This trip is for anyone who wants to spend time getting to know Central Australia! We generally have lots of solo women travellers and couples. We spend more time at each location than most tour companies, and get to meet a lot of local Aboriginal people. 

We welcome experienced artists and total beginners. In fact, most people who travel with The Artist Expedition Society are totally new to making art! 

You will need to have the ability to walk 8km over slightly uneven ground. These trips are for adults 18 years+. 

Throughout this trip your artist-guide will teach your painting techniques and point out flora, fauna, and some important features of the landscape. 

As your small group of 6-12 like minded artists settle into sandy riverbeds, and rocky look out spots, your artist-guide will teach you some of the basics of painting with watercolour, and give you easy to follow exercises to improve your painting style. 

You don’t have to join the painting workshops, and can choose to free paint at any time. You will be given time to paint on your own. 

The class is suitable for beginners, and people with painting experience. All painting materials are provided, and you’ll be sure to make connections with like minded travellers. 

Day 1 – I will pick you up from your hostel/hotel and take you to some of the art galleries in Alice Springs. We will head west into a desert mountain range, Tjoritja (aka the West MacDonnell Ranges) national park, and camp out in a bush camp. 

Day 2 – Today we hike 8km around the spectacular Ormiston Pound, taking breaks to paint along the way. When we’ve finished our hike, we will check out the Ochre Pits, a place where ochre pigment has naturally formed. Tonight, you’ll have an introduction to astronomy. 

Day 3 – We will watch the sunrise over Tnorla (Gosses Bluff) commit crater, and travel to Ntaria (Hermansburg), which was the home of famous Aboriginal Australian artist Albert Namatjira. 

Day 4 – Lets head deeper into the bush! A bumpy drive will take us to Watarrka (Kings Canyon) on Luritja Country, where we will do a 6km hike.

Day 5 – Today we will road trip to Uluru, passing red sand dunes and significant cultural landmarks. 

Day 6 – Relax, reflect, and respect. Today is all about exploring Anangu culture and Uluru. Prepare for a 9km hike around the base of The Rock.

Day 7 – Today we will see Kata Tjuta and road trip back to Alice Springs.

– 3 litres of water. You’ll need to carry this much water on your hikes. 

– a backpack for day walks

– Good shoes for hiking

– layers of warm clothes

– sunscreen and a sun hat

– cash and or card to buy Aboriginal art and barista coffee

– a warm sleeping bag and pillow to go inside your swag