De, 2025, Perth
From a practicalities perspective I went into the desert somewhat blind (I knew what to expect but chose to not think about it), I was quickly reminded that I didn’t really like being out in the elements – cold, wind, rain, sun! But once there, with no other options I had to embrace it and get on with it. Despite coming back to wind and rain, I am now drawn to be outside more often.
Swags. Campfires. Stars – so many stars. 10 days. 12 strangers; now friends. Mishaps. Teamwork. Reflection. Connection. Belly laughs. Cask wine. On country. Caves. Landscapes. Beauty. Stories. Learning. Growth. Full heart. Silence. Isolation but not alone. Amazing meals. Billy always bubbling.
From a personal perspective, I was looking for answers. Answers to questions that I hadn’t yet been able to form. Just something unsettled within. I didn’t have any major revelations until our journey was nearly over and even more so afterwards. I’d found what I was missing – connection. 11 strangers now feel like family – not just the sharing of stories, feelings and emotions; but the rolling up a swag together or learning that cutting kale with a bread knife was far more efficient. It was such a safe space to share as much as you felt comfortable to share. Although we were together, it still felt like an individual journey. Oh, and we laughed – depth of experience interspersed with light-heartedness.
It has left me feeling a little topsy-turvy but that is also exciting. I may be back in my physical reality but my journey is just beginning. I absolutely recommend joining an ADSJ desert spirit journey – speak with the leaders with any reservations and they will put you at ease.
James, 2025, Sydney
Spending nearly two weeks in the desert was a truly transformative experience. From start to finish, everything was thoughtfully organised—especially the food, which was superb. Each meal was pre-planned with quality ingredients, and preparing it in rotating cooking teams added a sense of community and fun to the process.
What made the journey even more meaningful was the group itself. There was a beautiful sense of openness among participants, with everyone contributing to deep, honest conversations. The connection we formed felt rare and genuine.
The leadership team deserves special mention. Their depth of experience and calm handling of all the behind-the-scenes logistics gave me the space to focus on my own personal journey. Knowing everything practical was taken care of made it much easier to be present.
Being in the desert—far from the noise of everyday life—helped me reflect deeply. It gave me clarity around what I truly need versus what I merely want. The vastness and stillness of the landscape offered a kind of introspection that’s hard to find elsewhere.
I walked away from the experience feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected—to myself, to others, and to nature.
warwick - 2025 - Sydney
My son James talked me into going on this journey – more like told me. I had been aware of this trip for some time through brother Rich and was always too “busy” to go. James settled that. So, as I suspect often happens, I signed up with a level of trepidation. Having only been once before anywhere near the Australian desert (flying in to Uluru and staying in a hotel) I didn’t know what to expect – especially going with a bunch of strangers.
The journey was fantastic in so many ways. The vastness and raw beauty of the country, the feeling of space and remoteness, the interaction with indigenous locals which gave me a confronting reality check. But the real value for me was having the time to reflect on what is important in my life and to think about what I should do more of - and less of!
The journey was structured enough to promote interactions but there was time to be truly alone, time to have one-on-one chats, and time for group discussions. The group of twelve became very close over the 10 days and developed many friendships that I know will last.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 10 days and would recommend it to others wanting to spend some time in introspective reflection. The journey has not ended – it has just begun!