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Join us for this fascinating conference and tour in the Australian Red Centre. Soak up the vast and spectacular vistas, look down vertiginously sheer cliffs and view with wonder the magic of Uluru and the Olgas. Absorb the dreamtime stories, the myths and power of the land as described by the local Anangu people. The Unconventional Conventions’ touring program includes the traditional highlights as well as some special and exclusive experiences.  

The conference and clinical visits will focus on indigenous and rural health, renal and other chronic health disorders, as they apply to a broad range of health professionals.

Pre Conference Tour

Extend your experience before joining the main conference group - join the optional pre conference tour.

Day 1

Arrive in Alice Spring from the pre-tour on the Ghan or make your own way to the Chifley Hotel.

This afternoon gain an insight into Alice’s European beginnings, with a visit to the old Telegraph Station, which used to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide.  Then call in at the School of the Air, the world’s first to use two-way radio broadcasts to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. It now uses satellite technology and has 122 enrolments over an area of 1.3 million square kilometres.

This afternoon, join a fascinating tour at Earth Sanctuary, which is a model of sustainable technology and practices designed to minimise the impact of humans on the fragile environment of Central Australia.

Later, join Tom and Danny Falzon, local paramedics and founders of Earth Sanctuary, around a campfire with the remote and isolated East McDonnell ranges as a backdrop. Listen to their yarns, enjoy a bush dinner and have a good old Aussie sing-a-long.

Accommodation: Chifley Hotel, Alice Springs

Day 2

This morning the conference begins at the hotel.

This afternoon begins with a visit to The Purple House, a remarkable renal dialysis unit funded by Pintupi Luritja people from the Western Desert. Local women artists painted collaborative works which were auctioned, raising over $1 million to set up the first centre in Kinore.  Meet staff of the Purple House GP clinic.  Learn about the Wellbeing Social Enterprise where patients work together to collect plants to make up bush balms which they share with each other to help cope with the sadness they experience in being separated from their country and family.

Late this afternoon immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of the Australian desert at Desert Park. Wander through the ancient red landscape. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna. Be inspired by the culture of the Arrernte people. Have a close encounter with dingoes and then enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the spectacular East McDonnell Ranges.

Accommodation: Chifley Hotel, Alice Springs

Day 3

Morning conference – including presentation by one of the doctors from The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

This afternoon, travel by coach through the vast open spaces of the outback to arrive at the yawning chasm of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, one of the most spectacular sights in Central Australia.

Enjoy dinner at the resort.

Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort

Day 4

It will be worth an early start to do the Kings Canyon Rim walk to appreciate the spectacular views looking out and over the white and red sandstone cliffs of the canyon, or vertiginously down the sheer cliffs dropping 270 metres below you. Descend to the Garden of Eden, a lush pocket of ferns and prehistoric cycads around a tranquil pool. The next section of the trail winds through a swarm of giant beehive domes: weathered sandstone outcrops, which to the Luritja represent the men of the Kuniya Dreaming. For the less adventurous, we recommend a leisurely stroll along the rocky creek bed at the base of the canyon to a raised platform with views of the towering canyon rim.

Then we are on our way to Uluru stopping at Curtin Springs Station for lunch en route. Curtin Springs has been home to the Severin family since 1956, when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle. Now with 4,000 cows, the family balances beef production with caring for the land to which end they have left a 1 million acre wildlife corridor.

Arrive to in time to watch the magic of sunset over Uluru.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Day 5

Morning visit to Mutitjulu Health Clinic.

Early afternoon conference session.

This evening enjoy a really special experience – internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Lights art installation.

Feel the inspiring magnitude of the vast night sky, the overwhelming presence of the majestic rock. As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, field of light illuminates. As far as the eye can see gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert.

The Field of Light art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, has come ‘home’ to the place that inspired it – Uluru. More than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres bloom as darkness falls over Australia’s spiritual heartland.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Day 6

Head out to our special viewing area before dawn and enjoy the tranquillity of the stunning landscape. There can only be a feeling of awe as the sun rises over Uluru, and the terracotta-coloured rock is bathed in flaming red. Enjoy breakfast before you depart with a member of the local Anangu people on the Mala walk, through one of the most important habitation areas for Aboriginal people. Then continue to Kantju Gorge and finally we go to the Mutitjulu Walk where you will be able to admire the landscape, Aboriginal rock paintings and hear traditional stories relating to Uluru.

We will also visit the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Late this afternoon, visit the Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The 36 domes of ancient rock formations soar hundreds of metres into the desert sky, surrounded by the

Red Centre’s unique wildlife and spirit of the Anangu people’s Tjukurpa. Walk the trail through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed and hear how the landscape has evolved over millions of years and of its importance in Aboriginal spiritual life.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Day 7

Morning Conference.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy some of the many wonderful activities available through the resort such as scenic flights by fixed wing planes and helicopters, motorbike rides, and local walks.

Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Day 8

Transfer to the airport for departure flights from Uluru to return home or join post conference 4WD tour of the top end.

SPACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED:

PRE TOUR: 35 PEOPLE

MAIN CONFERENCE: 60 PEOPLE

POST TOUR: 30 PEOPLE

Post Conference Tour

Continue your experience before returning to Australia - join the optional post conference tour.



End of arrangements. Please note this program may be subject to change

Dr Gary Kilov (1:42)
Dr Asha Nair (1:31)
Dr Ralph Audehm (1:11)