Imagine a once in a lifetime adventure walking with camels in the spectacular Northern Flinders Ranges
There are so many joys associated with running Park Trek Walking Holidays Australia, a nature-based experience and sustainable adventure company. So, while we love getting great customer feedback, there’s nothing quite like being in the field with our guests enjoying time and space walking in nature.
So, it was with great to recently join our guests on our 9-day walk in the northern Flinders Ranges with our partner Flinders and Beyond Camel Treks, led by the cameleer maestros Ryan and Natalie. This experience on Adnyamathanha country was beautiful, exceptional, unique, and memorable in so many ways.
The Joy of Getting Off Grid and in Nature
From the moment I happily set my out of office to “off grid” and drove our guests northward from Adelaide to Blinman, I felt the burden of day-to-day busy-ness lift. For the next 7 days I would focus on nothing more than reconnecting with nature, and enjoying the companionship of likeminded walkers, our brilliant cameleers and the endearing camels that comprised our 11-camel train.
The joy of all our walks, including this lengthier experience, is the simple but often rare chance to slow down and be in the moment. To be free from day-to-day distractions. To experience a sense of flow that comes from a singular purpose – in this case the simple act of walking through beautiful country, one step at a time.
Being immersed in nature and finding your own time and space is what makes our experiences so special. Our days were punctuated by the distinct periods and lighting of each day; the soft light of morning, stunning colours and contrasts during the day, the soft hues of the last light of day, and capped off by endless galaxies enjoyed each night from our fire and swag.
The Colours and Diversity of the Landscape
The colours and diversity of the landscape was inspiring. So too was the companionship of our likeminded walkers and expert cameleers. As we walked, we enjoyed learning about the geology of this pre-Cambrian landscape, its flora and fauna, the astronomy of our night skies and so much more. Campfire conversations and camp oven creations happily preceded closure of each day.
Our Magnificent Camel Train – I Will Miss You
Finally, the camels. Our train of 11 camels comprised Cracker, Bubbles, Thomas, Alf, Mitta, Taipan, Rollie, Mona, Nari, Victor and Henry. These deft and soft footed animals have a unique charm and charisma. They are well suited to our landscape – and were instrumental to the non-indigenous opening up of Australia’s interior. (In fact, historically camel trains date back at least as early as the 5th century BC where their role as key supply chain enablers evolved.) In our case they were our walking companions, and as predicted it was hard to say goodbye at the end.
This was a wonderful experience, and it makes me proud to be involved in helping to curate such amazing adventures with our friends from Flinders and Beyond Camel Treks. Experiences that can provide anyone with precious time and space to be in the moment. To slow down, to observe, to learn and to think. This is the simple and rewarding joy associated with our experiences.
Contact our Team for More Details
If this sounds like something you or a group of friends might relish, call or email us on 03 9997 0500 or info@parktrek.com.au or view all our experiences at: www.www.parktrek.com.au.
Thanks for reading and I hope you get to enjoy soon the simple and enduring pleasure that comes from time and space in nature, in whatever form.
Park Trek acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, skies and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.