Leadership Through Adventure Fund 

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 and nine other Forest Rover Scouts, NSW received a $10,000 Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund grant to help fund their 17-day roundtrip to the Northern Territory and had a “truly once in a lifetime experience” earlier this year.

“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 as a crew 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.” said Aidan

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!” – Click button on left for stories.

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!). We were all puffed by the time we reached Tanderra Saddle, but 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.

Despite the days on end driving, Aidan mentioned “not once, he felt bored in the car”. The Patrol was thrilled and excited undertaking this adventure and loved learning about the desert ecosystems they have encountered and the rich Aboriginal connection to the land.

Aidan’s personal highlight would have to be the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the St Mary hike 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 everything else, the Patrol were immensely grateful to have been able to share these experiences with one another. Thank you for the support from the Dick and Pip Smith –  Leadership Through Adventure Fund for funding most of the trip expenses and made this experience possible.

Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) was launched in July 2022 by Dick Smith to provide grants to youth members or project patrols to undertake activity skills and leadership training, adventurous journeys and expeditions.

If you are planning your adventure for next year and you would like to find out more how LTAF can assist financially to the adventure, download the LTAF Application Form and email LTAF@scouts.com.au.

More photos from Forest Rover Scouts roundtrip below