FAQs

‍An immersion is a multi-day, all-inclusive cultural and experiential journey into remote First Nations homelands, where participants are hosted by Traditional Owners and Elders. You live, learn and connect on Country through storytelling, activities, community projects, and shared daily life.

• Schools: From Year 3 upward, with programs tailored by age and curriculum alignment.
• Adults / Corporate / Community groups: Individuals or groups seeking cultural connection, CSR/RAP/ESG alignment or professional development.

• For remote regions, immersions typically run between 4 to 9 days, which is considered the “sweet spot.”
• In more local regions (e.g. Hawkesbury, near Sydney), shorter immersions of 1–4 days may be available year-round.
• Remote immersions generally operate during the dry season (March to November) to avoid extreme weather risks.

• All logistics are organised for you: flights, transfers, accommodation, permits, meals, camping equipment, etc.
• Pre-departure support: sessions for participants and parents, learning resources, briefing materials.
• During the immersion: two Red Earth Leaders per group guide the experience, manage safety, and facilitate connections with Traditional Owners.
• Participants often receive a Red Earth journal, hat, T-shirt, hoodie, and supporting materials.

• Traditional Owners decide if and when groups can visit their land; Red Earth works in partnership with them.
• The itinerary and activities are co-designed with the community, reflecting their stories, environment, cultural practices, and priorities.
• A portion of immersion fees supports employment, business operations, and sustainable development in partner homelands.

• Basic but functional: flushing or drop toilets are available.
• Showers may not always be available; in some homelands, participants go a few nights without showers.
• The accommodations are not luxury, more akin to camping or remote living, but with safety and comfort measures in place.

• Fresh food deliveries (typically three during the immersion) supply the group with meals.
• There will be opportunities to forage bush foods (where appropriate) as part of cultural learning.
• Red Earth caters to dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) as long as they are disclosed ahead of time via medical/food forms.
• The programs are 100% nut-free.

‍Yes. Community projects are a core feature. Traditional Owners share their vision for their homeland, and participants may help with tasks such as building infrastructure, environmental work, or other community-led projects.

These activities help contribute to sustainable development and strengthen the relationship between participants and host communities.

• Pre-departure & planning: a tailored 60-page risk assessment and mitigation strategy is developed for each group and region.
• Leaders and staff are certified in Remote & Wilderness First Aid, 4WD off-road driving, and hold relevant clearances (e.g. working with children).
• Regular safety briefings happen daily, and group activities are assessed for risk.
• Communication & emergency equipment: satellite phones, emergency beacons (EPIRBs), first aid kits, and a support 4WD vehicle are always available.
• Evacuation & medical response: The Royal Flying Doctor Service is on call in relevant regions, and if required, participants can be airlifted to hospitals.
• Students are never left unsupervised; teachers retain responsibility for participants’ welfare.
• Natural hazards are managed: for example, swimming is restricted to safe freshwater spots (no crocodile exposure), snake / insect risk is mitigated by site selection, awareness protocols, and protective clothing.

Yes. Because immersions occur in remote, living systems and with community hosts, changes may be needed for practical or cultural reasons. However, Red Earth maintains flexibility and a network of partner homelands to ensure a meaningful experience even if parts of the original plan shift.

• School immersions are customised per group, depending on destination, group size, itinerary, and additional support.
• Part of the cost supports community employment, operations, and sustainability in the host homelands (for example, 30 % of adult immersion fees).

• Red Earth runs pre-departure sessions for participants, teachers, and parents to prepare for the experience.
• Participants are briefed on health, safety, cultural protocols, expectations, clothing and packing, and environmental awareness.
• There is an online portal with learning resources, logistical info, and a blog to keep followers updated.

• A reflection evening or debrief is held to help participants process their experiences and share with family or school communities.
• Schools often integrate post-immersion learning into class programs or projects to extend learning.
  
• Red Earth maintains relationships with participating groups and may provide follow-up resources, impact reports, or connections to partner communities.