Rover Scouts' outback cultural connection

Endless vistas, sacred spaces, and about 8000km travelled – a road trip to the Red Centre was the adventure of a lifetime for a group of Forest Rover Scouts.

Aidan Brisebois received a $10,000 Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund grant to help fund the 17-day roundtrip. He was joined in his travels by nine of his friends for the “truly once in a lifetime experience”.

Find out more about the Leadership Through Adventure Fund

“The vastness of the outback is truly something to behold, and when you do come across that solitary destination every so often, it makes it all the more special,” he said.

“Despite the days on end driving, I surprised myself by not once getting bored in the car, as we had far too much to be excited about undertaking this adventure. Every single attraction we visited I’m so glad we did, and I absolutely loved learning about the desert ecosystems we encountered and also the rich, Aboriginal connection to the land.”

One of the most meaningful parts of their trip was a visit to Kata Tjuta, where a walk along a small stream in Walpa Gorge took them between two of the giant rock formations. But it was the Valley of the Winds walk that made the biggest impression on the group.

The Valley of the Winds is a culturally sensitive men’s area, where photography is not permitted to ensure the continuation on Anangu cultural beliefs and protection of spirituality.

“The walk left an unforgettable impression on all of us with its staggering beauty,” Aidan said. “The valley floor was lush and surrounded by towering rock, the sunlight creating a rich, red, reflective glow in the shadows. The view at the midpoint of the walk looking out onto the distant smaller formations was also a sight to behold.

“For the rest of the walk, we reflected on the place and its part in First Nations culture. As the sun sunk lower in the sky, we drove to the sunset viewing area and invested new members Henry and Mikaela in the golden hour.”

No trip to Central Australia is complete without a visit to Uluru, and with the group undertaking their adventure in late May, they ensured the weather would be cool enough to complete the full 11km base walk. Each section of the walk is a different experience, with some green and lush, while others are open and vast.

“We saw many cave paintings and read numerous Dreamtime stories explaining how the rock came to be, what its unique shapes represent and the lessons we should learn from them,” Aidan said. “There were also a number of sacred sites around the base where photography was again prohibited. These sites were exclusive men’s or women’s areas with their own special rituals.

“We also visited the national park’s Cultural Centre, which contained a wealth of information about Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the surrounding land. That night we also hopped on the bus to the Field of Light art installation. We were told its story and left to wander through the winding paths through the colourful baubles. We almost missed the bus home but made it just in time!”

Other highlights from the trip included a visit to Kings Canyon, where the group experienced their own Priscilla, Queen of the Desert moment; driving through vast cattle stations where livestock roamed freely throughout the land, including on the main road; visiting an underground opal museum at Coober Pedy; walking Lake Hart, the large salt lake in the RAAF Woomera Range Complex; and visiting an icon of Aussie rock – the Diesel and Dust house famous from the Midnight Oil album cover.

Another of the epic hikes Aidan his friends took on was at St Mary Peak Hike – the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges. The hike is rated as a “Grade 4, Hard Hike” and is closed in summer and wet weather.

“Nevertheless, we braved the walk (climb!) and even lent a hand to another couple in a trick climbing section – one of them was scared of heights!” Aidan said. “We were all puffed by the time we reached Tanderra Saddle but had plenty of leftovers for lunch along with a heap of snacks. The final ascent to St Mary Peak is advised against, once again due to cultural reasons, as it is a sacred place to the Adnyamathanha people.

“We didn’t feel the need to complain one bit, however, as the views into Wilpena Pound and outwards towards the horizon were amazing from the Saddle, not to mention the view up to the peak itself. Instead of returning the way we came, we opted to continue down the track inside the Pound for a long, relaxing walk back via the historic Hill’s Homestead.”

The trip wrapped up with a visit to the Parkes Radio Telescope (“The Dish”) with a stop at Nyngan to see the Big Bogan.

Aidan said it was incredible to experience the journey with his friends – Ryan, Mikaela, Lachy, Jasper, Freya, Henry, Aaron, Lochie and Kacie – even if they were not all able to commit to the entire trip.

“Without the support of the Leadership Through Adventure Fund, the trip absolutely wouldn’t have been feasible at $2000 per person,” he said.

“None of us were about to spend that much, especially when the majority goes to fuel rather than experiences. About $5700 of the $10,000 went to fuel, with roughly $3000 put into accommodation (campsites, cabins etc) and the rest was used for food, activities, park passes, and equipment.

“Personally, the stand-out attractions on the trip were the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the St Mary hike we did at Wilpena Pound. The natural beauty of these locations is legitimately staggering. It’s immediately obvious when you’re there why the places are traditionally considered sacred, and I absolutely agree that they always will be. On top of all else, I’m immensely grateful to have been able to share these experiences with my friends.”