Western Desert Art 4WD Explorer

  • Dates

    14 Sept 2026
    14 Sept 2026
  • Trip Type Indigenous & Culture
  • Twin Share Maximum of two adults
    $ 4,490
  • Single $ 4,990
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John Stafford

John Stafford

Growing up in rural NSW, surrounded by cattle and sheep stations, I have a passion for this land, its people and stories, its rich culture, and how this culture is strongly intertwined in the landscape. My aim is to take you on a journey of discovery and share the connection between culture and country, to leave you with an understanding of this special place that I am fortunate enough to call home.

Duration

6 Days

Group Size

8 People

Activity Level

Moderate

About This Tour

Join us on an exclusive six-day art expedition to the remote outback of Australia. Explore and camp in the Finke River system, which is 400–450 million years old and arguably the world’s oldest. Visit Tjanpi Desert Weavers, iconic Simpson Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge. The highlight is a visit to Papunya, the home of modern-day Central Australian Aboriginal Art, and the exploration of several other art galleries in the western desert of the Northern Territory. The area holds a rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking scenes that inspired watercolour artist Albert Namatjira to paint from his home base of Hermannsburg.

Aboriginal Art & Culture

You will visit several remote art galleries in the western desert of the NT Outback. Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Many Hands Gallery and the Tangentyere artists just to name a few. Discover Papunya, home of modern day central Australian aboriginal art. You will also visit the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct where the Lutherans set up a mission in 1877. You will be guided through the site by a Traditional Owner of the area. A mission that operated for 150 years, a people that owned this country for millennia, foreign colonists under resourced and struggling in the harsh Australian outback, a history of frontier violence and sanctuary, years of drought and illness and heartbreak, enduring friendships and a community that continues to grow and evolve in response to the changes in the world around them; there are many stories to be told about Hermannsburg, some you will experience on this visit.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a town tour of Alice Springs and visit the most famous art galleries
  • Discover the rich western desert art and rock formations while touring in style in a luxurious 4WD
  • Visit iconic Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm & Ormiston Gorge
  • Visit Papunya, the home of modern day Central Australian Aboriginal Art & Ikuntji
  • Visit Roma Gorge, one of the best examples of petroglyphs in Central Australia
  • Explore Tnorala (Gosse's Bluff), a 140 million years old comet crater
  • Visit Glen Helen Gorge and enjoy a refreshing swim
  • Discover Palm Valley and and see these ancient relics left over from a much wetter time
  • Visit the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct and learn more about the home of famous artist Albert Namatjira
  • Travel in comfort onboard Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD vehicles with Camp trailer and kitchen
  • Alice Springs Accommodation at the Mercure Hotel (2 nights)
  • Local accredited guides
  • Parks NT entry and camping fees
  • Entry and Aboriginal guided tour of Hermannsburg
  • All meals and non-alcoholic drinks with the exception of the dinners at Alice Springs
  • All camping equipment, using ARB Dome Swags
  • Your luxury travel vehicle is kitted out with all necessary safety and recovery equipment, a comprehensive first aid kit as well as a satellite phone to ensure we are always in contact with the outside world if required.

Itinerary

Day 1

Alice Springs

Arrival day in Alice Springs. In the afternoon enjoy a town tour visiting Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Many Hands Gallery and the Tangentyere Artists. In the evening spend time getting to know your fellow travellers and guide at a local restaurant, Alice Springs.

Day 2

Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm & Ormiston Gorge

Day 3

Arts trails of the Western Desert

Day 4

Tnorala to Rodna

Day 5

Hermannsburg & Palm Valley

Day 6

Alice Springs

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