Desert Stars Flinders Ranges Yoga Camel Trek South Australia

Saturday 6th - Sunday 14th October 2012 - 9 Days/8 Nights

$2190* single Early Bird! Book by Jun 29 and Save $300; $2490 single thereafter

Greet sunrise with meditation and yoga each day, follow with chai and breakfast before heading off to trek the Australian outback. We depart Beltana Station deep in the heart of outback South Australia under the stewardship of Russell Osbourne, transcontinental cameleer and trekking expert. After an induction into camel handling, trek life, and a good night's sleep at Beltana Homestead, we rise early to begin the day with meditation, yoga and breakfast. Upon loading up, the camel string heads out toward the station's wilderness country. We head toward Lake Torrens, a region of sandy desert dunes. This beautifully rugged land features creek beds on the way lined with huge River Red Gum Trees, forests of Native Pine and Mallee. Rolling hills with wild coloured peaks shoulder wide valleys here and there as magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle circle overhead.

We travel through gorges, some containing water, some dry. This is one of the world's great desert mountain ranges, a region of solitude, with dramatic scenery. We spot wildlife, from Emu, Red and Western Grey Kangaroos to the exotic Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby; echidnas, goannas and other lizard species, along with feral goats and donkey. Sometimes huge flocks of Cockatoos, Galahs and Little Corellas provide an amazing spectacle. Exquisite campsites abound in this wonderland.

Much of the land is almost virgin to European passage. Signs of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners features along the way; there are ancient rock carvings and the remains of old wurleys in some areas. In the trekking region we will be exploring, we are likely to come across evidence of occupation not recorded; this is a part of the camel safari project, to find, record and map such discoveries so we are able to, in time, develop a map of human movement in the region of early inhabitants. Everyone on the safari becomes involved with this process and when discoveries are made, the excitement is palpable. Lithics are explained, grinding stones and food sources revealed.

Russell and his cameleers have a deep and affectionate relationship with each of the camels, a bond of trust and mutual respect is clearly evident. These camels are known as Expedition Safari Camels in the cameleer's world, that being, there is no riding of these camels. The whole concept being camels are pack animals to carry all of the gear, food and water to be able to reach deep into the wilderness regions. To be able to access these wonderfully remote, quiet and very special places, we require everyone is well aware of the safety protocols, which includes no riding (we leave riding of camels to the one hour beach rides, which if you have ridden a camel, one hour is more than enough!). Retreat participants have lots of opportunity to handle the camels during grooming the camels, loading the camels and even shepherding the camels during feeding times. These times with the camels are special. The very nature of these incredible animals is explained by Russell, as together we learn much to develop the relationship with them through respect and understanding. Through this process of bonding we come to realize our relationship with the camels is symbolic of our connection with all creation, an experience heighten by yoga as we walk the earth together. After all, the camel is the symbol of love in India for very special and specific reasons.

As the trek unfolds, we settle into the rhythm of early morning meditation, yoga and breakfast. Together with the cameleers we carefully pack camp and load the camels before trekking on foot through this land, unique even within Australia. We may pause on the way for Billy Tea and then lunch before choosing another beautiful campsite to settle. Daily afternoon yoga sessions further explore the theory, philosophy and practice of yoga to help deepen our understanding and awareness of yoga. Together we later dine around the campfire, talk and laugh and become friends as the camels graze and gaze at the stars. We sleep in swags beneath the Milky Way, or in the unlikely event of rain, pitch tents. All meals are provided on trek with opportunity to participate in and learn camp cooking. Together we experience community and return to civilization with a renewed sense of understanding, possibility and wonder.

What's included:

• Return transfers from Adelaide International Airport to Beltana Station (about 6 hours drive plus rest stops each way)
• Transfers from Beltana Homestead to Camel Safari Base Camp
• Induction in camel handling, camel behavior, safety standards and life on trek, reflecting the professional camel handling experience of our Head Cameleer Russell Osbourne
• Evening welcome dinner prepared together at Beltana Station, getting to know each other as a group
• Eight days/seven nights camel trek in the Flinders Ranges region taking in some of the best wilderness and sand dune camping Beltana Station has to offer
• One night accommodation in the comfy Shearer's Quarters at Beltana Station post trek before we return to Adelaide the following morning
• All meals whilst on safari, predominantly vegetarian camp cooking under the stars; special diets may be catered for with advance notice at the time of booking
• Quality swags for sleeping under the stars
• Clean inner swag sleep sheets and pillows
• Tents in the advent of rain
• Daily yoga, meditation and yoga workshops
• Adventure and exploring on an experience to be treasured
• Farewell dinner and drinks at Beltana Station on the last night of our retreat

Our cameleer's guarantee:

• All safety equipment carried with us at all times
• High quality meals prepared by our specialist cook
• All necessary first aid equipment carried at all times
• Advanced Communications equipment carried at all times
• All camels are experienced trekking camels
• All cameleers are experienced camel trekking guides
• Experienced leadership
• Superior environmental practises employed

What you need to organise independently:

• Airfares are not included in this package, arrive at Adelaide International Airport under your own steam
• Travel Insurance - you should have our own travel insurance and be capable of undertaking the rigours of a trekking retreat in this remote place

What to bring:

• Shade Hat (for day use) and sunscreen
• Two changes of warm clothes and a change of clothes for the evenings
• A warm hat or beanie and raincoat
• Sturdy walking boots
• Personal hygiene needs and personal medications
• Sleeping Bag (zero to -5C is recommended)
• Camera and spare batteries
• A sturdy, reliable torch and batteries (headlamps are great)
• Yoga mat and strap
• Sense of adventure

How do I get there?

• Rendezvous at Adelaide International Airport at 10am Saturday 6th October 2012. This retreat package includes transfers from Adelaide International Airport to Beltana Station, returning to Adelaide International Airport by 7pm Sunday 14th October 2012 (at select times).

Be prepared:

• To walk around 5-10kms each day
• To participate as part of a cohesive group on safari
• To enjoy yourself on this adventure of a lifetime!
• Like most adventure travel activities, it is a requirement that a waiver of liability form is signed by participants before embarking

Remember, all our retreats are about the exploration and learning of yoga, coupled with the fun of an adventure holiday, so if you're a yoga teacher or trainee teacher, we can help you apply for industry association Professional Development Points with a Retreat Journal documenting the learning outcomes of your retreat experience. Ask us how.

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