Arcadia Expeditions has released its latest expedition – Indigenous Immersion: The Art of Storytelling, a 15-day air safari travelling to rarely-visited parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The new Indigenous Australia itinerary was revealed first to LATTE by Arcadia Expeditions’ Managing Director, David Mannix, last year.
Led by Professor Jo McDonald, one of Australia’s most distinguished rock art experts and a specialist in Indigenous archaeology, this unique expedition explores the painted landscapes of Australia’s remote north. Staying at the region’s most luxurious camps and lodges, throughout this immersive journey guests spend time with Indigenous custodians, meeting Indigenous guides, elders and artists, hearing their stories and looking at the history and culture of Aboriginal Australia through their eyes.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
Highlights include exploring some of Australia’s most remote locations by private plane, including Groote Eylandt, Arnhem Land and a flight on the Paspaley Pearling’s meticulously restored Mallard flying boat to the Kimberley Coast. A wealth of activities give clients the chance to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture including Indigenous-led bush tucker walks and river cruises.
Insider access to the most unforgettable and thought-provoking local experiences have been curated exclusively by Arcadia for guests. This includes a behind the scenes visit to Darwin’s Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with the museum’s curator. Then, visiting the remote Aboriginal communities of Maningrida and Elcho Island, where clients meet with local artists to learn more about their craft and how rock art and Dreaming stories inspire their work.
Accommodation includes Groote Eylandt Lodge, Bamurru Plains Wildbush Luxury Camp, Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safari Lodge, Cicada Lodge and Kimberley Coastal Camp.
The expedition is ideal for those wanting to learn more about Australia’s rich indigenous culture and traditions, according to Arcadia Expeditions Co-Founder, David Adams.
“Aboriginal Australians remain one of the most misunderstood Indigenous populations in the world. This expedition is aimed at people who are curious to learn about the complexity and spiritual depth of Indigenous Australia and discover more about this remarkable culture,” Adams said.
“The history of Australia is not written in books, it’s painted and etched on rock shelters and caves. With Jo McDonald, one of Australia’s most accomplished rock art experts acting as our Storyteller, and numerous meetings with Indigenous custodians, the rock art we will see and interpret offers us a window into the past and enrich our understanding of the continent and its ancient peoples.”
The 15-day expedition travels exclusively by private aircraft and is available for private departures only with a flexible range of dates available in 2021 and 2022. Prices start from AU$35,000 per person.
For more information, see arcadiaexpeditions.com or call 1300 907 819.
Lead image: Aboriginal rock art, Mount Booradalie