ALICE SPRINGS MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE

Length of Tour: 4 hours

Tour Dates: Wednesday to Sunday Year Round

Departure Months: Year round 8:00am - 12 noon
1 May to 30 September 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Cost: AUD$110.00 per person (Minimum 4 people)

Pickup Point: Departs from Alice Township

Includes:

• Dot Painted Mountain bikes
• Fully Guided by Aboriginal guide
• Entry fee to Cultural Precinct
• Morning or afternoon tea
• Drinking Water

Highlights Include:

Ride the Cultural landscapes on Mountain Bikes along bike trails around Mpantwe (Alice Springs). From traditional to modern day history, join this experience rich in culture and learn of the significant meanings of this historic and spiritual region.

Overview:

Departing town, travel towards Lhere Mpantwe (Todd river), where we stop at one of the very first sites created by the Ntyarike caterpillars. This Sacred site is a small ridge running east west, it is called Ntyarlkarle Tyaneme. It is the point where the caterpillars crossed the river.

Here, be officially welcomed in Arrernte, the local tribe and language group. Learn of the traditional name for the area of Alice Springs -MPARNTWE literally meaning meeting place.

Learn about the creation time, your introduction of what is to come for the next few hours.

Travelling past the casino and conference centre, learn of the importance of this area, once being ceremonial grounds.

Continuing towards Ntaripe (Heavitree Gap), you are given an explanation into this area of importance for traditional men’s business and the storage place for important objects.

Following the mountain range listen to the creation story of the Alhekulyele -the wild dogs. Most of the west side of Alice Springs is associated with this story. The story revolves around two dogs, a local dog and an intruder.

Travelling onwards we reach The Cultural Precinct. The Cultural Precinct is home to eight of some of the most interesting cultural and historical attractions in Alice Springs. With seven registered Aboriginal sacred sites and trees of significance we venture inside to learn the history of Albert Namatjira and the beginnings of the contemporary art form Papunya Tula. Within this complex we move outside and visit the final resting place of Albert, once an unmarked grave. Albert was also known as the first citizen as he was the first Aboriginal to be given citizenship by the Queen.

Travelling along Larapinta Drive we next visit Alice Springs’ first cemetery, used until 1973. Learn about Alice Springs population explosion in 1929 when the first train arrived.

Hear stories of the cattle industry and the association Aboriginal people had with station owners, who excelled as stockmen. The dedication of these Aboriginal people will amaze with many going to the extent of taking on the names of the station owners.

Next we make our way to the Aboriginal owned and operated, Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre. Witness authentic local art and visit the museum.

Travelling towards The Telegraph station, learn of the sacred areas you are passing along the Todd River. A rock marking the place where the caterpillars from Mt Zeil, 100km to the west in the MacDonnell Ranges visited and camped. This place is known as Atnelkentyarliweke Athirnte.

Visit Choritja, regarded as the real central point of Mparntwe along the river to the Old Telegraph Station. Leaving the tar we head off road until we arrive at our destination.

Learn of the history of the Old Telegraph station, being the first township and communication centre it was an Aboriginal reserve in the 1940's and 50’s and an area of great significance Aboriginal people and their ceremonial grounds.

Here you will gain a real and profound understanding of the government policies of the day – The Aboriginies Act and its implications and ramifications of the first inhabitants and custodians of the region.

Afterwards we travel to the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. Miss Olive Muriel Pink was an extraordinary individual -she contributed to the development of the field of anthropology, campaigned vigorously for the rights of Aboriginal Australians long before it was fashionable to do so, was an accomplished artist, and was the visionary force behind the development of the first Arid Zone Botanic Garden in the southern hemisphere.

Admire the gardens where the batteries will be replenished with morning or afternoon tea before returning to our starting point in Alice Springs.

This half day safari will leave lasting impressions and offers a real insight into the history and culture of Aboriginal people. Learn firsthand the cultural significance of the region and associated stories from someone who knows the land intimately and share his story.

Additional Comments:

Sole charters available
Children over 12 years of age please
A reasonable level of fitness is required

For any enquiries regarding booking this tour, or for more information about what Diverse Travel Australia can offer, please contact us.

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