Wangaratta West Probus Club recently returned from a remarkable trip to Central Australia.
The seven-day trip certainly lived up to their expectations and was well worth it according to Probus members Helen Baker and Lola Clarke, with a jam-packed itinerary dedicated to exploring all the immersive experiences the Northern Territory has to offer.
A Sounds of Silence dinner experience beneath the stars, a taste of Indigenous cuisine at an Australian Native High Tea, and a visit to various tourist attractions, including a spectacular art installation ‘Field of Light’, were just some of the activities to enjoy.
By the end of the first day, they were delighted to discover the desert only became richer when the sun was setting against the backdrop of the sumptuous outback.
“It was spectacular watching the sunset with all the country’s changing colours,” Lola said.
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The second day was dedicated to sight-seeing with a trip to Uluru and Tjuta National Park on the agenda.
With their local Uluru guide onboard, they were driven around the base of Uluru followed by a stroll along Kuniya Walk to see Mutitjulu Waterhole, stopping along the way to observe caves and other features of the walk.
“They were saying Uluru is much like an iceberg – from what you see above ground there is at least twice as much or more below ground,” Lola said.
Later they ventured to their ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner beneath a stunning starry night.
“(It was) all beautifully presented… black tablecloths, white crockery,” she said.
As they returned to their accommodation, they passed through the ‘Field of Light’, an installation by renowned artist Bruce Monroe, which features some 50,000 spindles of light that illuminate and stretch across the desert floor.
Their final day in Uluru opened with a stunning Uluru sunrise over Kata Tjuta before heading off to the Olgas.
“To get into the valley between these huge domes was a rocky, steep incline,” Lola said.
“Some of our group were unable to climb, but watched patiently for the others to return.”
In the early afternoon they were treated to an Australian Native High Tea, a tasty way to conclude activities for the day.
On the menu were sandwiches made with green bread, wattle infused scones and locally made jam, all beautifully presented on three tier plates.
Another evening was spent dining with the ‘Sounds of Silence’.
“It was rather cold in the desert – you needed to wear warm clothing for these events,” Lola said.
A particular highlight of Uluru was a helicopter ride over the countryside taken by Lola and Helen, and they said the views were incredible to witness.
“It was spectacular – the countryside looked different in the air than from ground,” Lola said.
After three well-spent days in Uluru, the group headed off to Curtain Springs enroute to Alice Springs for three nights.
Along the way they visited a massive cattle station for lunch, which Lola said was on a property measuring 40km in length and stretched 100km inland.
In Alice Springs, they visited the Alice Springs Desert Park, where they immersed themselves in the beauty and mystery of Australian wildlife.
They also took a drive to ANZAC Hill which overlooked the city, followed by a trip to Alice Springs School of the Air for a glimpse into education in remote areas, where they observed a lesson.
“One small girl answered a question but then paraded a beautiful new dress she had worn to show the teacher,” Lola said.
Then they headed off to the Telegraph station, where they were taken on a guided tour on how camels were utilised to transport goods.
In the evening they visited the Earth Sanctuary and were treated to good Aussie fare, damper followed by an Indigenous talk about the role of stars in guiding their days and nights.
This trip to Central Australia was just one of many exciting excursions frequently organised at Wangaratta West Probus Club.
"On one of the days we had walked six kilometres – a little too much for an older person at it was quite often challenging terrain," Lola said.
"Just the same it was very interesting trip and well worth doing."
The club is always looking for new members, so if you’re interested in joining up, contact secretary Avril Annett on 0418 857 124 or arthur.avril@bigpond.com.
