Whitsundays Study Tour

Year 12 Environmental Science Students Explore the Whitsundays on an Educational Study Tour

On Monday, 9th June, 39 Year 12 Environmental Science students, accompanied by four staff members, gathered at Melbourne Airport to embark on an unforgettable 5-day study tour to the Whitsundays. Using the Big4 Adventure Camp in Airlie Beach as our base, the students engaged in a range of hands-on activities that brought their VCE Environmental Science learning to life.

The adventure began with a Crocodile Safari and Wetlands tour along the Proserpine River ecosystem. Here, students discovered the fascinating adaptations of estuarine crocodiles and explored the vital role mangroves play in flood mitigation and carbon sequestration. Our journey continued to Daydream Island, where students immersed themselves in the unique ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. Highlights included stingray feeding and a coral restoration experience, offering invaluable insights into marine conservation.

The pinnacle of the camp was participating in the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program with Ocean Rafting. Students boarded a boat to a fringing reef near Hook Island, where they conducted an underwater snorkel transect survey, identifying and counting keystone species. The data collected contributes directly to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s monitoring efforts and will be used by students later in the year for a SAC.

During the Ocean Rafting tour, the group enjoyed lunch on the pristine Whitehaven Beach, followed by a scenic rainforest walk on Whitsunday Island. Despite the packed schedule, students impressively managed to complete SACS and homework between activities.

Throughout the trip, both tour operators and members of the public praised our students for their exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm for learning, making the study tour not only educational but also a truly memorable experience.