Hit the road with James Hardie
13/04/2022
"Natbuild’s members and their builder customers enjoyed a hilarious afternoon of one handed, blindfolded damper-making, outback first aid lessons, snake education and boomerang throwing."
After a couple of years of cancelled and postponed events, we were thrilled to hit the road with James Hardie for a few days exploring the red centre of Australia.
Kicking off at Earth Sanctuary outside of Alice Springs, over 100 of Natbuild’s members and their builder customers enjoyed a hilarious afternoon of one handed, blindfolded damper-making, outback first aid lessons, snake education and boomerang throwing.
The group was welcomed to the Earth Sanctuary by local Raelene Brown, educating everyone on indigenous culture and foods. As the night progressed and the skies darkened, the group was treated to live entertainment from a local band and an incredible astronomy lesson with the help of a laser pointer a very knowledgeable guide and incredibly clear skies.
The next day the group was split in half to travel to Kings Canyon, 330 kms southwest of Alice Springs. The first group got started early in a guided convoy of 4-wheel drive vehicles through challenging, but rewarding 4WD tracks, witnessing incredible sights along the way.
The second group were transported in 4-wheel drive buses via Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge for welcome swim in Ormiston Gorge and a scenic helicopter ride.
Both groups met for the night at Kings Canyon Resort for a casual night enjoying acoustic live music overlooking King’s Canyon.
The next morning, day 3, many early risers undertook the 6km walk around the rim of King’s Canyon. While optional, most of the group took to the challenge and were rewarded with breathtaking scenery as the sun rose. The group were then split in half again and swapped transport ensuring everyone on the trip got to experience the bus trip and 4-wheel drive adventure. The group made a pit stop for some well-earned cold refreshments and beef jerky at Simpsons Gap before heading back to Alice Springs to freshen up for the last dinner of the trip.
The Quarry was the venue for the final dinner and was an incredible night of entertainment, laughs and dancing in the red dirt. The dessert diamonds kicked off the night with a few tunes and dances before the headline act Adam Thompson of Chocolate Starfish fame stormed onto the stage kicking the entertainment up a notch and wowing the crowd. After multiple encores from the band, the group eventually departed the Quarry. An awesome night and excellent trip were enjoyed by all.
