

Kakadu National park you have been amazing. 

Katherine here we come! 

Miss B  

    
    
    
    
    
    
 

Day 2 NT

Hey all! Tonight our daily blog is coming to you from Kakadu national park! 

After setting up base we had an opportunity for some down time and exploring. We were fortunate enough to visit alligator river which boarders Kakadu and Arnhem Land, it was a lovely spot for some quiet reflection about our two cultures existing, literally, side by side. 

We then had some team building games as a whole group which was a much needed change of pace. There was even time for a dip in the camping ground pool! 

Dinner was pasta carbonara and chocolate cake and now, we are all settling in for a big sleep before we head of early for a sunrise cruise. 

Another excellent day in this magnificent Sun-Burnt land of ours. Feeling blessed. 

Goodnight 

. Miss B 
Mitch Clark playing Caveliers 

   
 
The boarder between Kakadu and Arnhem Land  

 
Mr Hills having a snooze (he dribbled) 

 
Fun times! 

    
 

Crocodylus Park Darwin

What is big, green and could kill you in one chomp? 

Crocodiles. 

Miss Brownrigg was in Guzman heaven today as we hit crocodylus park in Darwin where students got to feed and cuddle some crocs! 

Most were blown away by the size and power of these prehistoric creatures and we left with big smiles and lots of gift bags!

Here are some interesting crocodile facts we learned…

1. Croc’s swallow their food whole.

2. When relaxed croc’s can hold their breath for an hour! 

3. Crocs only have small stomaches (the size of a soccer ball) so they don’t eat very much. 

4. Croc’s like to eat fresh meat only

5. To have the strength to drag large prey into the water (person size for instance!) a croc would have to be at least 3m in length. 

We are now bunkered down for the 3hr drive to Kakadu. Don’t forget to check the Dominic Outdoor Education Facebook page for more updates and photos! 

See you later Darwin, it’s been rad!

Miss B

   
J

    
    
 

Day 1

After settling into our comfy tents around 2am this morning our Northern Territory trip has well and truly begun! 

We were up early for an awesome brekky of pancakes and cereal before meeting our bus driver “Bussey” for our first adventure. 

Litchfield Park was an awesome way to spend our first day in the NT. We got to swim in two stunning water holes, one of which had a rather ominous sign about fresh water crocs at the entrance! 

We got to see termite mounds and a bower bird nest and were well and truly smacked about by the sunshine and heat. 

We capped of our day with a cruise on the ‘spirit of Darwin’ where we got to feed some bat fish and enjoy a cool breeze. 

We have just hit home base and are all well and truly tuckered out. 

Off to Kakadu tomorrow for more adventure and a meet and greet with some slithery friends. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update!  

    
 Goodnight!