The more I see in Central Australia, the more I’d like to see. Next September I’m planning to go back again, and I invite you to join me. In partnership with Alice Springs Expeditions, and timed to coincide with the colour and excitement of ‘Desert Mob’, I’ve designed a six day itinerary to inspire and delight with the most beautiful landscape and art experiences in and around Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

This is my friend Zoe, taking in the majesty of the Finke Gorge when we arrived at my favourite spot on Elllery Creek to set up camp last September. A few hours later she was relaxing fireside and still asking was it really true that John (our guide) was cooking dinner for us? She wasn’t asking how John (her husband) was managing at home with their four kids, because there is no mobile reception at our campsite and therefore all our phones were silent. Bliss. A few hours later she was stretched out in her swag wondering at the Milky Way (and possibly also how she was going to fit her original art purchases from Desert Mob into her hand luggage on the flight home)

Many hours later, this is the view of Zoe's swag. She didn't emerge for some time because she had the most blissful night's sleep. And there was no hurry, because after breakfast and damper that morning we took a leisurely hike into an adjacent gorge just off to the left of this photo.  

A few hours later, here is Zoe contemplating the red rock and ghost gums in our hidden gorge. Zoe didn't take photos on this trip, I think she thought the scenery was so stunning and unforgettable that she felt she could entrust it all to her memory. However we did have a keen photographer, painter and philosopher in our group on this trip and we all found time to spend on our projects that afternoon, while Zoe took a bit of a nap to make sure those moments were backed up on her memory cloud.

Here is Zoe at Simpson’s Gap. We didn’t see rock wallabies on this visit but I'm pretty sure they were watching us! The itinerary for next September’s Accompanied Adventure has been road tested by Zoe and friends, and designed to make the most of six days in this beautiful region including fascinating and colourful art, landscape, culture, adventure, relaxation and good company. It’s the type of trip that would be difficult to achieve on your own - but wonderful to experience in a small group supported by a local expert..  

If you would like to have a look at the itinerary, please click here - or contact me for further details. Even if you are unable to join in on this trip, I would be happy to share my knowledge and recommendations if you feel you would like to visit another time. 

Thank you