Charles Darwin University's Katherine Campus is venturing into the outback tourism business with a five-day training experience aimed at 18-35 international and working holiday makers.
It provides an authentic experience working as a Jackeroo or Jillaroo (male or female station or farm hand) whilst in Australia.
Offered to tourists at $990, the The Outback Jackeroo Jillaroo Experience provides clients with the opportunity to learn a range of cattle station work skills at CDU's Katherine rural campus, the Northern Territory’s only true cattle training facility.
The campus is based near the busy rural township of Katherine, 300km south of Darwin and three hours drive from the world famous Kakadu National Park.
Budding Jackaroos and Jillaroos from around Australia are already learning their craft at this premier training facility which has been training people for entry into the pastoral industry for over 25 years.
Tourists and backpackers will learn a mix of theory and practice, gaining hands-on experience in a range of skills from mustering to horse-riding, checking bores, riding quad bikes and even completing a mini-muster.
Dr Brian Heim, Director of the Katherine Campus, says he looks forward to welcoming tourists.
“Anyone craving an authentic experience in the Territory is going to really enjoy being out here,” he says. “For five days, tourists will live, breathe and learn just like the Aussies and hopefully leave with some new skills and knowledge they can build on elsewhere.”
A two-hour cruise or half day canoeing trip at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) is included in the package.
Groups are limited to 10 people and all trainers are qualified professionals. Accommodation is in single rooms with shared bathroom facilities, with all meals included in the package. A swimming pool is available to cool down in after a hard day’s work.
It is expected the tourists will be fit and willing to take part in some of the hard physical work that is typical of station life.
“We’re not expecting marathon runners, but they will be expected to have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable working in the sun,” says Brian Heim. “And they should come prepared with sunscreen, jeans, boots and long sleeve shirt.”
Package dates are June 4-8, July 2-6, August 13-17 and September 3-7. Bookings forms are available on line at www.outbackjj.com.au.