Different Strokes?

Melaine Blair

Outdoor Education Coordinator

Earlier in the term, the Unit 3&4 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students embarked on an exciting sea kayaking excursion along the iconic Yarra River, combining outdoor adventure with hands-on learning about environmental sustainability.

The day began at Flinders Street, where students geared up and launched their kayaks into the heart of Melbourne. They paddled through the city’s waterways, taking in the sights from a unique perspective, then stopped at Docklands for a well-earned lunch break and journal reflection. The return trip brought the total distance paddled to around 10 kilometres — an impressive achievement, especially for many students who were kayaking for the first time!

Throughout the journey, students explored the history of the Yarra and the diverse ways people interact with this environment - from cultural and recreational uses to its ecological importance. They examined conservation strategies such as floating wetlands and river litter traps, and used observable characteristics to assess the river’s health. The excursion also prompted valuable discussion around the impacts of urbanisation and climate change on river systems and surrounding biomes.

This hands-on experience was a powerful way to bring classroom concepts to life and deepen students' understanding of their local environment. 

Click on photos to enlarge.