blueBanksia

Larapinta Creative Camps take you out into the heart of our country to explore your connection with the land and expand your creative horizon.

We cater for creative people at all levels, from novice to professional and offer a small group, camping experience especially designed for those who love to work ‘au plein air’.

With more than 10 years experience in the field we provide everything needed to ensure your safety, comfort, confidence and inspiration in some of Australia’s most beautiful and remote locations.

The creative opportunities are endless: drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, printmaking, plant based dyeing, sculpture, installation and writing are catered for. We provide the infrastructure you will need including a marquee ‘studio’, easels, tables, chairs, boards and some materials. NOT forgetting our delicious meals, brewed coffee, bottled wine, tents, swags and 4WD transport.

Camp host, artist and educator, Deborah Clarke offers tuition for those that seek it, while others work independently on their own projects. Her partner and co-host, biologist Dr. Charlie Carter provides invaluable knowledge of environment, great meals, logistical support and bush know-how.

LARAPINTA CREATIVE CAMP LOCATIONS FOR EARLY 2010

FINKE RIVER, West Macdonnell National Park

Sat 17 - Sat 24 April

Big rain in January has cleansed and revitalised the land. The colours are vivid, the gorges are full of water and every plant is rejoicing. Come share the bounty in this most beautiful location on the banks of Larapinta (the Finke River).

Explore the surrounding area of the West Macdonnell National Park with day visits to iconic locations: Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and the Ochre Pits.  Work alongside traditional owners when they visit our camp (weather & circumstances permitting).

PALM VALLEY, Finke Gorge National Park

Wed 5 - Wed 12 May 2010

Palm Valley is a very special place in Central Australia, an amazing pocket of prehistory. Red Cliffs and extraordinary rock formations are contrasted with the lush environs of the valley itself where plants that evolved in the age of Gondwana still flourish today.  Just recently a ‘new’ meteorite crater was identified in Palm Valley. Be amongst the first to ‘draw’ upon it, and make your own creative discoveries in this unique environment.

Last year was our first Creative Camp at Palm Valley. It was a fabulous camp, everyone stretched the boundaries of their creative practice while remaining comfortably engaged. This is our only camp with hot showers and flush toilets.

CATERPILLAR CREATION COUNTRY

Fenn Gap, Iwupataka Aboriginal Land Trust

Sun 23 - Sun 30 May

Fenn Gap is a tranquil location in the spectacular Heavitree Range west of Alice Springs. On Aboriginal land it is generally not accessible to visitors. It is nestled in the folds of ranges described in ancestral creation stories as the path of the Yeperenye caterpillar.  This will be our first Creative Camp at Fenn Gap.

There is much to draw upon in this location, from broad vistas to the intricate detail of plants, rocks and insects. It is close to Simpsons Gap and Stanley Chasm, spectacular landforms that have long been icons of Central Australia. Day visits to these locations will be on the itinerary.

It is a place with a special legacy, having been established as a desert environment centre by Olive Veverbrants in 90’s. The residents will join us in fireside discussions giving us opportunity to reflect on the cultural and sustainability questions so important to this area.

To make a booking or enquiry contact Deborah Clarke by email at

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or call 08 8953 29333

Visit Larapinta Creative Camps website to view all Creative Camps offered in 2010.